Health Statement, as approved by the NBC Board of Directors,

at its April 16, 2022 Board of Directors meeting

Beagles are basically a healthy breed, but there are some problems that you need to be informed about. The most common problems with beagles are epilepsy, allergies, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and back problems. Reputable breeders screen their breeding stock for problems and make educated breeding choices. While most of the health problems cannot totally be eliminated from the breed, a reputable breeder will do their best to breed away from the problems.

The National Beagle Club recommends health screening in line with our club-approved CHIC requirements. CHIC requirements for Beagles are:

Required for CHIC

• Hip Dysplasia (one of the following)
  OFA Evaluation
  PennHIP Evaluation
• Eye Examination
  Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist 
• MLS
  DNA-based MLS test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA. First Generation Offspring of tested dogs eligible for Clear By Parentage
• Cardiac Evaluation (one of the following)
  Congenital Cardiac Exam 
  Advanced Cardiac Exam
  Basic Cardiac Exam 
• Autoimmune thyroiditis
  OFA Evaluation, minimum age 24 months

Optional recommended tests

• Advanced Cardiac Evaluation
  Advanced Cardiac Exam
• Patellar Luxation
  OFA evaluation, minimum age 1 year 
• LaFlora Epilepsy
  DNA-based test from an accepted laboratory; results registered with OFA
• FACTOR VII Deficiency
  DNA-based test from an accepted laboratory; results registered with OFA 
• Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration
  DNA-based test from an accepted laboratory; results registered with OFA

For questions, please contact Ruth Darlene Stewart, Chairperson, National Beagle Club of America Health and Genetics Committee. Click here to email her.