With support from Public databases like ORCHID we endeavor to enforce Mandatory health testing.

At Nyxborn Tibetan Mastiffs, health testing is non-negotiable.
Breeding is not about producing puppies — it is about preserving a breed and ensuring the longevity, stability, and welfare of every dog we bring into the world.
 

Our testing protocols go far beyond other Australian breeders, and every dog in our program undergoes a full suite of structural, genetic, and medical evaluations before any breeding is considered.

This page outlines exactly what we test, why we test it, and how our dogs meet the highest possible standards for health, functionality, and longevity.


 

Our Health Testing Philosophy
 

We test because:

• Tibetan Mastiffs are a large, slow-maturing guardian breed

• Structural soundness dramatically impacts lifespan and quality of life

• Cardiac and endocrine issues can be inherited

• Ethical breeding requires scientific evidence

• Stability and temperament are linked to health and wellbeing
   

Our program is built around transparency, honesty, and long-term thinking.
We breed rarely and intentionally, using only dogs who demonstrate excellent structure, stable temperament, and strong overall health.

 

The Nyxborn Health Testing Protocol
 

Every breeding dog completes the following:
 

1. Hip & Elbow Scoring

Method: Official scoring through ANKC-recognised veterinarians or international equivalents.

Why it matters:
Tibetan Mastiffs carry significant bone and mass. Poor structure or dysplasia can lead to:

• Pain

• Early mobility issues

• Long-term joint degeneration

• Reduced quality of life

We only breed dogs with strong, functional hips and elbows that reflect correct structure.
 

This will be listed under each dog's profile or can be viewed on the public Orchid Website:  Males and Females. 
 

2. Cardiac Examination

Method: Echocardiogram or auscultation by a certified cardiologist.

Why it matters:
The heart supports a large frame and all functions of the body.
Early detection of genetic cardiac issues prevents passing on conditions that may affect:

• Lifespan

• Exercise tolerance

• Overall stability and wellbeing

We require clear cardiac status before breeding.


3. ACES Eye Examination (Ophthalmic Screening)
 

At Nyxborn Tibetan Mastiffs, every breeding dog undergoes a full ACES eye examination performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
The ACES scheme (Australian Canine Eye Scheme) is the national gold standard for detecting heritable and structural eye conditions in purebred dogs.

Because the Tibetan Mastiff is a guardian breed with strong facial structure, proper eye formation is essential for both health and function. Our dogs must demonstrate clarity, structural correctness, and freedom from disease before entering our breeding program.

What the ACES Exam Screens For

A complete ACES examination evaluates:

• Entropion (inward-rolling eyelids)

• Ectropion (loose or outward-turning eyelids)

• Distichiasis (extra eyelashes causing irritation)

• Cataracts

• Corneal dystrophy

• Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

• Retinal dysplasia or malformation

• Anterior segment abnormalities

• Lens irregularities & development issues

These conditions can impact the comfort, working ability, and long-term health of the Tibetan Mastiff — making annual screening essential.
 

Why ACES Screening Matters in Tibetan Mastiffs
 

The Tibetan Mastiff’s heavy headpiece, protective brow, and deep-set eyes make regular ophthalmic screening critical.
By performing ACES certification on all breeding dogs, we ensure:

• Correct eye shape and structure

• No inherited eyelid abnormalities

• Clear, disease-free eyes

• Strong ocular health for future generations

This contributes to producing puppies who are not only beautiful representatives of the breed, but also healthy, functional guardians.

4. Thyroid Testing

Method: Full thyroid panel (T4, FT4, TSH, TgAA).

Why it matters:
Thyroid imbalance can influence:

• Weight

• Skin/coat

• Metabolism

• Reproductive health

• Mood and temperament

Stable thyroid health contributes to balanced, predictable behaviour — a trait essential for guardian breeds.
 

5. Structural & Functional Assessment
 

This examines:

• Overall conformation

• Movement & gait

• Bone density

• Joint strength

• Topline stability

• Pastern and hock strength

• Correct proportions per the Tibetan Mastiff Breed Standard

Functional structure is one of the greatest predictors of long-term health and mobility.

We do NOT breed:

• Over-angulated dogs

• Dogs lacking rear power

• Weak pasterns

• Misaligned movement

• Unbalanced proportions

Correct structure = healthy, long-lived Tibetan Mastiffs.
 

6. Temperament Evaluation
 

While temperament is not “medical,” it is one of the strongest indicators of a dog’s long-term wellbeing.

We use:

• Environmental stability tests

• Nerve strength assessments

• Human social evaluations

• Recovery testing

• Sound tolerance

• Problem-solving exercises

Read more about our methods here:
 Temperament Testing 

A stable temperament is essential for health, safety, and predictable behaviour.
 

 7. Reproductive Health & Maturity Assessment
 

We evaluate:

• Hormone stability

• Biological maturity (Tibetan Mastiffs mature slowly)

• Physical and mental readiness

• Maternal/paternal suitability

We never breed immature or unprepared dogs.
Females and males are given time to fully mature — physically and emotionally.
 

8. Ongoing Health Monitoring

Breeding dogs continue to be assessed throughout their lives.
This includes:

• Annual veterinary checks

• Weight & mobility evaluation

• Behavioural consistency

• Coat and skin condition

• Age-related changes

A breeding dog must remain healthy throughout its entire role in our program.

Our Health Testing Results Are Always Transparent

We believe owners deserve honesty.
Upon request, we provide:

• Hip and elbow scores

• Cardiac results

• Thyroid panel outcomes

• Structural assessment information

• Temperament evaluation summaries

• Board-certified ophthalmologist eye exams (ACES)
   

We encourage buyers to educate themselves and ask questions.
A responsible buyer is a breeder’s greatest ally.

How Health Testing Influences Our Breeding Decisions

We use health testing to determine:

• Whether a dog is suitable for breeding

• Which pairings complement each other

• Which traits need reinforcement or balance

• Long-term goals for improving our lines

This approach ensures:

• Lower long-term health risks

• Longer lifespan

• Reduced joint issues

• More stable temperaments

• Consistent structural quality

• Healthier future generations

You can see how we integrate health, structure and temperament into our breeding plans on the Upcoming Litters page.

Healthy Dogs Make Healthy Puppies
 

The first step toward producing confident, stable Tibetan Mastiffs starts with healthy parents.
The second step is the environment in which puppies are raised.

Learn how we shape young puppies through structured development here:
Puppy Raising Program 

Together, health + structure + temperament = the foundation of every Nyxborn puppy.
 

Explore More About Our Dogs

• Our Males

• Our Females

• Temperament Testing

• Upcoming Litters

• About Nyxborn

Each page provides transparency and insight into how we uphold the highest breeding standards in Australia.