The Big Four: Recommended Orthopedic & Physical Testing

Frankly, there is no excuse for anyone putting puppies into this world to skip these tests—even if they are just breeding "one litter." Just because a parent dog doesn't show obvious symptoms doesn't mean they are cleared. You cannot look at a dog and know if they have underlying orthopedic or genetic issues based on how they walk (unless they are already in obvious pain). Testing gives us definitive answers, removes the guesswork, and creates a public traceable log across generations to help improve the breed as a whole.

PGF ensures hips and elbows are evaluated at 24-months of age. Heart and eyes are evaluated yearly, with the first heart exam always being an electronic electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) by a certified cardiologist, thereafter a yearly auscultation exam is performed. Eyes are checked yearly by a board certified ophthalmologist.

Here is exactly what we look for in the "Big Four" physical clearances required for the Golden Retriever breed:

1. Hip Dysplasia

To clear a dog's hips, a breeder should use one (or both) of the following methods:

• OFA Evaluation: Done at 24 months of age or older. Any OFA hip X-rays taken before 2 years old are called "prelims." They are a great tool to see how a young dog is growing, but they are not final clearances. Final passing scores are rated as Excellent, Good, or Fair. Dogs that fail receive ratings of Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe and should not be bred.

• PennHIP Evaluation: This can be done as early as 16 weeks of age. Unlike the OFA's single view and subjective 3-vet scoring system, PennHIP uses specialized measurements and multiple views to calculate a distraction index (hip laxity). It doesn't give a "pass/fail" score, but rather a measurement of risk for developing osteoarthritis later in life.

Pro-Tip: While any vet can take radiographs and send them to the OFA, we recommend finding a reproductive vet or a specialist. Getting perfect positioning makes a massive difference in scoring, and it's worth going to someone who does them every day. Expect to pay around $250 to $400 total if you do hips and elbows together.

2. Elbow Dysplasia

Like hips, final OFA elbow certifications require the dog to be at least 24 months old. Elbows are typically radiographed at the same time as the hips.

• The Scores: Unlike hips, elbows are simply rated as Normal or Grade I, II, or III Dysplasia. If a dog fails, the OFA will list the specific issue present.

3. Cardiac Evaluation

To get an OFA heart clearance, a dog must be evaluated at 12 months or older.

• Basic vs. Advanced: A basic clearance can be done via auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) by a regular vet or a cardiologist. However, for the Golden Retriever breed, getting an Advanced Cardiac Certificate (which requires an echocardiogram performed by a Board-Certified Cardiologist) is the gold standard to ensure there are no underlying congenital heart issues.

• The Cost: An auscultation is usually quite cheap (under $50 at health clinics), while a full echo can run $300 to $600+.

4. Eye Evaluation

Eyes are unique because they must be examined by a board-certified ACVO Ophthalmologist and renewed annually for the dog's lifetime. Genetics and age can change eye health rapidly, making a clearance from three years ago useless today.

• The Cost: These exams are typically quite affordable (often under $50). If you don't have a specialist nearby, local kennel clubs and dog shows frequently host health clinics where ophthalmologists offer discounted rates. You can find a list of upcoming local clinics directly on the OFA website.