BRED FOR EXCELLENCE. BUILT ON LEGACY.
PRESERVATION BRED LABRADOR RETRIEVERS IN NORTHEAST OHIO
Labrador Retriever Health Testing: Understanding Potential Health Concerns in Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, resilient dogs, but like every breed, they have inherited and developmental conditions that responsible breeders work carefully to reduce.
At Hillstone, health testing is one of the tools we use when making breeding decisions. Every dog considered for our breeding program is evaluated through breed-appropriate health screening, genetic testing, pedigree research and family history before being bred.
Modern testing allows breeders to identify and avoid producing many preventable inherited diseases. Others, particularly orthopedic conditions, are more complex. Genetics, environment and multiple genes can all play a role.
We do our absolute best, but sometimes nature still just finds a way.
Good breeding isn't about promising that nothing will ever go wrong. It's about using the information available to us to make the most responsible decisions with the information at hand.
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.
Know the breed. Know the risks. Test. Breed accordingly.
Health Testing At Hillstone
Health testing is not a guarantee of perfect health. It is information — and responsible breeders use that information to make better breeding decisions.
Hillstone breeding dogs receive comprehensive health testing appropriate for the Labrador Retriever, including OFA Hips, Elbows, Advanced Cardiac, CAER Eyes, and comprehensive genetic testing for inherited conditions relevant to the breed. Genetic results are considered when planning each pairing so that we can avoid producing puppies affected by diseases for which reliable DNA testing is available.
Health results for our breeding dogs are submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and we encourage puppy families to verify those results themselves.
Transparency matters to us. You should never have to simply take a breeder's word for it.
We encourage all puppy families to confirm clearances directly through the OFA Database (www.ofa.org) — transparency is central to maintaining the long-term soundness and reputation of this breed. Visit this link (click here) to understand the tests recommended for ALL labradors.
