Health Testing

Hip and Elbow Scores

To register a litter with Dogs Victoria, the sire (father) and dam (mother) must have their hips and elbows scored by an ANKC approved reader and procedures need to be followed by both the owner and the Veterinary Surgeon.

Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) is administered by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)

Elbow scores explained

Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID) 

Eye Examination

Current eye check: Normal 

To be considered current, the examination must be performed in the last 12 months (18 months for those that have obtained a DNA clear result for PRA-PRCD)

Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES) is a national assessment system for registered dog breeds that offers a reliable screening service for a range of congenital and inherited eye conditions. Eye assessments are carried out by registered veterinary eye specialists.

DNA Tests (this is not a comprehensive list)

PRA-prcd - Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration 

EIC - Exercise Induced Collapse

HNPK - Hereditary nasal parakeratosis

In Australia, there are two laboratories that currently do these tests (Orivet & Animal Network) they could be done individually or as part of a suite of breed-specific DNA tests. Please contact the laboratories directly.

Coat colour - there are only three recognised coat colours for registration: Black, Yellow & Chocolate/Liver. Purebred Labrador Retrievers do not carry the dilute gene. Read: NLRBC Position Statement on Silver Labradors

Heart Screening

Cardiac Test by a veterinary cardiac specialist (read about Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia)