Our Health Testing Philosophy

Balanced. Thoughtful. And Rooted in Common Sense

At Rose n’ Thistle Retrievers, we are committed to producing Golden Retrievers who are not only beautiful and intelligent but—above all—healthy, resilient, and well-suited for family life. Health testing plays a vital role in our program, but it is only one piece of a larger picture. Our approach is not driven by trends or social media pressure. Instead, it is grounded in decades of veterinary science, practical experience, and a deep respect for the breed and its purpose as a loyal, dependable companion.

Our Health Testing Protocol

We follow a comprehensive health testing process that includes:

  • Full panel genetic testing for known breed-specific conditions such as PRA1, PRA2, PRCD, Ichthyosis, Degenerative Myelopathy, and NCL

  • OFA eye exams (CAER) by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist

  • Veterinary heart auscultation Certified by OFA at 12 months

  • OFA hips and elbows, once our dogs are at least two years old and fully mature

These evaluations give us valuable insight into the genetic and structural health of our breeding dogs. However, we never rely on test results alone when making breeding decisions.

Looking at the Whole Dog

In our experience, no test can replace the wisdom of carefully evaluating the whole dog. Our breeding decisions consider a broad spectrum of traits, including:

  • Temperament: A calm, confident, gentle nature is paramount, especially for families with children.

  • Trainability and willingness to please: Essential for a successful family dog or working companion.

  • Physical vitality: Sound movement, natural athleticism, and resilience.

  • Emotional stability: Dogs that are neither fearful nor reactive, but adaptable and social.

  • Mothering ability and biddability: Especially in our females, this plays an enormous role in raising well-adjusted puppies.

No amount of genetic perfection on paper can compensate for a dog that lacks these foundational traits.

Health Testing: A Valuable Tool, But Not Infallible

While health testing is a valuable tool in reducing the risk of hereditary disease, it is not a guarantee, nor is it infallible. Even dogs with excellent OFA scores and clean genetic panels can produce offspring with orthopedic or developmental issues. This is because health is not governed by genetics alone—it is multifactorial, influenced heavily by environment, diet, early development, and timing of interventions like spay/neuter.

Take, for example, hip and elbow dysplasia. While these conditions have a genetic component, they are also heavily influenced by environmental and nutritional factors—particularly during the first 18–24 months of life. A puppy with excellent genetic potential can still develop joint issues if fed improperly, allowed to become overweight, or altered (spayed/neutered) too early.

Here I’m going to share a video I found very helpful when I began my journey of questioning the effectiveness of these test.

Environmental and Nutritional Influences on Joint Health

1. The Role of Diet and Growth Rate

A landmark study published in Veterinary Surgery showed that dogs fed a restricted diet (75% of free-fed amount)developed fewer signs of hip dysplasia and arthritis than their littermates who were allowed to free-feed Kealy et al., 1997 – PubMed. Slower, more controlled growth during puppyhood preserves joint health and leads to more sound adults.

2. Risks of Early Spay/Neuter

A well-known study from UC Davis showed that Golden Retrievers spayed or neutered before 12 months of age were at significantly higher risk for joint disorders such as hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears, and elbow dysplasia, as well as certain cancers Torres de la Riva et al., 2013 – PubMed.

Because of this, we require that all our puppies remain intact until at least 24 months old. This allows growth plates to fully close, bones and joints to develop properly, and hormonal systems to function as intended.

3. Lifestyle and Environment

Stress, lack of exercise, excessive exercise on hard surfaces, and exposure to toxins can also influence how a dog’s genetic code expresses itself. At Rose n’ Thistle, our dogs live in a calm, rural environment with plenty of space to move, minimal stress, and a clean, nutrient-dense diet. We feed high-quality, species-appropriate food and support our dogs with supplements that promote long-term health.

