Breeding approval

All dogs must be approved before breeding can take place. The LBA screens health and conformation before breeding approval is granted, in order to maintain and improve the quality of the Leavitt Bulldog.

Hips, elbows & spine

The OFA requires dogs be a minimum of 24 months old to receive a full evaluation by 3 radiologists. Preliminary evaluations by one radiologist are offered for dogs younger than 24 months old.

The LBA recommends x-rays be taken at 24 months or older. Dogs must be a minimum of 18 months old when x-rays are taken.

To obtain a preliminary OFA evaluation, email digital X-ray images of hips and elbows, in OFA positions, to the OFA (ofa@offa.org) with the dog's breed, name, age and sex.

Cost is $30, to be paid by Visa or Mastercard.

Instructions for OFA positioning;

Example

Dogs must be sedated when x-rays are taken.

OFA evaluations will be emailed back to the applicant, who must forward them to the LBA Registrar (see below).

A hip grade of mild dysplasia (HD4) and an elbow grade of 1 are the lowest evaluations that will be granted breeding approval and in both those cases, breeding can only take place with a mate that has hips with a grade of fair (HD2) and elbows with a 0 grade.

The OFA grades for your dog's hip and elbow scores will be listed on registration papers using the following number form.

Hips:

HD 0 = Excellent

HD 1 = Good

HD 2 = Fair

HD 3 = Borderline

HD 4 = Mild

HD 5 = Moderate

HD 6 = Severe

Elbows:

ED 0 = Normal

ED 1 = Mild

ED 2 = Moderate

ED 3 = Severe

Tooth chart

Your Vet must check the dog’s teeth while they are anaesthetized for x-rays and complete a tooth chart for submission to the LBA Registrar.

Genetic testing

The LBA strongly recommends DNA testing of all breeding stock.

All test results must be send to the LBA Registrar.
Testing can be done as early as 2 weeks old so litters can be tested before sale if desired.
Test kits can be ordered from the following:

1. Embark (Global)

2. France

3. Uk and EU

Conformation and movement

The LBA requires photos and videos in order to assess conformation and movement:

· 5 photos of the dog, showing all 4 sides and 1 of the face

· A video showing the dog trotting (please shoot from the front, back and both sides)

Apply for breeding approval

Please email all documents required for breeding approval to the LBA Registrar at lbaregistry@gmail.com

· Owner’s name and contact details

· Dog’s name

· Current registry and registration number

· Breeder’s name

· Kennel name

· OFA evaluations

· X-rays

· Tooth chart from Veterinarian

· Required photos and videos

· A five-generation pedigree