Not sure if lab pups are hip/elbow/eye tested, should I steer clear?

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Am thinking of having a lab pup from a friend who's dog has had pups. They are pedigree and KC registered but when I made enquiries about test scores she wasn't sure! She thinks the parents are fine and is going to ask her vet how to go about it. I don't know myself, haven't had labs since I was young and mum and dad dealt with the dogs.

Just to clarify we have an ageing working spaniel and are looking for a lab to train up alongside him ready for working next year. These pups have just come at the right time but if it's not advisable I won't proceed.

I wouldn't.

Anyone who has puppies without doing prior testing is to be avoided.

Breeding is only supposed to further the line, and therefore both parents would be tested and top of their game PRIOR to mating.

Our lab's parents were tested within an inch of their lives-even our vet hadn't heard of one of the tests! This doesn't mean you'll get a perfect pup though.

Wait until the right one is available.

yes avoid

Ok thanks, good advice!

Nope. Avoid.

If they don't care enough to do all they can to breed healthy pups by trying as hard as they can to avoid well known, inherited conditions then I wouldn't have one of their puppies.

Lab pups should be tested for both hips and eyes, and certificates are verifiable on the KC website. They also need a clear eye certificate that is less than a year old. I would also be keen to buy from parents who have been tested clear of the exercise induced collapse (EIC) gene, or at least one of them is clear of it (for a pup to be affected by EIC BOTH parents need to be carriers).

There are too many heartbreaking stories of lab puppies who have been bred without these tests and the new owners are the ones who ultimately carry the can.

EIC gene???

Is that breed-specific or can any dog have that?

I ask because our spaniel used to collapse at the end of a days shoot, or sometimes when he'd only been out a couple of drives, and have a fit. The vet did every test he could think of and found nothing. We never did get to the bottom of it.

Found out today that the mum is hip & eye tested and is fine, and the dog is a FTCH and has clear scores too. So looks like we might be considering a pup after all!

EIC isn't only found in labradors - sounds as though your spaniel might have been affected.

IME, there's no way your new pup will be ready to work by next year. It will be far to hot - and working a pup too young is a certain route to disaster. The year after - yes, for sure. But not at just over a year old.

Research your FTCH carefully - drop me his name if you'd like - make sure he is well known for passing on his skills and temperament.

Apart from that, sounds very promising indeed.

I agree about the working too early. Someone I know started training her dog for work (from dual purpose lines, a Golden, not a Lab) from a young age and although he was from very low hip scoring lines, he came back at 54, which is shocking for the breed, let alone his lines. A real shame as he qualified for Crufts in a large class and showed good working ability.

Of course, there's no way of knowing for sure it was down to the working, but I suspect that was a strong factor.

Thanks Daisy but dh has worked dogs all his life, I don't know if he meant work next year or train next year but he wants it next year!

Does sound promising. I know the FTCH and he is good. Seen a pup of his before and was impressed. Definitely looking positive.