Our health testing protocol:
As we adhere to future plans and certainly strive to maintain the integrity of the breed standard and obviously want beautiful, happy healthy dogs and puppies this is our protocol on health testing...
Genetic Health Panels: Whether we keep a puppy from our foundation or get a puppy that has promise to use in for our future show or breeding prospects we "always" run a genetic panel see samples on the bottom of this page. The genetic panel tells us what potential diseases the puppy/dog could carry or pass on. This panel also tells us the colors in which the dog carries and to confirm they do not carry the dilute gene.
Orthopedic: We generally do preliminary orthopedic (Hip & Elbow) xrays after a year of age. We try to do them close to 18 months but typically we get a good analysis of the state of the orthopedics after a year for the OFA Orthopedic Foundation - although using the Penn Hip method you can get an analysis after 4 months. We use the preliminary OFA method for all of our dogs as we like them to mature and again have a good idea of their future after they have "grown into themselves". Preliminary results are sent via a pdf report and are not listed on the OFA website. results are only recorded after dogs are x-rayed after the 2 year birthday and paying an additional fee to have them listed in the database. We like to have an earlier baseline to go on, if it is clear a dog will not work out in a show career or our future breeding program we have wonderful families in the wings that adopt these lovely youngsters and it allows them time to still be young enough to bond with the family, and they are old enough to not chew up your shoes and many have a good foundation of training. Of course all preliminary results can either be located on our website or in our take home folders with puppies. *if we have superstar show prospects ie: Primo for instance has all final testing after 24 months that way he has a permanent record on file for other breeders that need that resource to make their decision to use him as a breeding sire. Again if you have any questions about our methods we are happy to discuss further.
Personality: We use lots of methods to determine proper temperaments to keep in our show and breeding program, any minor flaw is one that is not overlooked, as we certainly want the best and brightest puppies in our program.
As we adhere to future plans and certainly strive to maintain the integrity of the breed standard and obviously want beautiful, happy healthy dogs and puppies this is our protocol on health testing...
Genetic Health Panels: Whether we keep a puppy from our foundation or get a puppy that has promise to use in for our future show or breeding prospects we "always" run a genetic panel see samples on the bottom of this page. The genetic panel tells us what potential diseases the puppy/dog could carry or pass on. This panel also tells us the colors in which the dog carries and to confirm they do not carry the dilute gene.
Orthopedic: We generally do preliminary orthopedic (Hip & Elbow) xrays after a year of age. We try to do them close to 18 months but typically we get a good analysis of the state of the orthopedics after a year for the OFA Orthopedic Foundation - although using the Penn Hip method you can get an analysis after 4 months. We use the preliminary OFA method for all of our dogs as we like them to mature and again have a good idea of their future after they have "grown into themselves". Preliminary results are sent via a pdf report and are not listed on the OFA website. results are only recorded after dogs are x-rayed after the 2 year birthday and paying an additional fee to have them listed in the database. We like to have an earlier baseline to go on, if it is clear a dog will not work out in a show career or our future breeding program we have wonderful families in the wings that adopt these lovely youngsters and it allows them time to still be young enough to bond with the family, and they are old enough to not chew up your shoes and many have a good foundation of training. Of course all preliminary results can either be located on our website or in our take home folders with puppies. *if we have superstar show prospects ie: Primo for instance has all final testing after 24 months that way he has a permanent record on file for other breeders that need that resource to make their decision to use him as a breeding sire. Again if you have any questions about our methods we are happy to discuss further.
Personality: We use lots of methods to determine proper temperaments to keep in our show and breeding program, any minor flaw is one that is not overlooked, as we certainly want the best and brightest puppies in our program.
Generally some breeders offer some type of written health warranty on the puppy you purchase, and most generally there are “stipulations”. You are purchasing a live animal, and inevitably any living creature is subjected to pathogens, environmental influences and genetic issues. A health warranty on a dog can't be compared to your new smart TV you purchased a year ago and there are many breeders that will not offer any type of warranty or health guarantee for any reason!
