Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, resilient dogs — yet, as with all breeds, there are certain inherited conditions responsible breeders remain cautious of producing.  At Hillstone Labradors, every breeding dog is carefully evaluated through health screening and DNA testing before being bred. While science has made remarkable progress in identifying and reducing genetic risk, some traits remain polygenic, meaning they result from multiple genes and environmental influences. We do our absolute best, but sometimes nature still just finds a way. 

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The following chart highlights the most relevant hereditary and developmental concerns in the Labrador Retriever, explained in clear, accessible language, along with the measures reputable breeders take to reduce their occurrence.