Is my Golden Retriever a good fit for breeding? Age & health.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oakley. You will want OFA certification of his joints done to start. This needs to happen after two years of age. X-rays are taken under anesthesia and then the films are evaluated by a board certified radiologist. Typically you will need an evaluation by a cardiologist and ophthalmologist as well. You can reference the AKC website though as they will list all the requirements per breed. Great job being a responsible breeder!

Unfortunately hip dysplasia is genetic, and it is something that is common in Golden Retrievers. It is never recommended to breed a dog with hip dysplasia due to the genetic component of the disease. In it's most severe form, it can cause crippling lameness and severe arthritis. If you want to breed Toby, you need to get him hip scored by a vet, and only dogs with very low scores should be bred. I hope this helps!

It would not be recommended to breed a labrador (or any large/giant breed) before 15-18months of age as they are not mature and it is possible their growth and development would be permanently stunted. They also tend to be poor mothers as they are not behaviorally ready either

I would recommend mating anytime after 2 years of age and before the age of 6 in this breed. But even with that said you must consider Rosy's current health status to determine when she can truly stop breeding. So frequent health exams by the vet are important. Statistics show that a bitch's chances of getting pregnant drops significantly after the age of 6. Litter size is normally around 7 puppies in this breed. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Red Barron. Male dogs typically reach sexual maturity at 6-9 months of age. So he is a bit young, but it would be possible. I hope this information helps!

Just because he is inbred, does not automatically make him prone to health problems. Inbreeding is often used to find congenital defects that may be recessive, but it is also done in order to bring out more of the good characteristics in animals. Your puppy is prone only to the usual health problems of Golden Retrievers, such as hip dysplasia, Skin Conditions, Cancer, Von Willebrand Disease, Luxating Patella, Cataracts and a Low Thyroid.

I personally recommend neutering around a year of age. The dog will be almost fully grown at that age. If you want to breed Jasper, wait until he is at least a year old before breeding him, but if you are undecided, having him neutered is best for his health. Neutering him prevents testicular tumors and prostate problems. Best of luck, I hope this helps!