The Importance of Importing
Before we import our Golden Retrievers, many hours of research are put into which kennel we choose. We research the longevity not only of the sire and dam, but also of the many generations of dogs making up the pedigree. By doing this, we greatly reduce the risks of genetic issues such as hip dysplasia and cardiac problems. Any kennel from which we consider importing a dog is a well known quality show home in Europe or USA with the highest breeding standards for their Golden Retrievers. This is crucial in the health and quality of the dogs they (and we) produce.
Broadening the Gene Pool
Importing, rather than choosing our dogs from some of our own kennels here in the USA, allows us to also broaden the gene pool. This is very important in maintaining the health of any Golden Retriever and vital to the Creams that are now growing in popularity. A small gene pool is a contributing factor for problems such as low fertility, deformities and genetic diseases. The two most common places to see these effects are in animals nearing extinction and in animal breeds.
Avoiding Genetic Diseases
We put a lot of care and concern into our breeding in order to avoid genetic diseases. Our breeding is typically what is called an outcross (going outside the dog’s hereditary lines). The offspring from this type of mating increases the size of the gene pool and decreases the probability of genetic diseases being passed on. The opposite effect is inbreeding (father to daughter, grandfather to granddaughter, etc.) This contributes to decreasing the gene pool, increasing hereditary defects and shortening the life expectancy of the animal.
Testing for Genetic Diseases
By testing every one of our breeding dogs for specific areas of concern such as hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease and eye problems we attempt to produce dogs with minimal risks of genetic diseases. All of our breeding dogs imported are also DNA tested according to AKC standards for the Golden Retriever breed. This is a checks and balances system for the AKC to ensure that the dog being bred is exactly the dog that the export pedigree and kennel owner claim it to be. Then, and only then, do webreed.
Post Note:
We retain the right not to disclose our export pedigrees on our website. This allows us to maintain the privacy of the kennels from which we have imported and to stop unwanted attention from person or persons attempting to breed for the sake of monetary gain without regard to the betterment of the breed. We do, however, provide a copy of
each puppy’s pedigree to all of our purchasing clients.
Thank you,
Jeremy & Heather Hunt
Springhill Goldens