Hidden traits
For various dog breeds, an examination for hidden traits that are not immediately visible is required. The affected breeds are listed in the following overview.
For each of these breeds, it is specified which examinations must be submitted to exclude hidden traits (e.g., radiological diagnostics, ophthalmological examination, audiometric measurement, genetic exclusion diagnostics, or proof of ancestry).
For the listed genetic tests, a link to the corresponding test offer from our TOP partner LABOKLIN has been inserted.
This serves as a practical guide and to explain the respective genetic test.
We explicitly point out the externally recognizable exclusion traits that apply to dogs of all breeds and ask that these also be observed.
Update 09/24/2026
Due to an amended order from the Office for Veterinary Affairs and Food Monitoring of the District Office of Karlsruhe, individual requirements for the event have changed.
Additional information can be found at the following link.
We ask for your attention!
Dog breeds for hidden traits examination
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Participation in the vet check.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Veterinary certificate confirming a liver biopsy with no pathological findings
Alternatively:
Copper toxicosis genetic test or proof of ancestry
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the COMMD1 gene variant
Proof of ancestry:
Participation possible if both parents are homozygously free of the COMMD1 gene variant
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
From the age of three years:
Veterinary certificate of echocardiography and ECG with no findings of dilated cardiomyopathy (findings not older than two years).
Exhibiting dogs younger than 3 years is possible without submitting a veterinary certificate.
Participation in the vet check.
Participating dogs from 24 months of age require a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Participation in the vet check.
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof. Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant.
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
- Participation in the vet check.
- Veterinary certificate stating that there are no radiologically detectable vertebral deformations.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
Veterinary certificate of an ultrasound examination of the kidneys and a blood test with “no findings.”
Alternatively:
Genetic test for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or proof of ancestry. Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended. If proof is to be provided by ultrasound and blood test, we recommend using the Kidney function in dogs is usually checked using blood tests for the parameters urea and creatinine.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the relevant gene variant. Proof of ancestry:
Participation possible if both parents are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
MRI examination of the head
Exclusion for dogs with syringomyelia grade 2 or higher.
The examination is to be carried out at the age of 12 months, and again at the ages of three and five years.
If younger dogs have a negative MRI result from both parents, they can also participate in the event.
Participation in the vet check.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
Participation in the vet check.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof. Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
Chondrodystrophy
An orthopedic examination with no findings as part of the on-site vet check carried out by the organizer is sufficient.
Alternatively:
Submission of a veterinary certificate, no more than 12 months old, regarding a spinal X-ray examination showing no radiologically detectable calcification of the intervertebral discs.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Alternative 1:
As an alternative to the above-mentioned X-ray examination, a genetic test may also be submitted. Participation is possible for dogs that are homozygously free of the tested gene variant.
Alternative 2:
Instead of the genetic test, proof of ancestry can also be uploaded showing that both parents are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the relevant gene variant.
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant.
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Hyperuricosuria in Dalmatians
Veterinary certificate for blood and urine tests without evidence of hyperuricosuria.
For proof, the certificate linked here can be used.
Urine and Blood Test:
The exclusion of hyperuricosuria is generally carried out by demonstrating a normal uric acid level in urine and serum (blood).
Alternatively:
Hyperuricosuria Genetic Test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two mutated SLC2A alleles) dogs.
The genetic test can also be replaced by a proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from trait-free parent animals.
Audiometric examination
Participation is only possible upon submission of a veterinary certificate to exclude deafness (including unilateral).
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
From the age of three years:
Veterinary certificate of echocardiography and ECG with no findings of dilated cardiomyopathy (findings not older than two years)
Exhibiting dogs younger than 3 years is possible without submitting a veterinary certificate.
Hip dysplasia
Participating dogs from 24 months of age require a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Participation in the vet check.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
- From the age of three years:
Veterinary certificate of echocardiography and Holter ECG (24h ECG) with no findings of dilated cardiomyopathy (findings not older than two years).Exhibiting dogs younger than 3 years is possible without submitting a veterinary certificate.
- von Willebrand disease Type 1
Veterinary certificate confirming a blood test with “no findings.”
The certificate linked here can be used as proof.Alternatively:
Genetic test for von Willebrand disease Type 1 (vWD1)Blood test: The amount of von Willebrand factor present can be determined in the blood (plasma).Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (mixed-bred) carriers of the relevant gene variant.Pedigree certificate:
Participation is possible if both parent animals are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
Chondrodystrophy
An orthopedic examination with no findings as part of the on-site vet check carried out by the organizer is sufficient.
Alternatively:
Submission of a veterinary certificate, no more than 12 months old, regarding a spinal X-ray examination showing no radiologically detectable calcification of the intervertebral discs.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Alternative 1:
As an alternative to the above-mentioned X-ray examination, a genetic test may also be submitted. Participation is possible for dogs that are homozygously free of the tested gene variant.
