Certificates and Clearances
Our Golden Retriever health testing
Root River Retrievers takes health testing very seriously. Every dog we own is completely health tested prior to breeding. We start at around 12 months old, completing preliminary evaluations of the hips and elbows. That is followed by their first visit to the Ophthalmology veterinarian for their yearly eye exam as well as having their heart checked by a cardiologist.
After their second birthday (24 months old) we complete the final hip and elbow x-rays which are sent to be evaluated and recorded with the OFA. Results are public and we encourage any prospective puppy buyer to check them out.
Genetic Testing
At any age, prior to breeding, we take a cheek swab and send it to Pawprint Genetics their breed essential panel for the following tests: ITC 1-2, PRA 1-2, PRA-PRCD and NCL. We are careful to never breed two carriers of the same disease together. None of our puppies will ever be affected by the aforementioned diseases.
Genetic Diversity
We strive to keep COI (coefficient of inbreeding) levels as low as possible, while striving to keep with the dogs natural traits and abilities as retriever. Although inbreeding will help cement ‘good’ traits, there is a danger of it cementing bad ones. In particular, it can cause the rapid build-up of disease genes in a population. Even if a breed of dog is lucky enough to be free of serious genetic disorders, inbreeding is likely to affect our dogs in more subtle, but no less serious ways.
