Goldendoodle Health Testing
Goldendoodle Health Testing: What Does “Health Tested” Actually Mean?
You have probably seen the words “health tested” on breeder websites everywhere. But those two words do not always mean the same thing. We want you to understand what responsible Goldendoodle health testing can include, why different tests matter, what the results mean, and how you can verify them for yourself.
Written by Kody Owen
Owner & Breeder at Owen-a-Doodle, a GANA Gold Level breeder in Enumclaw, Washington
Quick answer
What does “health tested” mean for a Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodle health testing should look beyond a DNA panel alone. DNA testing can identify known genetic variants, while physical screenings evaluate areas such as the hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and patellas. Together, those results help breeders make more informed decisions about individual dogs and planned pairings.
Start here
DNA Testing and Physical Health Testing Answer Different Questions
Neither replaces the other. A strong breeding program uses the right type of testing for the question being asked.
DNA Testing Helps Us Understand
- Known inherited genetic variants
- Clear, carrier, and affected status for tested conditions
- Potential genetic risks within a planned pairing
- How the genetics of two dogs work together
Physical Health Testing Evaluates
- Hip structure through radiographs
- Elbow health through orthopedic evaluation
- Cardiac health through veterinary screening
- Eyes through a CAER examination
- Patella stability through physical examination
See this in practice: Our parent profiles include links to available DNA and OFA results so families can review the testing behind our breeding dogs.
Understanding the system
What Is OFA Testing?
OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Despite the name, OFA records are not limited to orthopedic evaluations. Depending on the dog, available records may include hips, elbows, cardiac testing, eyes, patellas, genetic test results, and other health information.
One reason OFA matters to puppy families is transparency. Many submitted results can be searched independently rather than relying only on a breeder’s description.
Hips
Radiographic evaluation
Elbows
Heart
Cardiac screening
Eyes
CAER examination
Patellas
Genetics
Radiographic evaluation
A closer look
OFA Hip Scores in Goldendoodles
Hip testing is one of the evaluations families hear about most often, and one of the easiest areas to misunderstand.
Excellent
Good
Fair
Is OFA Fair a Passing Hip Score?
Yes. OFA classifies Excellent, Good, and Fair as normal hip ratings. Fair is not the same as a failed hip evaluation.
Preliminary vs. Final OFA Hips
Dogs can receive preliminary hip evaluations before 24 months of age. Final OFA hip certification is available once a dog is at least 24 months old. Goldendoodle breed-club requirements may add specific rules for how preliminary results are used.
Testing thoughtfully
Why the Timing of Hip Testing Matters
A dog’s age, reproductive status, individual anatomy, and positioning during radiographs can all matter when interpreting orthopedic screening. For breeding females, testing schedules also have to fit responsibly around heat cycles, pregnancy, nursing, and recovery.
At Owen-a-Doodle, the goal is not simply to collect another certificate. The goal is to gather useful information and make thoughtful breeding decisions while considering the individual dog’s well-being.
More testing is not automatically better testing. The goal is meaningful information, proper interpretation, and responsible decisions.
Beyond the hips
Other Goldendoodle Health Evaluations Matter Too
A hip result does not tell us what is happening with the elbows, heart, eyes, or patellas. Each screening contributes a different piece of the health picture.
Elbows
Evaluated separately from the hips for orthopedic abnormalities.
Heart
Cardiac screening looks for evidence of heart disease or abnormalities.
CAER Eyes
A veterinary ophthalmologist examines the eyes for observable abnormalities.
Patellas
A physical examination evaluates whether each kneecap remains in its normal position.
Responsible breeding is not only about evaluating a dog.
It is about evaluating a pairing.
Goldendoodle genetic testing
Can a Genetic Carrier Still Be Bred Responsibly?
For recessively inherited conditions, carrying one copy of a tested variant does not automatically mean a dog is unsuitable for breeding. The important question is how the genetics of that dog work with the genetics of the proposed mate and what the pairing could produce.
That is why responsible breeding considers genetic results alongside pedigree, structure, temperament, physical health testing, and the strengths and weaknesses of both dogs.
What does Mom bring?
What has the line produced?
Where are their strengths?
What does Dad bring?
What risks need consideration?
