LRC Partnership With AKC Canine Health Foundation

The LRC Inc is committed to health research and supports the the AKC Canine Health Foundation in its efforts to better understand conditions and diseases that affect our dogs.  In the past 28 years, through our Donor Advised Fund and funds raised at events, The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. has made charitable donations totaling more than $750,000 to support the health of our dogs.   

You can find out more information about these research funds at https://www.akcchf.org/. For details on our support, see LRC AKC Canine Health Foundation Research Support History.

Health Glossary

Modern science has made it possible to test for a host of health conditions which can affect Labrador Retrievers. Many of these conditions are accompanied by genetic tests and organizations that research or treat them. The Health Clearance Glossary is a list of common terms.

View Glossary

Recommended Health Clearances for the Labrador Retriever

The minimum necessary health clearances we expect from reputable breeders of Labrador Retrievers are those required to get a “CHIC” number from the Canine Health Information Center. They are listed below but for ease of access, please see the page at the
CHIC website.

Hip Dysplasia

• OFA Evaluation

Elbow Dysplasia

• OFA Evaluation

Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist

• Results registered with OFA

EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)

• EXERCISE INDUCED COLLAPSE – DNA based test from an approved lab (This has been added as a CHIC requirement per the LRC as of 6/15/13)

D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test

• DNA based D LOCUS results from an approved lab – *NOTE – This has been added as a CHIC requirement per the LRC as of 11/1/16)

Centronuclear Myopathy (Optional)

• DNA Based CNM Test – results registered with the OFA

Cardiac Evaluation (Optional)

• Advanced Cardiac Exam
• Cardiac exams are not required, but are recommended as follows: Females – congenital or advanced cardiac database exam. Males – for males being used at stud, recommend advanced cardiac including an echo.

Prcd-PRA DNA Test (Optional)

• DNA based prcd-PRA test from a licensed lab (currently PawPrints) – results registered with the OFA

*Note – In addition to the breed specific requirements above, a CHIC requirement across all participating breeds is that the dog must be permanently identified via microchip or tattoo in order to qualify for a CHIC number.

Research Programs

The Labrador Retriever Club supports the use of OFA Data Bases, Penn Hip, CERF and other individual tests such as the test for CNM1, the Optigen tests for the prcd form of PRA in the Labrador Retriever, and the new test for EIC. 

Library Links

Here are some additional helpful links:

1. The American Kennel Club
2. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
3. PennHip website at the University of Pennsylvania
4. Eye Certification Registry
5. Bird Dog Foundation
6. Dog Care from Day One
7. Sporting and Animal Owners Voting Alliance (protecting your right to own, and hunt over, your Labrador Retrievers!)