Embark DNA
Genetic screening helps identify inherited health variants and informs compatible, responsible pairings.
Health & Genetics
Beauty,
guided by knowledge.
Thoughtful breeding begins with what we can see—and is strengthened by what science allows us to understand.
The Sterling Approach
Purpose behind
every pairing.
We believe responsible breeding requires both a discerning eye and a commitment to evidence.
DNA screening, breed-appropriate OFA evaluations, pedigree research, temperament, structure, and compatibility are considered together. No single result tells the whole story; each gives us another meaningful piece of it.
Our Foundation
Tested with intention.
Our breeding dogs receive a considered combination of genetic and physical health screening.
OFA Evaluations
Breed-appropriate evaluations include eyes, cardiac health, and patellas, with results recorded clearly.
The Whole Dog
Health data is considered alongside temperament, structure, pedigree, maturity, and the qualities of each individual dog.
Responsible Genetics
Dapple, piebald
& double dapple.
Lada is a double dapple piebald. She carries both the piebald pattern and double dapple inheritance—two separate patterns that can overlap and both contribute white to the coat. Her appearance is a reminder that markings alone do not always tell the complete genetic story.
Double dapple occurs when a puppy inherits dapple from both parents. Not every double dapple is visibly affected, but the inheritance is associated with a substantially increased risk of congenital hearing loss and serious eye abnormalities. Because dapple can sometimes be subtle or hidden, DNA testing helps us identify it accurately.
Lada’s story helps us explain why, at Sterling, a dapple is never paired with another dapple. Every planned pairing is reviewed with both beauty and long-term health in mind.
DNA
Beyond a Checklist
How we consider a pairing.
Health
DNA results and physical screenings are reviewed for compatibility.
Temperament
Stable, affectionate personalities remain central to every decision.
Structure
Balance, movement, proportion, and breed type are considered carefully.
Pedigree
Lineage and family history help place every result in a larger context.
SD
Honest Perspective
Testing does not promise perfection. It gives responsible breeders better information—and better information allows for more thoughtful decisions.
We share health information openly and remain committed to our puppy families throughout their dog’s life.
Clear & Considered
Health information
you can understand.
Health results for individual Sterling dogs are summarized on the Our Dogs page. Additional documentation is available to prospective families as part of the puppy process.
Meet Our DogsThoughtfully Planned