I am wondering if someone call educate me on some of the "lingo" that I keep reading here... OFA? PENN? CERF? What are they standing for?

My husband and I are looking to bring a new dog into our family within the next couple of years. So, we have plenty of time to research the breed and make sure that we do not rush into anything. We know that we want a yellow Lab preferably a lighter (cream-colored) one. Which sex? We are not sure of at this point. We live in ND so we want an upland dog as well as a waterfowl retriever.

Any pointers/tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

These are tests done on the dam and sire for genetic defects. The better the tests the less chance of an unwanted recessive gene cropping up.

OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. It is a tests forCanine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Some breeders are also testingon elbows.There are other tests forknee cap (patellar luxation), thyroid, and heart disease but these are not very popular. But a better test for CHD is:

Penn: Which is a program developed at the Univ of Pennsylvania which uses radiographic methods.

CERF:Canine Eye Registration Foundation which tests eyes.

This site gives an excellent explaination: http://www.ruckuskennels.com/information.htm#ofa

But for a owner, you would want to ask if the parents had OFA hips & elbows are good/fair (or PennHip) and CERF if the test was done. You should also ask about dew claws are removed (hind legs above feet). You won't need to do these actual test (except perhaps PennHip for your assurance) unless you are going to breed your dog.

Thanks for the information!! I appreciate it. When buying our Dalmatian, we were not quite as picky as we will be for our new puppy. We have taken wonderful care of our Dal and have even taken him hunting but he does not like to retrieve the bigger game birds only mourning doves. SO, we'll wait until he is gone before getting a new puppy. Until then, I will research and learn so we can make the best possible decision for our family.

~*Robin*~

Robin,

It's good to ask as many questions as you can when researching dogs and breeders. Don't be ashamed...fire away!

BTW...Labs are not the only waterfowl/upland specialists either!

Phil
REO