--- title: "Health Testing" type: "page" slug: "health-testing" published_at: "2026-06-14T19:30:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-12T20:16:58+00:00" url: "https://sagepuppies.com/about/health-testing/" markdown_url: "https://sagepuppies.com/about/health-testing.md" author: "Matt Milar" publisher: "Sage Puppies" --- # Health Testing What it means ## What “health tested puppies” means at Sage Puppies. Health testing starts with the parent dogs and the pairing decisions behind each litter. It does not mean every possible condition can be predicted or prevented, but it does help reduce known risk and supports more responsible breeding decisions. 01 / Parent dogs ### Screening before breeding Parent dogs are evaluated with health and temperament in mind before a pairing is planned. Testing may vary by breed, family line, age, and veterinary recommendation. 02 / Breed awareness ### Relevant, not generic Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo puppies have different breed backgrounds, so the health conversation should reflect the parents involved in each specific litter. 03 / Transparency ### Clear family conversations We want families to understand what health testing can and cannot tell them. Questions are welcome before you reserve a puppy or join a waitlist. **A responsible note about health.**No breeder can honestly promise that a puppy will never experience a health issue. Our goal is to make careful, informed breeding decisions, provide age-appropriate veterinary care, and help families start with the clearest information possible. ![Newborn red Cavapoo puppies resting on a sage blanket during early nursery care](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Sage-Puppies-About-Page-5.jpg) **Early care starts quietly.**From the first days in the nursery, we observe comfort, growth, nursing, handling, and the everyday details that support healthy puppy development. ![Sage Puppies breeder holding three small companion puppies indoors](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Health-Tested-Puppies-Image-Two-scaled.jpg) Our focus ## A health-focused foundation from pairing to go-home day. Health testing is one layer of a broader care system. We also consider temperament, structure, size expectations, coat type, family fit, and the everyday care puppies receive during their earliest weeks. - Thoughtful parent selection for health, temperament, and companion qualities. - Breed-appropriate health screening for the parent dogs involved. - Veterinary care and wellness checks before puppies go home. - Age-appropriate vaccine and deworming records when applicable. - Early handling, gentle exposure, and confidence-building experiences. - Clear transition guidance for food, routine, pickup, or delivery. Breed-specific care ## Health considerations by breed. Sage Puppies focuses on Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo puppies. Each pairing is reviewed with the parent dogs in mind, including breed background, size, temperament, coat traits, and relevant health considerations. Havanese ### Gentle, devoted companions For Havanese pairings, we focus on small companion temperament, structure, movement, coat quality, and breed-relevant health history. - Parent health and temperament review. - Breed-aware screening conversations. - Family suitability for small companion homes. Havapoo ### Affectionate, smart, low-shedding Havapoo pairings include both Havanese and Poodle influence, so we consider the health, temperament, coat, and size traits of both parent lines. - Parent-line health review. - Coat and size expectation guidance. - Temperament fit for families and companion homes. Cavapoo ### Warm, social, family-loving Cavapoo pairings include Cavalier and Poodle influence, so health discussions should be tied to the exact parents and litter under consideration. - Parent health and temperament review. - Small companion structure and size guidance. - Family-fit conversations before reservation. ![Cavapoo puppies cuddled in a soft bed with one puppy yawning during early development](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/puppies-in-bed-big-yawn.jpg) **Temperament is observed early.**Rest, handling, curiosity, confidence, and recovery after small new experiences all help us understand each puppy as they grow. Puppy wellness ## From first weeks to go-home day, health is handled step by step. Families deserve more than a cute puppy photo. They deserve to know how puppies are cared for, what records are provided, and what to expect before pickup or delivery. ![Cavapoo puppies resting together in a cream puppy bed at Sage Puppies](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bunchofpuppies1425-scaled.jpg) **Small details matter.**Daily observation supports health, comfort, cleanliness, early handling, and a calmer transition into family life. ### Parent pairing Before a litter is planned, we consider parent health, temperament, size, coat traits, and the type of family home each pairing may fit best. ### Nursery care Puppies are raised with attentive daily care, gentle handling, clean routines, and observation during their earliest developmental weeks. ### Vet guidance Puppies receive veterinary wellness care before go-home, along with age-appropriate health records and transition details for their new family. ### Family handoff We help families prepare for food, routine, travel, pickup, delivery, and the first days at home so the transition feels calm and informed. Transparency ## Questions are part of choosing a reputable breeder. We welcome thoughtful questions from families. If you are considering an