Why do we want you to get that puppy wellness check up scheduled ASAP, generally within 72 hours? For our own protection and for the puppy's wellbeing, nothing is worse than someone waiting two weeks to have the puppy seen for the first time (or 6 months!!!) I actually had a family not take their puppy to the vet for yes.... 6 MONTHS!!!!. By then who know what the new owner has “accidently” exposed the puppy too. Who can say if the puppy has been fed correctly for two weeks or if the puppy chewed and swallowed Suzies Barbie shoe... do they still make Barbies??? lol.. or is it LOL Dolls now?? Maybe the owners tell their Veterinarian the puppy was like that when they purchased, and they just got the puppy, when they have had the puppy for 10 days... or hmmm months.... This is why most breeders generally only allow the new owner a “short window” to get that puppy in for a well-check exam. Facts are either the puppy was healthy at the time of sale or not.
There is not a reputable breeder that would want to have their puppy, that they raised and hovered over to develop a health problem, or to get a call stating their wonderful puppy from their prize litter last year is suspected to have Hip Dysplasia, but it does and can happen. No matter how careful we are as breeders things just happen. They are living animals and maladies can happen.
Hips, Elbows, Knees and Chin... just kidding... lets talk Joints.... and we ain't in Denver lol !!
Just because your puppies parents have passed their Orthopedic Exams and are certified, does not mean your puppy will never develop a problem with his or her joints. Joint Issues such as Hip Dysplasia are "Pyogenic" which means it is controlled by many different genes but is also influenced greatly by environment and external situations ie: Obesity, early removal of growth hormones (spaying/neutering), stress to underdeveloped joints and ligaments associated with strenuous exercise before maturity, nutritional deficiencies etc.
There is no way to say 100% or a DNA test that will tell you if your dog will develop hip issues or not. X-rays are the only way to determine the hip joint status and x-rays are very subjective because not every Veterinarian reading the x-ray will have the same opinion and not every x-ray taken is done so with correct positioning. Veterinarians' and the way they use positioning can make a dog with Good hips look like he has bad hips and a dog with poor hips look like he has good hips. A dog that is certified OFA Excellent at two years of age, can still develop hip dysplasia later in life.
We do everything we can do with all the tools and testing available to prevent our dogs and puppies from developing joint issues but once a puppy goes to live with their new family, we have no control over how the dog is raised and by all means cannot do anything other than pray that new owner follows our advice. If you are lucky enough to get a hip warranty, there is an increased chance that you have done something wrong during puppy development which has influenced Hip Dysplasia to manifest... if for some reason you suspect a joint issue x-rays need to be submitted to the OFA for evaluation. Most breeders will require x-rays to be submitted to the OFA, especially if you do not understand orthopedic issues to begin with. Puppy buyers demand that breeder’s do all that they can to prevent orthopedic problems, however in many cases the puppy buyer fails to follow up with the same protocols when faced with an issue.
As with any breed, Labradors can be predisposition to certain preventable genetic diseases. We are able to do a simple swab and send to approved laboratories to eliminate preventable diseases when breeding....
We also suggest you get health coverage for your pet. Low cost pet insurance is available and yes it is worth it. Just research companies and go with a plan and coverage that best suits your needs. As a breeder we have done our part... this is your dog and we can only offer advice as to what has been proven successful in their programs and keeping our dogs healthy and thriving, we have no control over how you raise your puppy.
The word that strikes fear in us all... Cancer :'( Cancer is not something a breeder can warranty. I have had many calls and inquiries where someone is looking for a new puppy after losing their dog to Cancer. “I want to get a dog from a different breeder that does not have Cancer in their lines”. Unfortunately that is not how cancer works. Yes there are some types of Cancers that can have a genetic predisposition, but Cancer cells develop because of damage to cells. Diet, what we expose our bodies to and how well we take care of ourselves can either keep Cancer at bay or feed it. A good recommendation is to feed a high quality kibble and avoid by-products, starches and GMO's. Also, please be careful what you expose your dog to, vaccines, flea/tick prevention, pesticides and herbicides, dog treats laced with heavy chemicals and preservatives.
