Breeding Information
OFA is an invaluable tool that helps guide our breeding decisions. However, it’s important to acknowledge the reality—producing 100% perfectly healthy dogs is simply not possible. Dogs are living creatures, not manufactured products, and no dog is without imperfections. There’s a common misconception that testing the parents guarantees completely healthy puppies for life, but this is not the case.
Golden Retrievers, like all breeds, are predisposed to a variety of health issues. These can include problems with the eyes, heart, hips, and elbows, as well as allergies, hot spots, skin conditions, immune-mediated diseases, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and cancer. Among these, cancer remains the leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers. It’s important to understand that each breed has its own unique set of health challenges.
Health screenings, while incredibly useful, provide a snapshot of a dog’s health status at a specific point in time. For instance, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), established in 1966, has contributed to decades of selective breeding to reduce hip and elbow dysplasia. Yet, dysplasia still persists as a common issue among dogs. Even with health-tested parents, it’s possible for puppies to develop these conditions. Claims like “If you pay more upfront you save on medical bills later” can be misleading. The truth is, dogs with excellent hips can produce puppies with dysplastic hips, and vice versa. While health screenings are not perfect, they do significantly improve the odds of producing healthier puppies, especially when health-tested lines span multiple generations. Still, no amount of testing can guarantee a lifetime free from health problems.
Genetic testing, on the other hand, offers exciting potential and plays a critical role in responsible breeding. For Golden Retrievers, key genetic tests screen for conditions such as Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), Ichthyosis (ICH), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD, PRA1, and PRA2), Muscular Dystrophy (MD), and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). These are autosomal recessive genetic mutations, meaning a puppy must inherit one copy of the mutation from each parent to be affected. Genetic testing allows us to identify carriers and affected dogs before breeding, avoiding the production of affected offspring.
Currently, genetic testing covers a limited range of conditions, but advancements are being made. We’re optimistic that ongoing research by genetic laboratories and foundations will lead to more comprehensive and reliable health screenings, as well as expanded genetic testing options, in the future. This progress holds great promise for improving the overall health and well-being of our beloved Golden Retrievers.