Group 8 · Retrievers & spaniels
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, even-tempered and eager-to-learn family dog, and for years one of the most popular breeds in the world. It loves people, water and food, and needs enough daily exercise and consistent training.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Labrador Retriever by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 9 examinations:
- 5 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
- 1 eye examination
- 1 heart examination
The breeding programme also recommends 3 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (9)
-
Centronuclear myopathy (CNM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- HACD1: c.203_204ins[N[236];CACACAAAGGTTT]
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SUV39H2: c.972T>G
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Stargardt disease (STGD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCA4: c.4176dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital heart disease (auscultation)
Heart examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (3)
-
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- COLQ: c.1010T>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Shoulder dysplasia (SD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Labrador Retriever, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Centronuclear myopathy (CNM), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK), Hip dysplasia (HD), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Stargardt disease (STGD), Congenital heart disease (auscultation) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Shoulder dysplasia (SD). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Labrador needs a good walk every day, ideally with retrieving or swimming. Its short, dense coat is easy to look after with a weekly brush, but it sheds a lot, especially when moulting.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Labrador is a working retriever: clever, eager and often very food-motivated, which you can use well in training. As a youngster it is boisterous and may jump up, pull on the lead and put everything in its mouth. Consistent, reward-based training and enough work for its nose and mind prevent many problems. Because the breed is so popular there are many sellers, so always ask for the examination results of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
