Retriever Health Testing: What Really Matters?

Westhouse Retrievers

Sep 12

2 min read

Retriever Health Testing: Why It Matters

When you’re looking for a Retriever puppy, health testing is one of the most important things to ask about.

A dog can look perfectly healthy but still carry inherited conditions, which is why responsible breeders use health testing before planning a litter.

At Westhouse Retrievers, we look at the whole dog — not just colour or appearance.

Retrievers can be prone to hip and elbow problems, so breeding dogs should be assessed before being used.

These results help breeders make better decisions and reduce the risk of passing joint problems on to puppies.

Eye testing is also important, as some inherited eye conditions can affect Retrievers.

Regular screening helps identify problems that may not be obvious just by looking at the dog.

DNA tests can show whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected by certain inherited conditions.

For Retrievers, this can include conditions such as:

Health testing is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing considered.

Temperament, pedigree, genetic diversity, overall health and whether two dogs are actually a good match all matter too.

At Westhouse, our aim is simple — to stay small, breed responsibly and make decisions with the dogs first.

We want future puppy families to understand where their puppy has come from and why a particular pairing has been chosen.

Ask to see the health results for both parents and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

A responsible breeder should be happy to explain the testing behind their dogs and the reasons for the mating.

For us, responsible breeding starts long before puppies arrive.