What health clearances should prospective Labrador owners request to see from responsible breeders?

Screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia.

Responsible ownership of a Labrador Retriever requires acknowledging their predisposition to certain hereditary health conditions. To mitigate risks associated with inheriting these issues, prospective owners must inquire about and request to view specific health clearances from the breeder. The primary orthopedic concerns that responsible breeders actively screen for include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. While eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and heart issues are also noted concerns within the breed, ensuring the parents have appropriate clearance documentation for skeletal structural integrity is presented as a fundamental step in acquiring a dog from a reputable lineage.