Tag Archives: health tests for dogs

Health Update: Deafness in Manchester Terriers

Health, For Breeders, ,

The following letter was sent to the membership of the American Manchester Terrier Club in June 2026, and will be published in the club’s fall 2026 newsletter. In short, all breeders are now strongly encouraged to screen for deafness in Manchester Terriers.

Update from the AMTC Health Committee Chair

By Michelle Barlak

The occurrence of deafness in Manchester Terriers has been whispered about for decades but has never been widely reported. Recently, a few breeders have come forward with information about deafness in their dogs that has resulted in a large number of dogs being tested. The rate at which deafness has been detected recently in the Standard variety is cause for concern, but I have the fullest faith that we can address this as a breed community.

At the most recent AMTC Board meeting, the health committee put forth the recommendation that BAER testing be added to the list of required tests for Standards to receive an OFA CHIC certification, and that it be added to the list of recommended tests for Toys. This was approved unanimously by the AMTC Board and has been submitted to OFA for review and acceptance.

To that end, I have put together the following short-term guidance, which I hope will help us all to navigate this complicated issue. As more information is gathered, we will share continued guidance with the membership.

Recommendations for Breeders

  • Testing: Of paramount importance is gathering information through BAER testing. It is the only way to detect unilateral deafness (deaf in one ear). BAER testing for congenital deafness only needs to be done once. Please see more about testing in the FAQ attached to this letter.
    • Standards: All dogs should be tested before breeding. All litters from affected dogs or relatives of affected dogs should be tested prior to placement. Puppy owners deserve to be informed if their puppy is unilaterally or bilaterally deaf before placement.
    • Toys: All dogs should be tested before breeding. More information needs to be gathered about how this affects Toys and we can only do that through testing.
  • Reporting: The only way to tackle this as a community is to share information. The lack of testing and reporting is what got us here.
    • All test results (passing and failing) should be recorded in the public OFA database.
    • There is no time limit on when test results can be submitted. You can submit test results to OFA at any time, even if you have a 10 yr old dog that was tested 8 years ago. As long as you still have the documentation, OFA will accept the results.
  • Research: Health committee members Christina Caridis and Robin Gates have agreed to spearhead research efforts. Be on the lookout for more information.
  • Breeding: The OFA recommendation is to avoid breeding affected dogs altogether. I think that is reasonable until more is known. What I do NOT advocate is for the mass-spay and neuter of all unilaterally deaf dogs and their relatives. Canine genetics research grows by leaps and bounds every year. If we all work together, a genetic test could be developed before some of these younger dogs pass breeding age.

I have the same questions as all of you about how much it affects Standards and Toys, where this deafness has come from, and how to breed away from it. I don’t have all the answers but here are my thoughts:

  • I urge caution and ask our community to pause before making rash decisions. We need to make informed decisions.
  • Pedigree research is important but it’s easy to shift into blame and we need to do our best to be as neutral as possible. Witch hunts will only prevent people from sharing information. We can’t go back and change the past but we can move forward together and continue to make the breed better.

I know we can work together, set aside differences, and protect the future health of our breed. We did it with the juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy study, and we can do it again.

Resources for BAER Testing

BAER Test Sites | Deafness in Dogs & Cats https://lsu.edu/vetmed/deafness/baersite.php

OFA Health Clinics https://ofa.org/health-clinics/

Dog/Canine Health Test Clinic Schedule https://cavalierhealth.org/health_clinics.htm

Note: For more information about BAER testing, and the genetics and inheritance for deafness, please visit https://ofa.org/diseases/other-phenotypic-evaluations/congenital-deafness/

Frequently Asked Questions – Deafness in Manchester Terriers

1. Why wasn’t BAER testing already required if deafness was known to be in the breed?

Per the OFA, “Once included in the CHIC program, the breed-specific requirements are dynamic. As health priorities within a breed change… the breed-specific requirements can be modified to reflect the current environment. If the breed-specific requirements are modified, existing CHIC numbers are not revoked.”

Based on past health surveys (2002, 2018, 2020) and OFA test records, deafness was not widely reported in the breed. However, because it had been documented in the Standard variety, it was listed as an optional test in the 2021 OFA update. One of the purposes of the OFA database is to allow parent clubs and breeders to track, test, and report disease rates through testing. Now that new information is available, the health concerns have shifted, and so have our health testing recommendations.

