Yes, Health Testing Matters—But It’s Only Part of the Story
When I first started down the road of breeding dogs, I thought I had it all figured out.
Spend the money. Buy the “health tested” dog. Secure the best bloodlines. Cover all the bases. Protect the future.
I spent thousands—thousands—on dogs from truly incredible lines, full of champions and sparkling health clearances, convinced I was setting up my breeding program for bulletproof success. Only to have my heart broken when they failed their own health testing, sometimes miserably.
It was a humbling, expensive, and painful lesson. One I don't ever want to forget.
And it’s why our breeding program at Rose n’ Thistle Retrievers is built a little differently than most.
Our Commitment to Health Testing
Yes—we do all the recommended health testing. Thorough, comprehensive, careful testing.
Our protocol includes:
Full genetic panels for PRA1, PRA2, PRCD, Ichthyosis, Degenerative Myelopathy, NCL
Board-certified ophthalmologist eye exams (CAER)
OFA heart auscultation by a veterinarian at 12 months
OFA hips and elbows once fully mature (after 2 years old)
We take all of these evaluations very seriously. They give us important insight into the health of our breeding dogs.
But after years of hands-on experience, I can tell you this:
Testing alone doesn’t tell the full story.
You Have to Look at the Whole Dog
I’ve learned that no test—no matter how fancy, how expensive, or how reassuring on paper—can replace the wisdom of evaluating the whole dog.
When I look at a potential breeding dog, I’m paying attention to so much more than DNA.
Temperament: Calm, steady, gentle souls who can live peacefully in a bustling family home.
Trainability: Dogs who genuinely want to please, who can learn easily and enjoy doing it.
Physical vitality: Dogs who move cleanly, gracefully, and are naturally athletic.
Emotional stability: Confident, social dogs who aren’t reactive or fearful.
Mothering ability: In my females, this is crucial—how a mother raises her puppies matters deeply to me.
Because no amount of genetic “perfection” on paper can compensate for a dog that is weak in character, poor in movement, or unsound emotionally.
A Video Giving a Deeper Look into OFA
Why Health Testing Isn’t a Guarantee
There’s a hard truth most breeders won’t talk about openly:
Health testing helps—but it doesn’t guarantee anything.
A dog can pass every test with flying colors and still produce offspring with orthopedic issues, allergies, or even cancer. Why? Because health is influenced by so much more than just genetics.
Diet matters.
Early development matters.
Timing of spay/neuter matters.
Exercise and lifestyle matter.
For example, hip and elbow dysplasia—something we all try so hard to avoid—is just as heavily influenced by how a puppy is raised as it is by their genes. Overfeeding, early altering, and improper exercise during those critical first two years can undo even the best genetic potential.
It’s why we require our puppies to stay intact until at least 24 months—to give their bodies the best possible start.
And it’s why we spend so much time educating our families about proper nutrition, growth, and lifestyle for their new pups.
The Danger of a Shrinking Gene Pool
One of the things that grieves me most in the purebred dog world today is the rise of genetic bottlenecking.
Breeders, with good intentions, are eliminating otherwise wonderful dogs from the gene pool over tiny health imperfections.
The result? Less genetic diversity, and ironically—more health problems.
I’ve seen beautiful, structurally sound, temperamentally solid dogs dismissed for something as small as a "Fair" hip rating or an imperfect genetic marker. It’s heartbreaking.
Our job as breeders isn’t to chase impossible perfection.
It’s to preserve and steward the breed wisely, using health testing as a tool—not a dictator.
Cancer: The Hard Reality
If you’ve ever loved a Golden Retriever, you probably know about the silent threat: cancer.
Today, around 60% of Goldens will develop cancer in their lifetime.
And no, we can’t test it away.
Cancer is deeply complex, influenced by:
Bloodlines
Environmental toxins (think lawn chemicals, flea/tick meds, plastic bowls)
Over-vaccination
Early spay/neuter
Chronic inflammation and stress
At Rose n’ Thistle, we do everything we can to give our dogs a clean, toxin-conscious, nutrient-dense life.
And we breed from lines known for their longevity and soundness.
But we also recognize that we are living in a fallen world.
A world where suffering exists—even when we’ve done everything "right."
Romans 8:22 reminds us:
"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now."
This groaning includes our precious Goldens.
Our Promise to You
At Rose n’ Thistle Retrievers, here’s what we can promise:
Careful, appropriate health testing
Thoughtful, whole-dog evaluations
Sound, steady temperaments
Education and support for our puppy families
Honesty about what we can (and can’t) control
We offer a one-year genetic health guarantee and a two-year hip and elbow guarantee, contingent on responsible care.
But more importantly—we offer our whole hearts, our best efforts, and our lifelong support.
Because while we can’t promise perfection, we can promise excellence, commitment, and truthfulness.
And I believe, with all my heart, that when you raise a puppy with wisdom, patience, and love—you get a companion that brings immeasurable joy, despite the uncertainties that come with life in this world.
We are so honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
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