What health concerns should I look out for in a Golden Retriever?

You should check both pedigrees to ensure there are no common ancestors or in-breeding in the previous 4 generations and also have both dogs hip and elbow scored to ensure they have no evidence of dysplasia, consider eye testing also. Retrievers females should be 15mths+ before breeding to ensure there bones are mature enough and will not be stunted or create any problems with future development or labor and delivery

In-breeding over time can cause certain characteristic traits and genetic qualities (including defects) to be selected for that are undesirable. However it is unsure what exact characteristic traits will predominate in each individual puppy and to what degree. I think it is fair to ask if this line of pedigree has any genetic defects that you should be concerned about that could possibly pass on to Mabei, to make this breeder a bit more transparent in information and also hold them accountable for informing you as a concerned potential adoptee. Also another great tool is the DNA genetic testing (the blood test that is done through a vet, not the cheek swab one which is highly inaccurate) which will give you a list of genetic predispositions and abnormalities that Mabei currently has so that you are aware from the very beginning of any disease processes she will be vulnerable to developing later in life. In-breeding is not what we want to see done in any situation, because it creates all kinds of genetic nightmares in most situations and does not speak highly of this breeder in my professional opinion. I hope this helps and best wishes on your decision making when it comes to adopting this pet. Best wishes and take care.

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!

I’m so sorry you lost both parents - cancer sucks! Golden Retrievers do seem to be a little more likely to develop certain types of cancers than other dogs (particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma), but keep in mind any dog can develop cancer at any time. If you love Golden Retrievers, get one! Otherwise I think a mixed breed might be your best bet to avoid hereditary cancers.

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!

Hi Lou! Yes, you are correct that there is a concern about getting a puppy from parents who are siblings, even half siblings. This increasing the risk of the dog having recessive genes expressed which can adversely affect their health. Siblings should never be bred to each other, and a responsible breeder would never allow that to happen. In my opinion, I would not get a puppy from this litter, and instead find a breeder who does not allow siblings to be bred to each other. Also make sure the breeder does health tests on the sire and dam to make sure that genetic diseases which are common in this breed of dog are not present, thus making the puppies as healthy as possible. Good luck, I hope this helps!

I would not expect any health issues from this in-breeding. The crazy stuff in the movies would only be expected after many generations of in-breeding. However, if both parents have health issues, then the puppy may also develop those health issues much like a puppy born to unrelated parents with the same health issues.