Why do we want you to get that puppy wellness check up scheduled ASAP, generally within 72 hours? For our own protection and for the puppy's wellbeing, nothing is worse than someone waiting two weeks to have the puppy seen for the first time (or 6 months!!!) I actually had a family not take their puppy to the vet for yes.... 6 MONTHS!!!!. By then who know what the new owner has “accidently” exposed the puppy too. Who can say if the puppy has been fed correctly for two weeks or if the puppy chewed and swallowed Suzies Barbie shoe... do they still make Barbies??? lol.. or is it LOL Dolls now?? Maybe the owners tell their Veterinarian the puppy was like that when they purchased, and they just got the puppy, when they have had the puppy for 10 days... or hmmm months.... This is why most breeders generally only allow the new owner a “short window” to get that puppy in for a well-check exam. Facts are either the puppy was healthy at the time of sale or not.
There is not a reputable breeder that would want to have their puppy, that they raised and hovered over to develop a health problem, or to get a call stating their wonderful puppy from their prize litter last year is suspected to have Hip Dysplasia, but it does and can happen. No matter how careful we are as breeders things just happen. They are living animals and maladies can happen.
Hips, Elbows, Knees and Chin... just kidding... lets talk Joints.... and we ain't in Denver lol !!
Just because your puppies parents have passed their Orthopedic Exams and are certified, does not mean your puppy will never develop a problem with his or her joints. Joint Issues such as Hip Dysplasia are "Pyogenic" which means it is controlled by many different genes but is also influenced greatly by environment and external situations ie: Obesity, early removal of growth hormones (spaying/neutering), stress to underdeveloped joints and ligaments associated with strenuous exercise before maturity, nutritional deficiencies etc.
There is no way to say 100% or a DNA test that will tell you if your dog will develop hip issues or not. X-rays are the only way to determine the hip joint status and x-rays are very subjective because not every Veterinarian reading the x-ray will have the same opinion and not every x-ray taken is done so with correct positioning. Veterinarians' and the way they use positioning can make a dog with Good hips look like he has bad hips and a dog with poor hips look like he has good hips. A dog that is certified OFA Excellent at two years of age, can still develop hip dysplasia later in life.
We do everything we can do with all the tools and testing available to prevent our dogs and puppies from developing joint issues but once a puppy goes to live with their new family, we have no control over how the dog is raised and by all means cannot do anything other than pray that new owner follows our advice. If you are lucky enough to get a hip warranty, there is an increased chance that you have done something wrong during puppy development which has influenced Hip Dysplasia to manifest... if for some reason you suspect a joint issue x-rays need to be submitted to the OFA for evaluation. Most breeders will require x-rays to be submitted to the OFA, especially if you do not understand orthopedic issues to begin with. Puppy buyers demand that breeder’s do all that they can to prevent orthopedic problems, however in many cases the puppy buyer fails to follow up with the same protocols when faced with an issue.
As with any breed, Labradors can be predisposition to certain preventable genetic diseases. We are able to do a simple swab and send to approved laboratories to eliminate preventable diseases when breeding....
We also suggest you get health coverage for your pet. Low cost pet insurance is available and yes it is worth it. Just research companies and go with a plan and coverage that best suits your needs. As a breeder we have done our part... this is your dog and we can only offer advice as to what has been proven successful in their programs and keeping our dogs healthy and thriving, we have no control over how you raise your puppy.
The word that strikes fear in us all... Cancer :'( Cancer is not something a breeder can warranty. I have had many calls and inquiries where someone is looking for a new puppy after losing their dog to Cancer. “I want to get a dog from a different breeder that does not have Cancer in their lines”. Unfortunately that is not how cancer works. Yes there are some types of Cancers that can have a genetic predisposition, but Cancer cells develop because of damage to cells. Diet, what we expose our bodies to and how well we take care of ourselves can either keep Cancer at bay or feed it. A good recommendation is to feed a high quality kibble and avoid by-products, starches and GMO's. Also, please be careful what you expose your dog to, vaccines, flea/tick prevention, pesticides and herbicides, dog treats laced with heavy chemicals and preservatives.
