Top 20 Purebed Dogs & Screening Tests

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a non-profit organization that manages the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. The AKC has sorted through over 150 different dog breeds from the most popular to the least popular.

1. Retrievers (Labrador)
2. Yorkshire Terriers
3. German Shepherd Dogs
4. Retrievers (Golden)
5. Beagles
6. Boxers
7. Dachshunds
8. Bulldogs
9. Poodles
10. Shih Tzu
11. Miniature Schnauzers
12. Chihuahuas
13. Pomeranians
14. Rottweilers
15. Pugs
16. Pointers (German Shorthaired)
17. Boston Terriers
18. Doberman Pinschers
19. Shetland Sheepdogs
20. Maltese

See the full list here

If you are serious about purchasing a purebred puppy, it is important to do your research. Unfortunately, there are many pets that are falsely advertised as purebreds or don’t have appropriate papers or medical reports. Check with your veterinarian, reputable breeder, breed associations, American Kennel Club, and inherited disease registry for potential inherited breed problems and determine which screening tests should be considered.

Examples of screening tests:
• Stethoscope or Echocardiogram to check the heart
• Radiology to check the joints such as the hips (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP))
• Eye exam to check for inherited eye problems

Ensure that the breeder has all these certified examination documents relating to the puppy as well as its relatives, to share with you.