Health testing and Guarantee

All our breeding dogs have their hips and elbow scored and DNA tested for common genetic diseases in both the Labrador and Poodle when they reach 12 months of age.

PennHIP

For hip scoring, we use the Pennhip scoring test. PennHIP scoring is a technique used to measure and assess hip joint laxity. Studies have shown, breeders that consistently bred from PennHIP scores that were better than the breed average reduced the rates of osteoarthritis in their breed. The breed average distraction index (DI) for Labradoodles is 0.5. We only breed from dogs that have a lower score than the breed average, meaning they have less loose hips.

This technique requires 3 xrays views be taken while the dog is sedated.

The three views are

• Standard hip extended view
• Compression view
• Distraction view

Often the distraction view shows greater laxity (looseness) in the hip than the hip extended view. This is because the hip extended view often masks hip laxity due to the position the socket is stretched into. This is why both views are required to be assessed with PennHIP scoring. The compression view allows the radiologist to assess the fit of the femoral head (ball) into the acetabulum (socket).