2. Why was BAER testing added to the CHIC requirements for Standards and not Toys?

At this time, BAER has been added as an optional health test for Toys. We encourage breeders to do all of the health tests listed and share their results through the public OFA database. If we should determine based on this new data that deafness is a prevalent disease in Toys, we can amend the health test recommendations.

3. Why are the health tests different for each variety if they are the same breed?

The only difference lies in the emphasis placed on specific tests, which are categorized as either required or recommended, depending on the variety. However, it’s important to note that all the health issues listed can appear, and have been documented as appearing, in both Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers.

Just as certain breeding lines within a breed may have predispositions toward specific traits, they can also be more susceptible to particular genetic mutations. In the United States, the development of the Toy and Standard varieties has followed a path similar to two distinct breeding lines within the same breed. The health test recommendations are designed to guide breeders in making informed decisions about which tests to prioritize.

4. What health tests should I perform if I’m breeding a Standard Manchester from Toy Manchester parents? What about a dog from a Standard to Toy breeding?

This is a decision best made based on pedigree research of the individual dogs. Ultimately, all tests listed in the OFA CHIC database are recommendations to guide breeders in making informed decisions.

5. What is the cause of congenital deafness?

Congenital means present from birth. It is not something a dog develops over time, but rather something it is born with. In dogs, congenital deafness is most commonly linked to genetics, though the specific genes involved vary by breed. BAER testing is the only acceptable diagnostic tool for detecting it and OFA’s BAER testing program exists specifically to identify and track congenital deafness in dogs.

6. Why do we currently believe this is congenital, hereditary deafness?

The pattern we are seeing strongly points to a genetic and congenital cause for two reasons. First, the leading cause of deafness in dogs is congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness, with acquired (non-hereditary) forms appearing only on rare occasions. The sheer number of affected dogs, across multiple lines and breeding programs is not consistent with acquired deafness from causes like infection, injury or aging.

Second, several affected dogs are unilaterally deaf (deaf in one ear only). Current research notes that unilateral hearing loss rarely results from acquired disease or injury. A dog that tests unilaterally deaf has almost certainly been deaf in that ear since birth.

Therefore, the presence of unilaterally deaf dogs in our affected population is itself strong evidence that we are dealing with congenital deafness.

For further reading, we encourage you to refer to the following article written by leading authority on canine deafness, Dr. George Strain of Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/deafness/vetclinna.php

7. How can acquired causes of deafness be ruled out?

According to OFA further specialized testing can rule out acquired deafness in a dog that fails a BAER exam, “Under appropriate circumstances, when an ear tests as deaf using air-conducted stimuli, and the possibility of conduction deafness exists (chronic otitis, excess ear wax accumulation), repeat testing with a bone stimulation transducer is recommended.”

8. Where can I get my dogs BAER tested?

BAER Test Sites | Deafness in Dogs & Cats https://lsu.edu/vetmed/deafness/baersite.php

OFA Health Clinics – OFA https://ofa.org/health-clinics/

Dog/Canine Health Test Clinic Schedule https://cavalierhealth.org/health_clinics.htm

Learn more about Manchester Terrier health.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in the Manchester Terrier: Important Research at Cornell University

For Breeders, Health,

IMPORTANT HEALTH RESEARCH UPDATE

Many of you may be aware that I am the Health Chair and a board member for the American Manchester Terrier Club (AMTC). I am pleased to share that the AMTC Board recently approved a $2,000 donation to support research at Cornell University for Legg-Calv-Perthes (LCP) disease. Today I am sharing an opportunity to help with research with Cornell University with the hopes of uncovering a genetic marker for Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in the Manchester Terrier. Keep reading below for four easy ways that you may be able to help further research into Legg-Calv-Perthes disease in the Manchester Terrier.

