🧬 Genetic Health Testing with Embark

At Salem’s Finest Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, we prioritize genetic health to ensure the long-term well-being of our dogs and the puppies we produce.

All of our breeding dogs at SFC are Embark health tested, which screens for:

• 210+ genetic health conditions relevant to dogs

• Breed-specific risks common in Chihuahuas and Dachshunds

• Key traits and potential carrier status for hereditary issues

Occasionally, we will even test select puppies from a litter when we are evaluating prospects for our future breeding program.

🧪 Embark Testing Available for Your Puppy

We are happy to offer Embark testing for our puppies upon request. This service is available to both pet homes and breeding clients.

🐾 What’s Included:

• We provide the Embark DNA test kit

• We collect and submit the DNA swab for you

• Once results are ready, we transfer the profile into your name

💲 Cost: $140

This is nearly $20 off retail pricing when purchasing directly from Embark.

If you would like to add this service to your puppy's adoption, just let us know and we’ll include it on your invoice.

🧬 Our Commitment to Reducing Genetic Disease

At Salem’s Finest Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, we are deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of companion animals by reducing the incidence of preventable genetic conditions through intentional, ethical breeding practices.

🔎 Public Health Testing – OFA Certified

All of our dogs are registered in the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) database.
We believe in full transparency and have made all of our testing results publicly viewable.

If you ever come across a broken link or need help finding a specific test result, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll be happy to assist and ensure you have access to the information you're seeking.

🧪 Health Tests We Publish to the OFA Database:

• Patellas (knees)

• Eyes (CAER exams)

• Cardiac (heart screening)

• Merle Length (for merle-patterned dogs)

• Breed DNA (to verify identity and lineage)

• Degenerative Myelopathy (a progressive spinal cord disorder)

• Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia
  (Note: This platelet disorder was discontinued in 2021 via Embark, but is still part of our historical testing archive)                                                         In 2025, we began adding the following genetic tests to our testing results on the OFA database (contingent on the breed)

• Chondrodystrophy (IVDD/CDDY) (Intervertebral disc disease)

• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (an inherited neurological disorder causing degenerative changes)

• PRA-CRD4/CORD1 (inherited eye disease that leads to blindness)

• Spinocerebellar Ataxia (neurodegenerative disease that leads to loss of coordination, etc.)

• Mucopolysaccharidsosis/MPA IIIA (deficiency in enzymes that break down sugar molecules that leads to damaging of the internal organs) 

• Muscular Dystrophy (inherited disease that affects muscles)

• Narcolepsy (a neurological disorder that affects the sleep-wake cycle) 

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (genetic disorder affecting bone formation) 

• PRA -5 (a late onset of vision disturbances leading to vision loss) 

This rigorous testing process helps us make responsible breeding decisions and gives you peace of mind when bringing home a new companion. Let us know if you'd like links to view test results for a particular parent dog.

👁 What Is a CERF Eye Exam?

A CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exam is a specialized eye screening performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. The main goal is to identify and prevent the breeding of dogs with inherited eye diseases that could lead to vision impairment or blindness.

🧑‍⚕️ What Conditions Are Screened?

CERF exams are used to detect a variety of hereditary and congenital eye disorders, including:

• Microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes)

• Cataracts

• Colobomas (defects in the eye structure)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Retinal Dysplasia

By identifying these conditions early, breeders can make informed decisions and avoid producing puppies at risk for serious eye diseases.

🏅 What Is CHIC Certification?

CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) Certification is awarded to dogs that have completed all breed-specific health screenings recommended by the parent breed club, with results made publicly available in the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) database.

✅ Why Is CHIC Certification Important?

For Breeders:
CHIC offers a trusted resource to evaluate potential breeding dogs by providing a comprehensive health history. Breeders can assess both genetic health and traditional traits like conformation, temperament, and performance.

For Puppy Buyers:
CHIC gives families peace of mind by confirming a breeder’s commitment to health testing. While no test can promise a puppy will be completely free from inherited conditions, CHIC-certified lineage greatly reduces the risk of inherited disease.

For Researchers & Breed Clubs:
CHIC contributes valuable data that helps track and reduce the prevalence of hereditary diseases over time, benefiting the long-term health of the breed.

🧬 The Power of Transparency

As DNA testing continues to expand, the CHIC database allows for tracking of whether a dog and its offspring are:

• Clear

• Carriers

• Affected

This transparency helps guide ethical breeding decisions and supports healthier generations of dogs.

🧪 UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab Testing

At Salem's Finest, we partner with UC Davis to conduct specialized genetic testing that plays an important role in our responsible breeding program.

🎨 Dilute (D Locus / Blue)

We test for the D Locus gene, which is responsible for dilution of coat color.

• Dogs with dilute genes may appear in lighter shades such as blue or lilac.

• This testing helps us prevent unwanted color dilution or ensure intentional color combinations are ethically bred and healthy.

🌀 Merle Patterning

We also test for the Merle gene, which causes a unique pattern of:

• Irregular patches of color

• Diluted pigment areas alongside solid coat sections

Because Merle is incompletely dominant, it's crucial to avoid pairing two Merle carriers, as this can result in serious health risks (such as vision and hearing issues).

These UC Davis tests support our mission to prioritize both aesthetic integrity and the health of our puppies through responsible and transparent breeding practices.

🧬 VetGen Labs Testing – Domino Pattern

We’re excited to be introducing a new and eye-catching coat pattern to our Chihuahua program: Domino — think tiny Husky vibes! 🐾

To responsibly incorporate this look, we use VetGen Labs to test for the “Ed” (Domino) gene. 

Update January 2025: Embark is now including the Domino gene in their testing results. 

🔍 What is Domino?

The Domino pattern is a rare coat variation that creates a dramatic lightening of the facial mask and body — giving some Chihuahuas a miniature Husky appearance.

🧪 Genetic Testing for Ed (Domino Gene)

• This test determines whether a dog carries the mutation responsible for the Domino coat in breeds like Chihuahuas and Finnish Lapphunds.

• The Domino mutation is not the same as the “grizzle” mutation seen in breeds like Afghans or Borzoi, even though they share a similar nickname.

Domino-patterned dogs will either:

• Have two copies of the Ed mutation

• Or one copy, paired with an e allele

This genetic testing ensures ethical pairings and helps us predict coat color outcomes in upcoming litters for families on our waiting list.