Minimising cancer risk / finding a reputable breeder

[moregarlic]

Hi all - I've got a slightly pathetic but necessary request upfront: can you please go gently? I am still deep in grief.

We lost our beautiful boy this year to T-cell lymphoma at just five years old. He was a golden retriever and for a million and one reasons, we're in love with the breed and, when we're ready, we'd like another one.

I understand cancer is prevalent in the breed, but five was far too young and I am still beating myself up over the fact he had maybe been poorly bred, which may have contributed.

My question is: how do I avoid this in the future, or at least minimise the cancer risk? And even with health checks, is it still a gamble? From what I can tell, there is no way to check what a dogs disposition to cancer is (beyond the obvious fact that certain breeds are more prone to certain cancers).

I would be the first to admit that I was naïve and didn't do enough research when we got our dog. The woman we got him was lovely, he'd been reared indoors with her family and children, and his parents looked healthy. But I didn't ask about health checks.

How can I learn more about all of this?

Would a working line be better than show?

I only add this as the working lines seem to stay thinner and less prone to joint issues. They seem to live longer… I could be wrong?

I have a fully health tested champdog KC registered show Lab. Or at least I have the paperwork!
Never been in the best of health though, torn cruciates, IBS, lumps, chronic ear infections, arthritis 😩. In and out the vet, we’ve spent thousands. We love him but his life has not been enjoyable as it could have been.
He was not cheap and I thought I did my homework….

A neighbour has a working dog, no paperwork, had him for free through a friend of a friend. The dog is about 14 now and has been to the vets once in his life to be neutered.

Perhaps it’s just luck.

I think you need to be prepared to wait for the right puppy from the right breeder.

I work with a golden breeder who is very highly regarded in both show and working worlds, but she only has a litter when she wants a puppy.
In her last litter someone had waited 5 years for one her pups, due previous litter being very small and then she delayed breeding due the pandemic and not wanting to get caught up in the frenzy.
It will probably be 2 to 3 years to get next litter.

I just wanted to thank you all so much for taking the time to reply and give me your advice and insight. It has been hugely helpful.

I think I might have found the one! COI of just a hair over 5%, health tested parents, experienced breeder who doesn't do it much these days but wants another puppy for himself, hence this litter. I would have completely overlooked this litter prior to speaking with you all, simply because there aren't any pictures with the listing. (I've since seen pictures and they are gorgeous).

We're going to see them when they're a bit bigger (they're only one week old at the moment) and we'll go from there. But I got a really good feeling, and we had a lovely chat for about 30 minutes about how wonderful goldies are (among other things).

AA cc CD Ac x

Sorry, don't know what happened there!

Really glad you're searching for an ethical breeder. In case you hadn't found it, here is the link from the Golden Retriever Club with the health scheme.
You should be able to find a similar page on any breed's club with their respective recommended testing, in case you ever wonder about another breed.
I would actually ask for the promising breeder your health related questions before meeting the litter. Many dishonest people rely on prospective puppy owners getting puppy fever at meeting the puppies. You'll be able to keep a cooler head before getting more involved with a litter.