Maximal Manchester Terriers
  1. We need 18 more DNA samples from dogs who have been diagnosed with LCP disease. We have collected 12 so far of the 30 needed. If you have a dog who has been diagnosed with LCP, please reach out so we can coordinate having a DNA collection kit sent to you. The kit will contain instructions for collecting blood and pre-paid shipping with cooler and ice packs for return to Cornell University. Should your vet charge you for the blood collection, the AMTC health fund will reimburse your expenses. Please email your name, mailing address and phone number to me to arrange for a kit to be sent to your home.
  2. Send your dog’s Embark DNA profile. If you have submitted your dog’s DNA to Embark, you can skip the blood collection and send your dog’s data directly to Cornell. Email me for instructions.
  3. Make a donation: Help the American Manchester Terrier Club fund important breed-specific research by making a donation to our health fund. You can mail a check, or make a paypal payment to amtc20192020@gmail.com – be sure to write “health fund” in the notes section. To mail a check, please reach out for instructions.
  4. If you are a breeder and would like to contribute to the study, please reach out to any of your puppy owners who have had dogs with LCP and share this information. You can also submit DNA from parents and siblings of dogs affected with LCP. 

Please feel free to forward this post to those you know who may be interested in learning about or contributing to this research. 

With Thanks,

Michelle Barlak
Maximal Manchester Terriers

Are Standard Manchester Terriers Healthier than Toy Manchester Terriers? Explaining Manchester Terrier health tests.

For Breeders, For Pet Owners, Health, ,

If you’ve reviewed the parent club’s recommended Manchester Terrier health tests, you may have noticed some differences between the two varieties: Standard and Toy. This often raises the question—why are there differences if they are technically the same breed and can be interbred?

When comparing the health tests, the lists are almost identical, with one notable exception: the congenital deafness test, which is only emphasized for Standard Manchester Terriers. The primary difference lies in the emphasis placed on specific tests, which are categorized as either required or recommended, depending on the variety. However, it’s important to note that all the health issues listed can appear in both Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers.

Maximal Manchester Terriers

Just as certain breeding lines within a breed may have predispositions toward specific traits, they can also be more susceptible to particular genetic mutations. In the United States, the development of the Toy and Standard varieties has followed a path similar to two distinct breeding lines within the same breed. The health test recommendations are designed to guide breeders in making informed decisions about which tests to prioritize.

Maximal Manchester Terriers

A common question I get from breeders is: “What health tests should I perform if I’m breeding a Standard Manchester from Toy Manchester parents? Should I test for congenital deafness?” My response is, unless deafness is known to be a concern in their breeding line, testing for it may not be necessary. Aside from this, the comprehensive list of health tests remains the same for both varieties.

In conclusion, the list of required health tests serves as the minimum standard for both Standard and Toy Manchester Terriers. Following these guidelines can help ensure the health and longevity of the breed, regardless of the variety.

Learn more about Manchester Terrier health testing in a recorded seminar Michelle created to educate breeders and puppy buyers who want to know what health tests to ask about.

Did you know all Maximal Manchester Terrier puppies go home with a lifetime health guarantee? Read more.

10 Questions Every Responsible Dog Breeder Should Be Eager to Answer

For Pet Owners, , , , , , , ,
Michelle is smiling, seated in a chair with a lap full of toy manchester terriers as they all stare at a laptop screen.

When looking for a responsible dog breeder, doing thorough research is essential. The best breeders are looking for puppy buyers who have chosen their breed carefully and are eager to learn. Many breeders have websites with contact information and details about their breeding programs. In that case, you may find answers to some of the following questions right away.

Carefully review the information available from the breeder before making contact through their preferred method of communication. Use these questions to ensure you’re working with an ethical and responsible dog breeder when adding your next puppy or dog to your home.

