Genetic Testing and DNA Health
We utilize Embark Dog DNA testing for all our breeding dogs, ensuring they are clear of any disease-causing genes. Embark screens for over 270 genetic health risks, including Golden Retriever-specific Ichthyosis (ICH). ICH is an all too common condition in Hawaii’s Golden Retrievers and is characterized as flaky skin cells that constantly shed. There is no cure and sadly this genetic condition will keep you and your pet visiting the veterinarian more often than you wished for. Because of ICH and potential weakened immune system as a result, the golden is left vulnerable to chronic ear infections and hot spots, among other symptoms.
Don’t settle for a pup from another breeder who doesn’t perform these necessary tests. All of our dogs are ICH clear, meaning they do not carry even a single copy of the gene, or any mal-adaptive gene for that matter. Your pup and it’s health will be set for success.
Hip Health: PenHip Scoring, OFA Certification & Environmental Factors
All of our breeding dogs have undergone PennHIP evaluations AND receive OFA certifications. While hip scoring is a valuable tool for assessing joint health, genetics alone do not determine a dog’s developmental and long-term hip health. Even when both parents have desirable hip scores, as ours do, some puppies may still develop hip dysplasia due to environmental factors like nutrition, over-exercise, and injury. This leads us to our health guarantee.
Healthy Hips Promise
We offer a one-year warranty for early-onset hip dysplasia, which applies if:
1. A veterinarian diagnoses the puppy with hip dysplasia.
2. The vet confirms the condition is primarily genetic in origin.
3. The puppy has been fed a nutritionally balanced diet since take home and that feedings were three times a day until about 6 months old with at least three meals per day from take-home to 6 months old, then at least two balanced meals per day beyond that.
4. The puppy has not been over-exercised (e.g., no jogging with your pup before 18 months old).
5. The puppy has not suffered an injury (e.g., rough play with other dogs, falls from heights, accidental drops, etc.).
Because hip health is influenced by nutrition and activity, we encourage all new puppy owners to take advantage of the growth stage by incorporating joint-supportive supplements into their puppy’s diet. This can include glucosamine tablets or a homemade gravy made with gelatin powder and chicken bone broth that is poured over their food.
We also strongly recommend feeding fresh whole foods atop a good-quality kibble. For example, 808 Raw (available on Oahu and Big Island) offers excellent raw beef organ blends and green beef tripe. Other options that are found in the grocery store include lean ground meats (beef, turkey, lamb, chicken), cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables (like Broccoli Normandy precut veggie mix from Sams or Costco). Supplementing kibble with these fresh foods helps support a growing puppy’s joints, tendons, and overall health. That being said, having a high-quality canned food like Nulo Freestyle and a quality made fresh kibble (not stale) by the likes of Members Mark brand from Sams Club is always useful for busy days when preparing fresh meals isn’t possible.