Why testing matters
Labradors are a sturdy, healthy breed overall, but like every breed they carry a few inherited conditions. Some are caused by a single gene and can be screened with a DNA test. Others, like hip and elbow dysplasia, are influenced by genetics and environment and are evaluated with X-rays.
Testing the parents doesn't guarantee a puppy will never have a health problem. It does stack the odds strongly in your favor, which is why we prioritize health, temperament and structure in every breeding decision.
Genetic panels
A genetic panel is a DNA test, usually from a cheek swab, that screens for inherited conditions. For Labradors, common tests include:
- Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): a condition that can cause weakness or collapse during intense exercise.
- Centronuclear myopathy (CNM): an inherited muscle disorder.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-prcd): a gradual loss of vision.
- Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK): crusting and dryness of the nose.
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM): a progressive spinal cord condition in older dogs.
- Skeletal dysplasia 2 (SD2): a form of dwarfism affecting leg length.
Panels also reveal coat color genetics, which is how we can tell you whether a pairing may produce yellow, black, chocolate or champagne puppies.
Clear, carrier and affected
For single-gene conditions, each dog tests as one of three results:
- Clear: no copies of the gene. The dog can't pass it on.
- Carrier: one copy. The dog is healthy but can pass it on.
- Affected: two copies. The dog may develop the condition.
A carrier isn't a bad dog. Carriers can be bred safely to clear partners, because their puppies can't be affected. What matters is that the breeder knows the results and pairs dogs responsibly.
Clear by parentage
When both of a dog's parents test clear for a condition, the dog is clear by parentage. It can't carry that gene, so it doesn't need to be tested separately. You'll see this on the pedigrees of well-tested lines.
OFA hips and elbows
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) reviews X-rays of a dog's hips and elbows and assigns a rating. Hip ratings range from Excellent, Good and Fair (passing) to Borderline and dysplastic grades. Elbows are rated Normal or by grade of dysplasia.
Final OFA ratings require the dog to be at least two years old, so younger breeding dogs may be "under evaluation." At Archer Lodge, many of our dogs have had hips and elbows evaluated by the OFA, are cleared by parentage, or are currently undergoing evaluation.
Other screenings
Some breeders also screen eyes through an annual exam and hearts through a cardiac evaluation. Ask what each parent has had done and when.
How to read a breeder's results
Ask for results on both parents, not just the mother. Look for:
- The name of the testing lab or organization
- The dog's registered name, so you can match it to the pedigree
- A clear result for each condition, or a pairing that can't produce affected puppies
Several of our girls have their Embark results linked on our Our Dogs page, and we share genetics and pedigrees for every pairing on request.
What testing can't do
Genetic tests only screen for known conditions. They can't predict allergies, injuries or every future illness. That's why raising your puppy well matters too:
- Keep your Lab lean. Extra weight is hard on growing joints.
- Avoid long runs and repetitive jumping while your puppy is growing.
- Keep up with vet visits and vaccines.
- Choose a quality large-breed puppy food.
Questions to ask any breeder
- What genetic panel have both parents completed?
- Can I see the results?
- Have the parents had OFA hip and elbow evaluations?
- Are any results pending, and when will they be final?
- What happens if a health issue comes up?
Our guide to choosing a Labrador breeder in North Carolina covers more questions worth asking.
Testing and temperament go together
Health is only part of what makes a great family dog. Temperament is inherited too, which is why we also look closely at how each parent behaves every day, around our kids, visitors and other dogs. A calm, confident mother tends to raise calm, confident puppies. When you ask about testing, ask about personality as well. A breeder who lives with their dogs, as we do, can tell you far more than any certificate.
See our dogs' results
We're proud of the health of our program and happy to walk you through any result. Call or text (919) 899-8917, visit our available puppies page, or send us a note and we'll share the genetics for the litter you're interested in.