Some Health Issues Concerning Breeding The Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a very healthy breed, but like any living creature and of course that includes us, they suffer from disease. By carefully screening the animals we include in our breeding programmes we can hopefully reduce the chances of the heartbreak that disease and disability can cause so we participate in the health schemes managed by the British Veterinary Association and the United Kingdom Kennel Club .

HIP SCORING SCHEME

This is done at twelve months of age by your veterinary surgeon. The dog is x-rayed and the plates are submitted to the British Veterinary Association where they are given a hip score by a panel of specialist vets. The score can range from 0 to 53 on each hip with a maximum total score of 106. Each hip is scored separately and may have different numbers. The lower the score the better. The breed average in Golden Retrievers is a total figure of around 20. Before breeding you must hip score. At Riverdance we pride ourselves that our dogs have hips significantly better than the breed average.  When we have used a stud dog, a low hip score is always an important factor.  

EYE TESTING SCHEME

The certificate is held for one year and then has to be renewed. Only a limited number of veterinary surgeons can issue eye testing certificates. The test confirms that the dog is free from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Hereditary Cataract (HC). Before breeding you must have breeding stock eyes tested

Although we adhere to good breeding practice it is impossible to guarantee that progeny from any dogs will be free of health issues, our aim along with other responsible breeders is to minimize the risks.

USING ONE OF OUR STUD DOGS

We currently have Max, Riverdance Dot Matrix Jun Ch at stud.  He has a clear eye certificate until May 2011 and has BVA/KC hip score of 4:3.  He is a proven stud dog and although young he has sired some lovely puppies.  He is available to be used at stud to approved bitches. We are trying to improve our breed, the bitch has to have a current clear eye certificate and have been hip scored and have a total score of less than 36.  You should be aware of the cycle of your bitches season as a stud dog will not mate a bitch until she is ready, generally that could be from day 10 to day 13 since the commencement of bleeding.  You would be advised to seek the assistance of your vet who can perform a test called ‘Premate’ which will indicate if the bitch has or is near to ovulation; it may have to be repeated more than once.  We also insist that any bitch visiting has also undergone a course of antibiotics prescribed by your vet to eliminate any minor infection; this is a precaution to ensure the health of the stud dog and any other bitches that follow your visit.  Payment for our stud service is that if puppies result then the full fee is payable, if no puppies result then a smaller ‘handling fee’ will be charged.  Detailed terms are available on request.
                                                                                                                       

                                     One of Max's puppies aged 3months    

PUPPIES

We rarely have puppies but we are in touch with a number of reputable breeders who do have, also we are aware of litters due as a result of bitch owners using our stud dog, please contact us we may be able to assist.