We test so you don’t have to hope.
Every breeding dog at Harbinger carries documented clearances for the conditions that matter most in Miniature Schnauzers. We publish results openly because families making a 12–15 year commitment deserve full information.
Genetic DNA Tests
Performed once in a dog’s lifetime from a DNA sample via Orivet. Results are permanent and tell us whether a dog is Clear, a Carrier, or Affected for each inherited condition. Carriers may be bred responsibly to Clear dogs — eliminating all risk of Affected offspring.
OFA Eye Evaluation
Performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for conditions that cannot be detected by DNA alone. Results are entered into the publicly searchable OFA database and independently verifiable at ofa.org by anyone.
Our Standard
If a dog doesn’t clear testing, they don’t breed. That is the commitment, and it doesn’t waver. We share complete documentation — lab reports, OFA numbers, and dates — with every family considering a Harbinger puppy.
Breeding Dogs & Results
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 26KMTN |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 26A5K7 |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 265Q7J |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 26SQDR |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 26LGN9 |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 26LP46 |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
| Genetic DNA Tests — Orivet | |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdPRA-prcd | Clear |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) | Clear |
| Myotonia CongenitaMC | Clear |
| Physical Evaluations | |
| OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-certified Ophthalmologist | Pass 268R94 |
| Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS Sonographer | Documented |
Understanding Our Tests
Progressive Retinal Atrophy — prcdGenetic DNA Test — Orivet
The most common form of PRA — a degenerative eye disease that causes the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness.
Affected dogs typically show signs between 3–5 years of age. Breeding two Carriers produces a 25% chance of Affected offspring. Responsible breeders eliminate this risk through testing.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy — Type APRA-A (HIVEP3) — Genetic DNA Test — Orivet
A second, genetically distinct form of PRA specific to Miniature Schnauzers, caused by a mutation in the HIVEP3 gene. This is a separate test from prcd — a Clear result on one does not imply Clear on the other.
A dog that tests Clear for prcd may still carry Type A PRA. Testing for both forms is non-negotiable in this breed. We test every dog for both, every time.
Myotonia CongenitaGenetic DNA Test — Orivet
A hereditary muscle disorder causing sustained, involuntary muscle contraction after movement. Affected dogs have difficulty relaxing muscles after exertion and may show a stiff, bunny-hopping gait.
Breed-specific to Miniature Schnauzers. Entirely preventable through genetic testing. Carriers are only bred to Clear dogs — ensuring zero Affected puppies are produced.
OFA Eye EvaluationCAER — Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist
A complete ophthalmic examination detecting hereditary and acquired eye conditions including cataracts, lens luxation, retinal disease, and other structural abnormalities not visible through DNA testing alone.
Results are submitted to OFA and publicly searchable at ofa.org. You can independently verify any of our dogs’ eye clearances without relying on our word. We welcome that scrutiny.
Cardiac EchocardiogramIn-house — ARDMS-Registered Diagnostic Sonographer
Ultrasound imaging of the heart allowing direct visualization of chamber size, valve function, and wall motion. This goes beyond standard auscultation by providing a visual record of cardiac structure.
Cardiac conditions can be heritable and may not present symptoms until later in life. Screening is performed in-house by John, an ARDMS-registered sonographer. Results are documented. Board-certified cardiologist evaluation is in progress.
“If a dog doesn’t clear testing, they don’t breed. That is the commitment, and it doesn’t waver.“— John, Harbinger Schnauzers — Oneonta, Alabama
Verify Our Results Independently
OFA eye evaluation results for all seven breeding dogs are publicly searchable at ofa.org. Look up any dog by their OFA reference number listed above and confirm their clearance without taking our word for it. Genetic lab reports from Orivet are available upon request and included in every puppy documentation packet. We welcome the scrutiny.