Where are their weaknesses?
Do not just take our word for it
How to Verify a Goldendoodle Breeder's Health Testing
Whether you are considering an Owen-a-Doodle puppy or speaking with another breeder, asking for documentation is reasonable. A breeder should be able to explain what was tested, what the results mean, and where available records can be independently verified.
Ask what was tested.
“Health tested” is too broad by itself.
Ask when it was tested.
Age can matter for orthopedic screening.
Ask for the actual results.
Look at the result, not only the marketing label.
Verify public records when available.
OFA provides a searchable database for submitted records.
Questions to Ask a Goldendoodle Breeder
- Have both parents' hips been evaluated?
- What were their hip results?
- Were elbows, heart, eyes, and patellas evaluated?
- What DNA testing was completed?
- Can I see the health-testing documents?
- Can I verify submitted OFA records?
- How did these results affect the planned pairing?
The Bigger Picture
Health Is Bigger Than Health Testing
For recessively inherited conditions, carrying one copy of a tested variant does not automatically mean a dog is unsuitable for breeding. The important question is how the genetics of that dog work with the genetics of the proposed mate and what the pairing could produce.
That is why responsible breeding considers genetic results alongside pedigree, structure, temperament, physical health testing, and the strengths and weaknesses of both dogs.
Nutrition
Body Condition
Exercise
Temperament
Structure
Pedigree
Pregnancy Care
Mental Well-Being
Puppy Raising
Line History
An Important Truth
Does Health Testing Guarantee a Perfectly Healthy Goldendoodle Puppy?
No. Health testing cannot eliminate every possible health concern. Its value is in reducing known risks, providing better information, and helping breeders make more educated decisions from one generation to the next.
Responsible breeding is not about pretending our dogs are perfect. It is about knowing them well enough to make thoughtful decisions.
Goldendoodle genetic testing
What Goldendoodle Health Testing Means to Us
We want to understand our dogs’ genetics, orthopedic health, eyes, heart, temperament, structure, pedigree, and family history. As our lines continue, we also pay attention to what their offspring produce.
We DNA test. We physically health test. We study pedigrees. We evaluate temperament. We make intentional pairings. And we continue learning from the dogs and families that come after each generation.
Keep learning
Explore More Goldendoodle Education
We are currently expanding our educational library to better support our puppy families. Explore our additional resources below, and stay tuned as we continue to develop new guides to help you on your journey.
Temperament & Personality Evaluation
Learn how Owen-a-Doodle evaluates confidence, resilience, energy, human focus, workability, and other traits before puppy selection.
How to Choose a Responsible Goldendoodle Breeder
Future education page connecting health testing, transparency, puppy raising, contracts, temperament, and lifetime breeder support.
Future Guide Coming Soon..
Goldendoodle Sizes & Generations Explained
Future guide to understand petite, miniature, medium, and standard Goldendoodles plus common generation terminology.
Future Guide Coming Soon..
Sources & standards
Where We Verify Technical Information
Our Goldendoodle health and breeding resources are informed by hands-on experience and verified against trusted sources such as OFA, GANA, veterinary specialists, and current published guidance whenever appropriate.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Primary reference for OFA screening procedures, classifications, submitted records, and public verification.
Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA)
Primary reference for current Goldendoodle breeder health-testing standards followed by the program.
Veterinary specialty and peer-reviewed sources as needed
Use for medical or physiologic claims that go beyond OFA or breed-club standards.
Frequently asked questions
Goldendoodle Health Testing FAQ
The appropriate testing depends on the breeding program and applicable breed-club standards, but a complete conversation should go beyond a DNA panel and address physical screenings such as hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and patellas when required.
Yes. OFA classifies Excellent, Good, and Fair as normal hip classifications.
Final OFA hip certification is available at 24 months of age or older. Younger dogs may receive preliminary evaluations.
DNA testing is valuable, but it does not physically evaluate orthopedic structure, eyes, heart, or patellas. Those questions require other screening methods.
For recessive conditions, carrier status does not automatically determine whether a dog should or should not be bred. Responsible decisions depend on the inheritance pattern, the proposed mate's results, and the overall pairing.
Ask for the dog's registered name or other identifying information and search available submitted records in OFA's public database.