  1. How long have you had this breed, and why did you choose it?
    • Green Flag: Look for passion and excitement about the breed. New breeders should describe their preparation and have an experienced breeder as a mentor.
    • Red Flag: Multiple breeds with no specific passion or their breed selection is more out of convenience.
    • Pro Tip: Most responsible breeders’ involvement with the world of purebred dogs goes beyond raising puppies. They participate in competitive events because they enjoy spending time with other dog lovers and bonding with their individual dogs.
  2. What are your goals as a breeder?
    • Green Flag: Breeders should aim for specific health, temperament, and breed-specific traits in line with the AKC breed standard.
    • Red Flag: Emphasis on breeding for rare colors or coat types over health and temperament.
    • Pro Tip: Know what the breed standard says about size, color, and coat type. If the breeder is intentionally producing and promoting their dogs that fall outside this range, then they are not reputable.
  3. Are your dogs and puppies registered with the American Kennel Club, and do your puppies come with AKC papers?
    • Green Flag: Breeders should ensure puppies come with AKC (American Kennel Club) papers when they go to their new homes. Be wary of breeders who use the term “papers” generically. AKC is the only U.S. registry that is non-profit and inspects its breeders to enforce care and conditions policies. The AKC care and conditions requirements are stricter than the USDA’s.
    • Red Flag: High-volume breeders often partially register with AKC to avoid AKC inspections. This means not all of their dogs are AKC-registered and the puppies may not come with papers but the breeder still markets themselves as an AKC breeder.
    • Pro Tip: View AKC papers as a bare minimum requirement but understand they are not themselves an indication of a responsible breeder. Look for an AKC Breeder of Merit and learn about the requirements here.
  4. What health tests do you perform on your dogs before breeding?
    • Green Flag: Breeders should share specific health tests for their breed and their dogs’ results, ideally verified by the OFA Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).
    • Red Flag: Vague statements about regular veterinary care or reliance solely on extensive DNA panels.
    • Pro Tip: Breeders can pay a fee to have each dog’s health tests verified, publicly displayed and searchable on the OFA CHIC web site. Use this free search tool in your research.
  5. Are you a member of the AKC Parent Club for your breed?
  6. How do you socialize your puppies?
    • Green Flag: Look for a well-thought-out socialization protocol, possibly following programs like Puppy Culture or Avidog.
    • Red Flag: Simple claims of raising puppies at home with occasional interactions with children or other adults in the home.
    • Pro Tip: Programs like Puppy Culture get the puppies started on potty training, crate training and clicker training before they leave for their new homes.
  7. At what age do your puppies go to their new homes?
    • Green Flag: Responsible dog breeders keep puppies until at least 8 weeks old, sometimes longer for toy breeds (9-12 weeks).
    • Red Flag: Early separation from the litter.
    • Pro Tip: Separation from the mother, which begins at weaning, and separation from the litter, are important parts of a puppy’s development.
  8. What veterinary care do your puppies receive before going home?
    • Green Flag: Puppies should have vaccinations, a veterinary checkup, fecal check, deworming, and ideally, a microchip.
    • Red Flag: Lack of veterinary care, no proof of vaccinations or worming protocol
    • Pro Tip: Some states require puppies to have a veterinarian-issued health certificate at time of sale.
  9. Do you provide a health guarantee?
    • Green Flag: Responsible breeders offer a contract which includes a health guarantee, showing they are confident in their breeding decisions.
    • Red Flag: No health guarantee or a health guarantee that offers little to the buyer.
    • Pro Tip: Even if there is no contract, some states have “puppy lemon laws”
  10. Do you have requirements for your puppy buyers?
    • Green Flag: Breeders may have requirements for spay/neuter and specify basic standards of care.
    • Red Flag: No requirements OR restrictions on veterinary care, forcing specific diets or products, especially when they come from MLM companies.
    • Pro Tip: Ask for a copy of the contract in advance. Know what you’re getting into before that cute puppy is in your lap and too hard to resist!

When searching for a responsible dog breeder, these questions will help you identify the breeders committed to the health and well-being of their dogs. Always research and ask follow-up questions based on the information provided. A responsible breeder will be transparent and willing to share their knowledge and practices with you.

two toy manchester terriers puppies with sand on their noses look up from a kiddie pool filled with sand.
Responsible dog breeders provide enrichment for their puppies like the toy-filled sandbox shown here.

Why are these questions important?

You are helping to support ethical breeding practices that place the care and happiness of the dogs as the number one priority. And most importantly, your support of a responsible dog breeder is helping to put irresponsible breeders out of business, thereby reducing the population of dogs in shelters and rescue.

Click here to read the top 5 hallmarks of a responsible dog breeder.

A toy manchester terrier puppy gets used to the leash. He's laying stretched out on his back in the grass in a playful pose.
A Toy Manchester Terrier puppy plays in the grass while getting used to the feel of a light leash.