Many breeds of pedigree dogs are prone to hereditary diseases. Responsible breeders and breed clubs attempt to identify problems in their breed, and develop programs to test for, minimise and eliminate them.

Our golden retrievers are tested for hereditary problems before we breed from them. The test values are significant, but unfortunately they are unable to provide certainty in regard to the health status of their offspring. The identification and testing programs provide breeders with indications of problems and guidelines for future mating, not comprehensive guarantees. Genetic conditions involve many factors, are extremely complex, and information is not always readily available. In short, health testing is valuable as a means of risk minimisation, not elimination, at least in the short term. We hope that over time risk minimisation strategies will lead to risk elimination.

Tendency to hip dysplasia is assessed by X-raying adult dogs under general anaesthetic. A specialist then examines the X-rays and ‘scores’ them. Australian golden retrievers have an average breed score of 16 points out of a maximum 106. The international average for golden retriever hip scores is 19. Low scores are preferable to high. We only breed from dogs with below average hip scores.

There is less information on golden retriever elbows than hips, due to the shorter length of time the program has been operating. However information is being collected and used by responsible breeders. Adult dog’s X-rays are assessed by a specialist and ranked from 0-5. Low scores are preferable and we do not breed from dogs with a score higher than 1/1.

Adult dogs are examined annually for hereditary eye faults by a veterinary ophthalmologist. Only dogs which have clear (no hereditary problems) eye certificates are bred from.

Our dogs must be certified as free of hereditary heart problems by a specialist in internal medicine before we breed from them.

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