They have come a long way in health testing with dogs and specifically with English Golden Retrievers. In addition to the normal tests for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye issues and heart issues, there are new tests that have just come out. They now have tests for PRA-1 (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and Ichthyosis. These are conditions that apply to English Goldens. What does this mean to pet owners? This is just another test that responsible breeders will do to make sure their lines are free from health defects. PRA is an eye issue that doesn't show up until later in a dogs life. It causes blindness in the dog, and it usually doesn't show up until after age 5. If you have two clear dogs, you can't pass it to their offspring. If you have a clear dog and a carrier, your puppy still can't get it. But if you put an affected dog to a clear or carrier, your puppy can develop it. It's for this reason that breeders with dogs that are affected with PRA-1 should not be breeding them. Be sure you ask your breeder if they have tested for this.
Ichthyosis is a much more common problem. Ichthyosis is a skin condition similar to dandruff, although in some puppies, they can develop very painful sores and lose their hair. It's not an ideal situation to have with your dog, but breeders can have an affected dog for ichthyosis and put it with a clear dog and your puppies will never get the disease. But this is only possible putting an affected dog with a clear dog. Again, this is something that responsible breeders should be testing for.
Be sure to ask your breeder if they have done all health testing and don't be afraid to ask for copies of it. We can't protect the breed we love without knowledgable pet owners asking questions.
