Labradors are great dogs to own, but there are genetic issues of which you must be aware in order to care for your dog properly. Make sure you know the status of not just your dog, but your breeder's position on testing for the following conditions:

• Eye tests (not a vision test, but physical evaluation of the eyeball): PRA or progressive rental atrophy
• Heart test : TVD or tricuspid valve dysplasia
• Orthopedics test: testing for hip and elbow dysplasia

An interesting development in the labrador breeder community of which you should be aware is that many breeders are not going to guarantee the hips/elbows of their dogs anymore. The reasoning behind this refusal is that the breeder cannot be sure of the environmental stimuli through which the new owners will be putting their new dogs. I am not comfortable with that position, and therefore Event Horizon Farm will continue to offer our guarantee.

• Epilepsy status:

Problems with epilepsy are starting to be seen in the labrador breed as more weekend breeders mix their dogs into the gene pool. You should ask your breeder about the family genetic history of your dog in order to determine genetic tendencies (ie., did your puppy's grandsire or granddam have epileptic seizures). Breeders should know the pedigree of their breeding stock well enough to answer these questions.

Read more about these genetic tests at the following links:

Canada's Guide to Dogs (general information about common labrador health issues)

Official OFFA site with explanations of hip, elbow and heart tests

Official CERF website

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If your breeder is not willing to answer these questions about their puppies, you should find a breeder who can and will answer.