We test.
We document.
We stand behind it.
Health guarantees are only worth something if the testing behind them is real. Here's exactly what we test for, what we cover, and what happens if something goes wrong.
on hereditary conditions
parents tested
We test before
we ever breed
Every dog we breed from has been DNA tested before we plan any litter. That's not something we do because we have to — no regulation requires it. We do it because it's the only way to honestly tell a buyer their puppy is healthy.
The tests are carried out by accredited veterinary laboratories. Results are provided in full — you'll receive copies of both parents' test certificates with your puppy's paperwork.
DNA swab from both parents
Before any mating takes place, both the sire and dam are swabbed. Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for a full breed-specific panel.
Results reviewed before breeding
We review all results before deciding whether to proceed. If either parent carries two copies of a tested gene variant, that pairing does not go ahead.
Annual cardiac screening
In addition to DNA testing, our Maltese breeding dogs are cardiac-screened annually by our vet given the prevalence of mitral valve disease in the breed.
Pre-collection vet check for every puppy
Every puppy is examined by our registered vet within 5 days of collection. You receive the health certificate at collection — not a photocopy, the original.
Full paperwork pack at handover
Health records, vaccination booklet, DNA test certificates for both parents, microchip documentation, and our written guarantee — all provided on collection day.
What we test for
These are the conditions included in our standard testing panel for both Maltese and Miniature Poodle parent lines. All results are available on request before you reserve.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA — prcd variantA degenerative eye condition that can lead to progressive vision loss. Tested in both Poodle and Maltese lines.
Neonatal Encephalopathy
NEwSA severe neurological condition found in Standard Poodle lines, now screened in Miniature Poodles used for crossbreeding.
Von Willebrand Disease
vWD Type IA bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting protein. Tested in Poodle parent lines where the variant is known to appear.
Degenerative Myelopathy
DMA progressive neurological disease affecting the spinal cord. More common in larger breeds but tested in our Poodle lines as a precaution.
Malignant Hyperthermia
MHA rare but serious reaction to certain anaesthetic agents. Carriers can be identified through DNA testing and managed safely with correct veterinary information.
Mitral Valve Disease
MVDA heart condition prevalent in Maltese dogs. No DNA test currently exists — our Maltese breeding dogs are cardiac-screened annually by our vet.
Patellar Luxation Markers
Structural screeningBoth parents are physically examined for patellar luxation as part of their annual health check. Severe grades are excluded from our breeding programme.
Oculoskeletal Dysplasia
OSDA condition affecting both eyes and skeletal development. Tested in Poodle lines where the variant has been identified in the breed population.
Coat & Colour Genetics
Curl / Shedding / ColourWhile not a health condition, coat genetics inform our breeding choices and help us predict coat type and colour in each litter with reasonable accuracy.
The guarantee
in plain English
Our 5-year health guarantee covers hereditary and congenital conditions that are part of our DNA testing panel. Here's what that means in practice.
Hereditary conditions on our test panel — if a condition we test for develops and is confirmed by a vet, the guarantee applies
Congenital conditions not apparent at collection — structural abnormalities present from birth but not detectable at the pre-collection vet check
Conditions diagnosed within 5 years of collection — the 5-year window starts from collection day, not the puppy's date of birth
Any condition that renders the puppy unfit for normal life — where a vet confirms the condition is hereditary and severe, we will discuss resolution with you directly
What we can't
cover
We want to be completely honest about the limits. A guarantee that covers everything is a guarantee that means nothing.
Conditions caused by accident, injury, or environment — including those resulting from inadequate care, diet, or exercise
Conditions arising from failure to vaccinate or treat parasites — keeping up with preventative care is a condition of the guarantee
Minor conditions — umbilical hernias, milk teeth retention, or cosmetic issues that don't affect quality of life
Behavioural issues — temperament is influenced by environment, training, and experience. We can help, but can't guarantee it
Conditions disclosed before collection — anything identified at the pre-collection vet check and communicated to you is not covered under the guarantee
If something goes wrong
We hope you never need to use this. But if something comes up, here's exactly what to do. We try to make the process as straightforward as possible — no hoops, no delays.
Step 1
See your vet
Get a proper diagnosis in writing. We need a vet's written confirmation of the condition, ideally including the suspected hereditary origin. Your vet's opinion matters to us.
Step 2
Contact us in writing
Email us at hello@milesmaltipoo.co.uk with your puppy's name, the diagnosis, and any supporting documentation. Include your original purchase paperwork if you have it.
Step 3
We respond within 5 working days
We'll review the information and get back to you with the next steps. We may ask to speak directly with your vet to ensure we fully understand the situation.
What happens next?
If the claim is validated under our guarantee, we will work with you to find the best resolution. This typically involves a partial or full refund of the purchase price to help cover veterinary costs.
Do I have to return the puppy?
No. We never ask you to return a loved family pet as a condition of a health guarantee claim. We believe that's an outdated and cruel practice.
A lifetime of support
Our responsibility doesn't end when you drive away. We are here for the lifetime of your dog.
Always here to help
Whether it's training advice at 6 months or diet questions at 6 years, just ask.
Rehoming guarantee
If circumstances change and you can no longer keep your dog, we will take them back. Always.
"The testing gave us peace of mind, but the ongoing support is what really makes the difference."
— Sarah & Tom, owners of Milo (2024 litter)
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