We are proud to share the health testing for Protection Dog Rip, one of our elite protection dogs here at Valor Protection Dogs in Boise, Idaho. Rip isn’t just a powerful working dog—he’s been thoroughly health tested to ensure he meets our strict standards for genetic soundness, orthopedic health, and long-term durability.
Here’s what we tested and why it matters.
Hips – PennHIP & OFA Certified
Rip’s hips were evaluated through PennHIP, which measures the risk of developing osteoarthritis using a distraction index (DI). Rip scored an impressive 0.22 and 0.28, placing him in the top 10% of German Shepherds. We also submitted his hip x-rays to OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), where he received a rating of Good. His hips were some of the tightest hips the reproductive specialist veterinarian had ever seen, and he’s been doing this for a very long time!
Why it matters: Strong hips mean Rip can run, jump, and work without pain or early breakdown—critical for any protection dog.
Elbows – OFA Certified Normal
Rip’s elbow x-rays were submitted to OFA and returned as Normal twice for prelims and finals, confirming he does not have elbow dysplasia.
Why it matters: Elbow dysplasia can shorten a dog’s working life and lead to chronic pain. We ensure our dogs are sound from top to bottom.
Full Embark DNA Panel (Including DM)
Rip was DNA tested through Embark, which screens for 200+ inherited conditions including Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). His results came back as DM Clear, which means he does not have the disease and is safe to train, work, and live a long, healthy life.
Breed: 100.0% German Shepherd Dog
Wolfiness: 1.5% (High)
Coat: EE NN BB DD ky/ky a/a GT *stock coat black carrying for long coat
Health Report: “Rip is not at increased risk for the genetic health conditions that Embark tests. Rip did not have the variants that we tested for, that are relevant to his breed.”
Breed-relevant conditions: 11 out of 11 variants not detected
DM: N/N
Additional genetic conditions: 197 out of 197 variants not detected
COI: 34%
Why it matters: Knowing a dog’s DNA profile helps us breed ethically and protect future generations of working dogs.
The Valor Difference
Most breeders and protection dog companies don’t go to this level of testing—but we do. At Valor Protection Dogs, we believe that a protection dog should be stable, reliable, and built to last. Rip is a perfect example of what it means to combine temperament, training, and health into one extraordinary dog.
If you’re looking for a health-tested German Shepherd protection dog in Boise, Idaho, Rip sets the standard.
Interested in Rip or a Dog Like Him?
Located near Boise, Idaho
Raised with kids and socialized in the home
Fully health tested
Protection and off-leash obedience trained
Contact us to learn more about Rip or other upcoming protection dogs for sale.
Health Testing for Protection Dog Rip
Here are Rip’s actual test results and certifications:
Learn more about our health testing standards.
January 2024 Update: We did final OFAs on Rip at 33 months of age, and we’re proud to say that he went OFA GOOD HIPS and NORMAL ELBOWS. We have collected on him for use in our future breeding program. He exemplifies everything that a German Shepherd should be. He is sold and not available.
Written by Amy Pishner
About the Author:
Amy Pishner is the Founder of Valor Protection Dogs, a premier breeder and trainer of elite German Shepherd protection dogs in Boise, Idaho. With over a decade of experience and a national reputation for excellence, Amy specializes in raising and training world-class German Shepherds that offer both loyalty and protection for families, professionals, and discerning dog owners.