available puppy or upcoming litter, ask about the parents, health testing, veterinary care, go-home records, and what support is provided after your puppy comes home. Good questions to ask ### Before you reserve - What health testing was completed for this puppy’s parents? - What veterinary care will my puppy receive before going home? - What records or go-home information will be provided? - What is the expected size, coat type, and temperament? - How does pickup or delivery work for my location? Read the evidence ## How to read parent screening records. Ask for records tied to the actual parents of the puppy you are considering. - **Identify the dog:** Check the parent’s name and identifying information against the planned sire or dam. - **Read the record:** Ask which examination or test was completed, when it was done, what the result says, and how it informs the pairing. - **Understand the limits:** A DNA panel is not every health screen. Ask which additional examinations are relevant to each parent’s breed and history. The [OFA explains its CHIC program](https://ofa.org/chic-programs/) : a CHIC number means the required screenings were completed and the results made public; it does not mean every result was normal. Check the individual results. Ask us whether the specific parents have CHIC numbers and review their individual results. Parent screening, puppy wellness records, and your written purchase terms answer different questions. None guarantees lifelong health. Clarity matters ## Health testing, veterinary care, and health guarantees are not the same thing. These terms are often used together, but they mean different things. Understanding the difference helps families make a more confident decision. Health testing Screening and evaluation used to make more informed breeding decisions for parent dogs. The exact testing can vary by breed, parent, and veterinary guidance. Veterinary wellness care Care puppies receive before going home, including wellness evaluation and age-appropriate health records when applicable. Go-home records Written information provided to the family so they know what care the puppy has received and what to share with their own veterinarian. Health guarantee A written policy should be reviewed separately before reservation. Guarantee language should always match the actual Sage Puppies policy provided to families. ## Delivery and pickup health information Most families ### Health information before nationwide delivery Cassie estimates that about 85% of Sage Puppies families live outside Utah and choose delivery. This is an owner estimate, not a measured analytics figure. Before delivery, we help you understand go-home timing, puppy preparation, health records, travel expectations, and next steps for your own veterinarian. - Clear pickup or delivery timing. - Health and transition details before go-home. - Preparation guidance for arrival day. Local option ### Pickup in South Jordan, Utah For local families near Salt Lake City, pickup is available by appointment in South Jordan. We confirm what to bring, what records you will receive, and how to help your puppy settle in at home. - Pickup by appointment. - Go-home instructions provided. - Questions welcomed before pickup day. ![Tri-color Cavapoo puppy lying on its back after family-raised puppy socialization](https://sagepuppies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3253030094900228718.jpg) **Prepared for home.**A calm go-home plan helps families prepare for rest, routine, veterinary follow-up, and a smoother first week together. Common questions ## Health Tested Puppies FAQs These answers help families understand how Sage Puppies approaches health-tested parents, puppy wellness, and responsible expectations. Are Sage Puppies parents health tested?Yes. Sage Puppies prioritizes health-tested parents and thoughtful pairing decisions. The exact screening can vary by breed, parent dog, and litter, so families are encouraged to ask about the specific parents for the puppy or litter they are considering. Does health testing guarantee my puppy will never have a health issue?No. Health testing helps reduce known risk and supports more informed breeding decisions, but it cannot guarantee that a puppy will never experience a health concern. Families should establish care with their own veterinarian after go-home. What health information is provided before go-home?Families receive go-home information related to their puppy’s care, transition, and age-appropriate health records when applicable. Specific records may vary by puppy, timing, and veterinary guidance. Is health testing the same for Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo puppies?Not always. Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo puppies have different breed backgrounds. Health conversations should be tied to the specific parent dogs involved in each litter. Can out-of-state families ask health questions before delivery?Absolutely. Many Sage Puppies families live outside Utah, and health questions are welcome before reservation, before delivery, and as you prepare for your puppy’s arrival. When should I schedule my puppy’s first vet visit?Families should schedule a visit with their own veterinarian soon after go-home according to their vet’s recommendation and the guidance provided with their puppy’s records. Ready for the next step? ## Choose a puppy with confidence. Browse available Havanese, Havapoo, and Cavapoo puppies, review the reservation process, or start your application for an upcoming litter. We will help you understand health, temperament, timing, and pickup or delivery before you move forward.