The Genetic Bottleneck Problem: Why “Perfect” Testing Can Backfire

One of the concerns facing the modern purebred dog world is genetic bottlenecking. This occurs when breeders eliminate dogs from breeding programs based on minor or even questionable health test results, causing the overall gene pool to narrow dramatically over time. When we reduce diversity in this way, we increase the risk of inadvertently amplifying other problems, including cancer, autoimmune disease, and poor vitality.

A paper published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology found that intense selection for certain traits or health markers can reduce effective population size and result in decreased overall breed health Leroy et al., 2011 – BMC.

Eliminating structurally and temperamentally sound dogs from the gene pool based on an OFA Fair rating or a mild imperfection in a test is not only unwise—it’s irresponsible in the long run. We must maintain a broad and diverse genetic foundation for the Golden Retriever breed, using testing as a guide, not a dictator.

Cancer: The Greatest Threat to Golden Retrievers

Perhaps the most heartbreaking reality for Golden Retriever owners today is the breed’s increased risk of cancer. Studies estimate that approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers will develop cancer, including hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors Goldin et al., 2016 – NIH.

What causes cancer in dogs? Unfortunately, there is no single answer. Cancer is multifactorial, influenced by:

  • Genetics (some bloodlines may carry higher risk)

  • Environmental toxins (pesticides, lawn chemicals, flea/tick preventatives, plastic food bowls)

  • Over-vaccination and immune system overload

  • Early spay/neuter

  • Poor diet and inflammation

  • Chronic stress or inflammatory conditions

What makes this particularly difficult for breeders is that there are no genetic tests that can eliminate the risk of cancer. We cannot “test it out” of our breeding lines. The best we can do is breed dogs from long-lived, healthy backgrounds, provide a toxin-conscious lifestyle, and educate puppy owners about prevention strategies.

For example, The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study by the Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest studies ever undertaken in veterinary medicine and continues to explore environmental and genetic causes of cancer in this breed. Learn more about their findings here.

Our Commitment

At Rose n’ Thistle Retrievers, we:

  • Health test all of our breeding dogs appropriately for age and stage

  • Refuse to rely solely on test results to dictate breeding decisions

  • Consider temperament, structure, and whole-body health just as heavily as genetics

  • Require all puppies remain intact until at least 24 months to protect their health

  • Advocate for balanced, species-appropriate nutrition and minimal toxin exposure

  • Stay informed with the latest research in veterinary science and breeding ethics

  • Offer a one-year genetic health guarantee and a two-year hip and elbow guarantee, contingent on responsible care by the owner

We are passionate about the health of our dogs—and yours. Our mission is not to produce the most "clear" dogs on paper, but to raise happy, emotionally stable, physically sound companions who will bring joy, laughter, and comfort to your home for many years to come.

A Final Word: Realistic Expectations in a Fallen World

Health testing is a valuable and necessary tool—but it can sometimes create the illusion that we can control or eliminate every health concern in our dogs. While we do everything in our power to make wise, informed, and ethical breeding decisions—testing for genetic conditions, screening hips and elbows, feeding quality food, and raising puppies in a nurturing, healthy environment—we cannot promise perfection. Because perfection, this side of eternity, does not exist.

As Christians, we know we live in a fallen world—one where sickness, suffering, and death are part of the human (and animal) experience. 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 beloved dogs. Despite our best efforts, they may still face health challenges in their lifetime—just as people do.

That truth doesn't excuse carelessness. In fact, it motivates us all the more to be diligent stewards of God's creatures—to take good dominion over the animals entrusted to us (Genesis 1:26), and to treat them with compassion, wisdom, and intentionality. But it also gives us peace when things don't go perfectly. Because our hope isn't in perfect genetics, but in a perfect God.

So while we absolutely believe in health testing, responsible breeding, and thoughtful planning, we also encourage our puppy families to have realistic expectations. Life comes with risk. What we offer is not perfection—but excellence, transparency, and wholehearted commitment.

We are here to walk alongside you with honesty and care. And we believe that with the right foundation, education, and love, your puppy can become a treasured companion—despite the uncertainties that may come with life in this world.

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