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Essential Health Testing for Breeding Golden Retrievers

Breeding Golden Retrievers is both a privilege and a responsibility. Ethical breeding goes far beyond pairing two beautiful dogs, it requires a dedication to health, temperament, and the long-term betterment of the breed. The foundation of any responsible breeding program lies in comprehensive health testing. These evaluations identify hereditary and structural conditions that could be passed to future generations, ensuring that every litter begins with the best possible start in life.

Below are the essential and recommended tests every reputable Golden Retriever breeder should complete before breeding.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is vital for uncovering inherited diseases that can affect the breed’s health and longevity. A full Golden Retriever DNA panel, such as those offered by Embark, Paw Print Genetics, or Optimal Selection, screens for the following key conditions:

GR-PRA1 & GR-PRA2 (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
These tests identify two Golden Retriever–specific mutations that cause progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. Identifying carriers and clears helps ensure affected puppies are never produced.
PRA-prcd (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration)
Another form of PRA that causes gradual loss of vision. Breeding decisions should prevent pairing two carriers.
GRMD (Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy)
A rare but serious muscle disorder that affects strength and mobility. Testing allows breeders to avoid producing affected offspring.
NCL (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis)
A fatal neurological disease that affects the brain and nervous system. Genetic testing ensures that only clear or carrier-safe combinations are bred.
ICH1 & ICH2 (Ichthyosis Type 1 & 2)
These tests identify mutations that cause flaky, dry, or scaly skin. While mild in some cases, breeding clear or carrier-safe combinations helps reduce the prevalence of these skin disorders.
DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
A progressive spinal cord disease similar to ALS in humans, eventually leading to paralysis. Identifying carriers helps prevent future generations from inheriting this debilitating condition.

Tip: All genetic testing results should be publicly verifiable through trusted registries (e.g., OFA, Paw Print Pedigrees, or Embark’s breeder portal) to promote transparency.

OFA Testing (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) provides certification programs to evaluate the physical health of breeding dogs. Each OFA test must be completed by a licensed veterinarian, and, when applicable, by board-certified specialists in cardiology or ophthalmology.

Hips

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic issues in Golden Retrievers. Radiographs (x-rays) are reviewed by OFA’s panel of radiologists and graded as Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe. Breeding should only occur with dogs rated Fair or better.

Elbows

Elbow dysplasia involves abnormal joint development, often leading to arthritis. OFA elbow evaluations detect these issues early, and only dogs with Normal elbow ratings should be bred.

Heart

Cardiac evaluations are critical for detecting inherited heart conditions such as Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Testing should be performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, and the results submitted to OFA for certification.

Eyes

Annual eye exams performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO-certified) detect hereditary eye diseases like PRA, cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. Results are recorded through OFA/CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry).

Final Thoughts

Health testing is not just a checklist, it is the foundation of ethical breeding. Each test serves a purpose in safeguarding the health, structure, and temperament of future generations of Golden Retrievers. Responsible breeders share these results publicly, work closely with their veterinarians, and breed only dogs that meet or exceed these standards.

At LMU Goldens, every breeding pair is genetically tested and OFA-certified for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes, with all results made available for verification. This level of diligence ensures that every LMU puppy begins life on the strongest possible foundation, built on health, integrity, and love for the breed.

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