Health Testing
Breeding healthy puppies that will have a long and happy life with you is our priority. For this to be achieved we health test all of our breeding stock before they can be considered suitable for breeding. We use only the best and carefully consider each mating to ensure we achieve a beautiful temperament & quality of health.
Health testing differs from breed to breed, for the Golden Retriever it is required for our breeding dogs to have DNA, hip/elbow X-rays, eye and heart testing. Their health certificates are available upon request.
DNA
All our puppies are DNA tested before they leave us for full breed profiles or clear by parentage with Orivet. This tests for PRA 1, 2, ICT A plus others.
Heart
This can only be tested once the pup is 12 months old and must be done by a specialist canine cardiologist. The cardiologist will listen for a heart murmur. We do not breed with dogs where a heart murmur has been detected.
Eyes
Eyes are tested once the pup turns 12 months old & then again every 18 months. Eye certificates are issued by a specialist canine ophthalmologist and our club’s Code of Ethics requires breeding dogs to be tested annually.
Hip/Elbow Scores
This can only be tested once the pup is 12 months old with a specialist through an x-ray and we only breed from dogs with excellent scores so as to minimise the risk of Hip Dysplasia in the puppies. Although there can never be a guarantee given when purchasing a puppy against Hip Dysplasia – all that responsible breeders can do, is offer you sound researched advice on preventative care, diet, exercise.
We are happy to show you the breeding pairs hip scores if requested and we will provide you with information to help minimise the chances of your dog sustaining injuries that could present as hip dysplasia down the track.
Bellaluma Goldens 