Health testing can be complex, but this article offers a simple, foundational overview for anyone choosing a responsible breeder.
Modern advancements in medical and genetic technology have dramatically improved our ability to identify biological traits in dogs. Breeders today have access to tools that can detect many of the heritable conditions commonly seen in specific breeds. Still, there are limitations—science has not yet uncovered every genetic factor, and some conditions remain undetectable.
“Health clearances” or “health testing” refer to evaluations performed on parent dogs before breeding. The goal is simple: reduce the risk of passing on preventable health conditions to future puppies.
There are several pieces to this puzzle, and it is the responsibility of a reputable breeder to understand them and use them correctly. As a puppy buyer, you don’t need to become a geneticist—but you should know what tests matter and choose a breeder who performs them thoughtfully and consistently.
Thanks to today’s technology, breeders can screen for a variety of heritable conditions—many of them specific to Golden Retrievers. At minimum, a responsible Golden Retriever breeder should complete:
A breed‑specific genetic panel
Eye evaluation
Cardiac evaluation
Hip evaluation
Elbow evaluation
Thyroid evaluation (recommended)
At Oak Bluff Golden Retrievers, we follow the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) protocols for eye, cardiac, hip, elbow, and thyroid screenings. For genetic testing, we use Embark, a leader in canine DNA analysis.
Below is a simple breakdown of each test.
Genetic testing looks directly at a dog’s DNA. Embark, one of the most trusted names in canine genetics, screens for more than 230 genetic health risks.
The test is typically performed using a cheek swab, which is sent to a lab for analysis. For Golden Retrievers, the most relevant results relate to:
Skin disorders
Eye conditions
Neurological issues
Collagen disorders
Other breed‑specific risks
These results help breeders select compatible breeding pairs and avoid producing puppies with preventable genetic conditions—ultimately improving the breed.
Although genetic testing includes some eye‑related markers, not all conditions can be detected through DNA alone. That’s why breeders also use the OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER).
A board‑certified veterinary ophthalmologist performs this exam to identify inherited or developmental eye diseases.
This exam assesses the health of the parent dog’s heart. A veterinary cardiologist performs the evaluation following OFA guidelines to detect congenital or hereditary heart disease.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common developmental issues in many breeds, including Golden Retrievers. These evaluations involve radiographs taken by a certified veterinarian and reviewed by a veterinary radiologist.
Two major certifying bodies perform these assessments:
OFA (used by Oak Bluff)
PennHIP (another widely recognized option)
Both systems help breeders reduce the risk of producing puppies with joint abnormalities.
This test analyzes a dog’s blood to detect thyroid‑related disease. Thyroid issues can have genetic components, making this an important screening tool for breeding dogs.
As much as we wish it did, the answer is no. Health testing significantly reduces risk, but it cannot eliminate it entirely. Some conditions are detectable; others are not yet understood by science.
Health clearances give breeders a roadmap—a way to make informed decisions and minimize preventable issues. Responsible breeders use every available tool to reduce risk as much as possible.
We hope this overview helps you feel more confident as you search for a healthy puppy. Dog biology is complex, and the conversation could go on forever, but understanding the basics of health testing is one of the most important steps in choosing a reputable breeder.
Always ask for proof of certifications. A responsible breeder will gladly provide them.
At Oak Bluff Golden Retrievers, we test all of our dogs and carefully analyze results before selecting breeding pairs. Our goal is always to produce healthy, well‑balanced puppies and to support families in making informed decisions.
