Lucky Lady Farms

So I've discovered over the years that the back yarders are getting savvy with their wording and their marketing approach.  How do you discern between someone who really knows what they are talking about and someone who really doesn't?  I hope to add to this list over time, but a few terms may help you to get started.

Temperament - This refers to the dog's attitude.  Is it friendly, easy going, kindly, calm?  Or is it timid, aggressive (uh oh - not Goldenlike), nervous, or shy?  While new circumstances or age of the animal may affect this slightly one way or another a dog's temperament is hardwired at birth.  What you have is what you get.  This is why good temperament is so important and not everyone has it; everyone WILL claim it.

Socialization - People confuse this with temperament.  Socialization refers to the exposure a dog has.  Has it been played with regularly as a puppy?  Has it experienced a variety of stimuli, both positive and negative and learned to deal with either?  Has it been around other dogs, people, animals, and things?

Genotype - The genetic 'ingredients' of the dog.  What the dog is as a result of its non visible characteristics.

Phenotype -  The look of the dog.  The outward appearance and visible disposition of the dog.

OFA - Othopedic Foundation for Animals.  The group responsible for assesing and reporting medical characteristics, usually the proper hip and or elbow function and shape.  Golden Retrievers are at possible risk of hip dysplasia as many larger breeds are.  The OFA rates x-rays that have been submitted for evaluation.  Anything from the rare 'Excellent' to the lesser preferred 'Fair'.  ANY rating below fair would be unacceptable as a breeding risk.  Animals must be two years of age to be evaluated.

CERF - Canine Eye Retinal Foundation.  There are a variety of inheritable eye diseases that are possible in Goldens.  Only a Veterinary Opthamologist or Specialist are qualified to determine whether an animal is considered 'normal' or not.  The results of this test are submitted to the Foundation for registry.

SAS - Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis.  This is a genetic malfunction of the heart.  Again a veterinary Specialist alone can determine this defect.  The results of this test are sent to the OFA for listing of the certification.

Health Clearances - I love this term!  Entirely made up to sound official.  What health clearances?  Which ones?  Each test has a name and a registry or place of official certification.  If a breeder has done the test, they will be happy to show you the certificate!  Simply saying 'x-rayed' is not enough.  An animal could be 'x-rayed' and not have a passing evaluation.  Or another favorite - 'My vet has done all the appropriate tests'. Very few places are able to certify CERF and SAS and it is likely not your local vet!  Your local Vet can perform the hip x-ray, but they do not do the evaluation.

Whelping - Refers to the date of birth of the puppies.  This date is determined more or less as 63 days from breeding.  The breeding occurs after the estrus stage (the visible period of heat) in a two or three day window.  Fertilization may occur during or a day or two after that window.  For this reason, the 63 day mark is a guideline only.