Members of the public

The IHA can also be used by members of the public who may be thinking of getting a puppy or a dog.

This is so they can check the innate health characteristics of the parent dogs of any puppy to ensure that the puppy has the foundations for good innate health. Or, if the dog they are considering is aged 12 months or over, they can assess that dog against the 10 IHA criteria to check that the dog has good innate health.  Dogs with extreme conformations often require significant additional support in terms of care and veterinary treatment and this can place a big burden on the owner of the dog, not only emotionally but also financially. 

A woman wearing sunglasses cuddling with a happy black dog outdoors in a grassy field, with trees in the background.

It’s therefore important for anyone who is considering getting a puppy or a dog to be aware of the innate health issues that any new dog coming into their household may bring.  New dog owners should ask their breeder if they have carried out the IHA on both parent dogs and ask to see their IHA certification in this regard.

Take the IHA
Close-up of a golden retriever dog with a neutral background.

Quick puppy buying checklist

Puppy has been vet-checked, vaccinated, and microchipped before sale.

Buyer agrees to arrange a follow-up health check within 3–5 days of collection.

Breeder provides a written contract and proof of payment confirming transfer of ownership.

Both parties commit to the puppy’s ongoing welfare and responsible care in line with UK law.

The 10 criteria for good innate health

Diagram of canine physical traits for health assessment, including dog pictures with labels such as no merle coloring, smooth skin, long muzzle, no skin folds, straight legs, tail length, correct jaw alignment, eye placement, natural leg length, and spine flexibility.

Who is the IHA Tool For?

Group of white puppies playing outdoors on grass with blurred background
Black circular icon with white right arrow in the center
A woman hugging a happy, black Labrador retriever outdoors in a grassy field with trees in the background.
Right arrow icon on a dark circular background
A woman with red hair smiling and holding the chin of a large black and white dog, possibly a Bernese Mountain Dog, while the dog lies on a cushion at home.
Play button icon with a white arrow on a black circular background.
A black and white puppy sniffing a camera lying on a gray surface.
A black circular button with a white right arrow in the center.