Health Clearances
Breeding dogs are held to a high standard, this is because responsible breeders want to contribute to the future of the breed and provide dogs that will live long and healthy lives. Health clearances are a set of breed-specific tests that are put out by the National breed clubs and supported by the OFA, PennHip, AKC, UKC, various genetic testing labs, and more. Below we have complied a list of health clearances for each of the retriever breeds we support that must be completed before breeding any dog after the age of two. Some breeders will add to this list as well if they feel their line of dogs, or the breed in general is predisposed to some other health concern. The more health testing the better. It’s important to keep in mind however that while health testing breeding dogs demonstrate the health of the parents, this will not always guarantee a smooth pregnancy, whelping, or healthy puppies. Breeders will constantly monitor their puppies post birth for any health concerns, provide veterinary care, etc. to ensure every pup has the best start, but don’t be afraid to ask your breeder about a pups journey since birth, ask about a pups weight gain intervals, any delays or positive signs in their development, etc.
Golden Retriever
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Annual Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation
- Thyroid
Read more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Golden Retrieve to test for…
- Ichthyosis (Golden Retriever Type 1)
- Ichthyosis (Golden Retriever Type 2)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Golden Retriever 1
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Golden Retriever 2
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD)
- Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (Golden Retriever Type)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM)
- Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (Golden Retriever Type)
Labrador Retriever
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Labrador Retriever to test for…
- Centronuclear Myopathy (CDM)
- D Locus (Dilute)
- Exercise-Induced Collapse
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD)
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)
- Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever to test for…
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD)
Curly-Coated Retriever
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Curly-Coated Retriever to test for…
- GSD IIIa
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Cord-1 PRA
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to test for…
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Boykin Spaniel
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)
- Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
- Patellar Luxation
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Boykin Spaniel to test for…
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Irish Water Spaniel
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)
English Springer Spaniel
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)
- Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a English Springer Spaniel to test for…
- PFK (Optional)
- FUCOSIDOSIS (Optional)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- crd4/cord1 PRA
German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
- Cardiac Evaluation
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a German Shorthaired Pointer to test for…
- von Willebrand’s Disease (Optional)
- Cone Degeneration
Standard Poodles
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Exam
- Autoimmune Thyroditis (Optional)
- Sebaceous Adenitis (Optional)
- Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
Airedale Terrier
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Exam (Optional)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)
- Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)
Weimaraner
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)
- Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)
Learn more about these at the OFA
In addition, genetic testing for a Weimaraner to test for…
- HYPERURICOSURIA
- Hypomyelination
- Spinal Dysraphism