Golden Retriever health clearances guide
The Golden Retriever Club of America asks that both parents of a litter have hip, elbow, heart and eye clearances. This VerifiedStuds guide explains these Golden Retriever health clearances, the DNA tests worth adding, and what we require for the Verified Health badge.
Clearance
Who does it
Earliest final result
Hips
X-rays sent to OFA or PennHIP
24 months
Elbows
X-rays sent to OFA
24 months
Heart
Board-certified veterinary cardiologist
Over 12 months
Eyes
Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
Any age; valid 12 months
The club specifically asks for a cardiologist, not a general vet, because the breed is prone to subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Otherwise, a vet without specialist training can miss it.
NCL: neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a fatal neurological disease, which the AKC also lists for Goldens.
prcd-PRA, GR-PRA1 and GR-PRA2: three forms of progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness.
Ichthyosis: a scaly skin condition common in the breed.
OFA grades hips Excellent, Good or Fair (all passing), Borderline, or Mild, Moderate or Severe dysplasia. Similarly, elbows are Normal or Grade I to III. PennHIP gives a distraction index instead: lower numbers mean tighter hips, and the report also ranks the dog against others of its breed.
Some inherited eye diseases, including pigmentary uveitis, appear later in life. Therefore, the club recommends an exam every year for the life of any breeding dog, and an eye certificate is valid for 12 months.
The AKC advises testing stud dogs every 6 to 12 months and females before each breeding. In addition, VerifiedStuds asks for a negative test before every booking.
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What clearances should a Golden Retriever have before breeding?
Hips, elbows, a cardiologist heart exam and a current eye exam, plus a negative Brucellosis test.
At what age can a Golden get hip and elbow clearances?
OFA gives final hip and elbow ratings at 24 months.
Why does the heart exam need a cardiologist?
Goldens are prone to SAS, a heart defect a specialist is much more likely to detect.
How often should a Golden's eyes be checked?
Every year, because an eye certificate is valid for 12 months.
What does VerifiedStuds require for Golden studs?
OFA or PennHIP hips, OFA elbows, a cardiologist heart exam, a current eye exam, NCL DNA and also a negative Brucellosis test.
Sources: GRCA health screenings for parents of a litter, AKC Sporting Group health testing requirements.
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