Alternative 2:
Instead of the genetic test, proof of ancestry can also be uploaded showing that both parents are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the relevant gene variant.
Veterinary certificate stating that there are no radiologically detectable vertebral deformations.
Participation in the vet check.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
From the age of three years:
Veterinary certificate of echocardiography and ECG with no findings of dilated cardiomyopathy (findings not older than two years).
Exhibiting dogs younger than 3 years is possible without submitting a veterinary certificate.
No certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Participating dogs from 24 months of age require a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Participation in the vet check.
Participating dogs from 24 months of age require a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Participation in the vet check.
Veterinary certificate of an ultrasound examination of the kidneys and a blood test with “no findings.”
Alternatively:
Genetic test for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or proof of ancestry.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended. If proof is to be provided by means of ultrasound and blood tests, we recommend using the certificate linked here.
Kidney function in dogs is usually checked by blood tests for urea and creatinine parameters.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the relevant gene variant.
Proof of ancestry:
Participation is possible if both parents are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
- For double-curled tails: Veterinary certificate stating that there are no radiologically detectable hemivertebrae.
- Participation in the vet check.
- For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of pedigree.
For proof, the certificate linked here can be used.
The submission of a proof of pedigree or genetic test is recommended.Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two Merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant.Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
From the age of three years:
Veterinary certificate of an echocardiography with a focus on congenital heart diseases.
Exhibiting dogs younger than 3 years is possible without submitting a veterinary certificate.
Cystinuria in Newfoundland dogs
Cystinuria genetic test or proof of ancestry
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the relevant gene variant.
Proof of ancestry: Participation possible if both parents are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
If the required genetic test cannot be submitted, a veterinary certificate for a COLA test (Cystine-Ornithine-Lysine-Arginine) must be submitted. The examination must be performed once.
The veterinary certificate must confirm that the COLA test is unremarkable and shows no indication of cystinuria.
Hip dysplasia
Participating dogs from 24 months of age require a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
Participation in the vet check.
Veterinary certificate of an endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract with no findings.
Alternatively:
Lundehund Syndrome Genetic Test
Genetic Test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two mutated alleles) dogs.
Proof of Ancestry:
Participation is possible if at least one parent is homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
- For double-curled tails: Veterinary certificate stating that there are no radiologically detectable hemivertebrae.
- Participation in the vet check.
Participation in the vet check.
No certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
- For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle Genetic Test or proof of pedigree.
For proof, the certificate linked here can be used.The submission of a proof of pedigree or genetic test is recommended.Genetic Test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two Merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant.Proof of Pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
- For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination without evidence of deafness or eye malformation.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of pedigree. For proof, the certificate linked here can be used. The submission of a proof of pedigree or genetic test is recommended.Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two Merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant.Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Dogs younger than 24 months at the time of the show may participate upon submission of a veterinary certificate of an HD* X-ray examination showing that both parents were evaluated with a result of HD grade A, B, or C.
Dogs that have completed their 7th year of life and cannot provide a corresponding X-ray certificate may participate after an inconspicuous gait check by a veterinarian as part of the vet check.
Example:
The event takes place on 11/28/2026.
A dog has completed its 7th year of life if it was born on or before 11/28/2019.
Dogs with a birth date ≤ 11/28/2019 can therefore participate without an X-ray, but with a vet check.
Exclusion of dogs with HD grade D and E
- Participation in the vet check.
- SPAID genetic test
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred) and heterozygous (crossbred) carriers of the relevant gene variant.
Proof of ancestry:
Participation possible if both parents are homozygously free of the relevant gene variant.
- For all dogs with merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no evidence of deafness or eye deformity.
Alternatively:
Merle genetic test or proof of ancestry.
The certificate linked here can be used for proof. Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two Merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant. Proof of pedigree: The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
For all dogs with Merle markings:
Veterinary certificate of ophthalmological and audiometric examination with no indication of deafness or eye malformation.
Alternatively:
Merle Genetic Test or Proof of Ancestry. The certificate linked here can be used for proof.
Submission of proof of ancestry or a genetic test is recommended.
Genetic test:
Exclusion of homozygous (purebred, carrying two merle alleles) dogs and heterozygous carriers of the Mh gene variant
Proof of pedigree:
The genetic test can also be replaced by proof of pedigree, which shows that the respective individual animal descends from a trait-free parent animal.
Participation in the vet check.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
No veterinary certificates need to be uploaded in advance.
*HD = Hip Dysplasia
Regardless of the examination results submitted here, dogs with relevant diseases within the meaning of § 10 No. 2 TierSchHuV may be excluded from the event at the discretion of the veterinary office or the organizer.
