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Genetic Testing and DNA Health

At Magnificent Golden Retrievers, we invest in full-spectrum genetic testing for every breeding dog using Embark Dog DNA, which screens for over 270 inherited conditions, including breed-specific and systemic disorders. These records are available to prospective puppy families upon request.

By entrusting Magnificent Golden Retrievers to provide you with your new pet family member and furever best friend, you’re choosing a pup that starts life with a clean genetic slate—free from the most well-known inherited disorders in the breed and backed by the most advanced testing available today.

While most breeders stop at a basic panel—or skip testing altogether—we take genetic health seriously. Our dogs are tested and cleared of all known disease-causing mutations detectable through Embark, ensuring that we never breed carriers of preventable conditions.

Two of the most relevant and important examples include:

• Ichthyosis (ICH) – A common but avoidable (through select breeding) skin condition in Golden Retrievers that causes persistent flaking, itching, and scaling. ICH can compromise the skin’s natural barrier and make dogs susceptible to chronic bacterial hot spots and immuno-related chronic ear infections. There is no cure available yet, and many pet owners are blindsided by how frequent and costly the maintenance vet care becomes. All of our breeding dogs are ICH-clear, meaning they don’t carry even one copy of the gene.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – An inherited eye disease that leads to gradual and irreversible blindness. It often begins with night blindness and worsens with age. While incurable, it is completely preventable through DNA testing. We ensure that all of our dogs are PRA-clear, so your puppy will not inherit this condition.

Healthy Hips Promise

All of our breeding dogs undergo PennHIP evaluations and after two years old receive OFA certifications, ensuring we only breed individuals with strong joint structure and proper conformation. But genetics are just part of the story. Hip health is also shaped by how a puppy is raised—through nutrition, growth rate, exercise, and injury prevention. It even goes back to how the breeder helps pups develop their “legs” in the nursery. Early Neural Stimulation (E.N.S.) is a very REAL science. We take this seriously by actively practicing it with all our newborn pups, as well as using passive methods so that pups are always being challenged during this critical developmental period. We truly do our part as responsible breeders and trust that you as lucky adopters will  always do your part in taking good care of our precious goldens too (or as we affectionally like to call them, our Boo Bears).

We back our puppies with a 1-Year Healthy Hips Guarantee, which applies to early-onset hip dysplasia that is confirmed to be primarily genetic in origin. This warranty is valid under the following conditions:

1. A licensed veterinarian diagnoses the puppy with hip dysplasia.
2. The diagnosis is supported by imaging and a medical opinion that genetics—not injury or mismanagement—are the primary cause.
3. The puppy has been fed a nutritionally balanced diet, with:
   • An average of two balanced meals per day from take-home through 6 months of age.
   • An average of at least one balanced meal per day beyond 6 months of age.
4. The puppy has not been over-exercised—such as forced running or jogging before 18 months of age and has been afforded ample run/romp/play time outside.
5. The puppy has not suffered avoidable trauma (e.g., falling from furniture, roughhousing with large dogs, or being dropped).

We strongly encourage all puppy owners to support their growing dog’s joints with glucosamine supplements or a simple homemade beef gelatin and bone broth gravy. Supporting tendon and ligament development during the rapid growth phase is key to long-term orthopedic health.

For enhanced nutrition, we recommend supplementing high-quality kibble (like Member’s Mark brand) with:

• Fresh lean meats (beef, turkey, lamb, chicken)
• Cottage cheese and plain yogurt dollops
• Cooked or raw vegetables like Broccoli Normandy (from Sam’s Club or Costco)
• Locally sourced raw foods such as Beef Organ Blends and Green Beef Tripe from 808 Raw (located on Oahu and Big Island)

Busy day? A high-quality canned food like Nulo Freestyle, or fresh, non-stale kibble such as Member’s Mark from Sam’s Club, is a well-made and reliable option when fresh feeding isn’t possible.

Raising your puppy right is just as important as breeding them right. With our guidance—and your commitment—your pup will have the best possible start for a lifetime of strong, healthy movement.