Health Testing

Although not currently considered standard testing for Goldens, we perform genetic testing on our dogs. We recently began to learn about Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) in Goldens. This is a devastating neurological disorder, and although we had never seen an affected dog, we wanted to make sure that it would not be an issue in our lines. When a genetic test became available, we tested all of our breeding dogs, and were relieved to learn that they are all clear. Goldens also commonly carry the gene for Ichthyosis (ICH), a skin disorder that can cause flaking of the skin, similar to dandruff. Severe symptoms that cause discomfort to the dog are very rare, and many dogs that are genetically affected have no symptoms at all. However, DNA testing for this gene is available, so we have been able to eliminate the possibility of having genetically affected puppies. The gene for a second, more serious form of Ichthyosis (ICH 2) was recently identified. Our entire breeding pack tested clear. Genetic testing is also available for the genes that cause Degenerative Myelopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy & Muscular Dystrophy. These genes are called autosomal recessive, which means that for a puppy to be affected, they must receive a defective gene from both parents. We have brought several dogs into our breeding pack that are clear on the full DNA panel for Goldens, and our carriers are only bred to a clear. This eliminates the possibility of producing affected puppies.