Acornoak Labradors

 

PURCHASING AN ACORNOAK LABRADOR

 

Ethical breeders make every effort to avoid producing puppies with inheritable diseases that can either be prevented entirely or greatly reduced through selective breeding and health screening practices. Dogs are living creatures. It would be beyond ridiculous for any of us to say that we can promise that no dog is never going to develop a problem. It is just not that simple.  What I, as a breeder can do and am morally responsible for, is to make sure that each dog I own is pre-screened for our breeds specific health problems before they are bred. 

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) is a centralized canine health data base jointly sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals.  CHIC recommends that breeders do the following minimum health clearances on Labrador Retrievers:

*Hip Dysplasia - Screened at 24 months of age, or older.

*Elbow Dysplasia - Screened at 24 months of age, or older.

*Eye Exam by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist

*Exercise Induced Collapse (DNA test)

*D Locus (Dilute) (DNA test)

*Centronuclear Myopathy  (DNA test)

*Advanced Cardiac Exam

*PRA-prcd (DNA test)

 

Of course the above is a minimum suggestion from CHIC, Below is a quick explanation of each specific disease. All Acornoak Labradors are PRE-SCREENED and certified or DNA Tested for the following:

1).Canine Hip Dysplasia. (CHD) This is the most common of orthopedic problems affecting ALL large breed dogs including Labradors.  Parent dogs should be x-rayed and those x-rays submitted to the OFA for a grade of Excellent, Good or Fair prior to breeding.  There is no DNA test for Hip Dysplasia at this time so x-rays are the only way to determine the dogs hip joint status. I always tell people to keep in mind that X-rays are used as a "tool only",  they are read by individuals, therefore they are very subjective. Regardless, all breeding stock MUST be screened.

2). Elbow Dysplasia.  Same process as with the hips above. X-rays are sent to the OFA for evaluation. Both elbows graded as "Normal" will receive a certification.

3). ACVO or CERF exam for Breed Specific Inherited Eye Disorders.  Breeding dogs should be checked YEARLY by a board certified ophthalmologist for heritable eye disorders such as cataracts & entropion. http://www.vmdb.org/

4). Progressive Retinal Atrophy. (PRA) This is the leading cause of blindness in Labrador Retrievers. (This disease can be identified by a DNA test (blood sample) which is sent to Optigen to screen the dog for PRA).  Utilizing available DNA testing such as this, breeders can 100 percent prevent the onset of inherited PRA by selective breeding practices.

5). Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia.  (TVD) A known Heart Valve Disorder in Labradors. Reputable breeders should have any dog one year of age or older screened and certified normal by a Canine Cardiologist prior to breeding.  

6). Exercise Induced Collapse. (DNA TEST) Not a fatal disease, however it is disturbing for anyone to see a Labrador collapse after a few minutes of hard exercise. Most commonly affected collapse cases are seen in Labradors of Field Trial lineage, however many lines of show Labradors are also affected.  Not all breeders are testing for EIC at this time.  Affected, carrier or non-tested dogs should only be bred to Normal (non-carrier) tested dogs so that all resulting offspring are not affected. 

7). Centronuclear Myopathy. (DNA TEST) This disease is characterized by early onset of muscle weakness, wobbly gait, fatigue and difficulty eating. Onset usually begins as early as a few months of age.  Not all breeders are testing for CNM at this time.  Affected, carrier or non-tested dogs should only be bred to Normal (non-carrier) dogs so that all resulting offspring are not affected.

We guarantee our puppies against non functional hip dysplasia to the age of 26 months, plus an 18 month guarantee on PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, eyes). Acornoak also offers a NO QUESTIONS ASKED return policy. It is very important that our dog owners know that regardless of the reason, if at any time they are unable to keep their Acornoak dog it will have a home here with us. When we go to bed at night, we like to know where our babies are!

Included with an Acornoak Puppy

And last but not least, we will be here if you ever have any questions.