Our Health Testing Philosophy
Balanced. Thoughtful. And Rooted in Common Sense
At Rose Farm, we are deeply committed to the health, well-being, and long-term quality of life of our Golden Retrievers. After many years of participating in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip and elbow certification program, we have decided to transition to a more comprehensive and evidence-aligned approach. We are now adopting the Pup Scan Project as our primary method for evaluating and supporting joint health in our breeding program.
While we appreciate the historical intent of standardized systems like OFA in the United States, our direct experiences and extensive research have highlighted significant limitations in their ability to provide reliable, unbiased insights into genetic versus environmental factors affecting hip development.
Limitations of Traditional OFA Hip and Elbow Evaluations
One major concern is submission bias, which distorts reported statistics. A key study on Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers found that among dogs referred for evaluation, only about 53% of radiographs were submitted to OFA. Of the submitted radiographs, 92% were rated normal, while among non-submitted ones, only 50% were normal. Normal-appearing hips were over 8 times more likely to be submitted. This results in inflated "success" rates that do not accurately reflect the broader population.
Technical factors further complicate results. Poor positioning during x-rays—such as an asymmetrical pelvis, non-parallel femurs, or improper rotation—can make healthy hips appear dysplastic or subluxated. Retakes with better technique often yield dramatically different outcomes.
Additionally, OFA-style evaluations typically recommend chemical restraint (sedation or anesthesia) for optimal muscle relaxation and positioning. While generally safe, anesthesia carries inherent risks, including respiratory or cardiovascular effects, with mortality rates estimated around 0.17% in healthy dogs.
We have also observed inconsistencies, such as dogs receiving poor preliminary grades only to pass on retakes (sometimes under varying conditions), or failing OFA but achieving above-average results under alternative methods like PennHIP. These issues, combined with the subjective elements of interpretation, have reduced our confidence in relying solely on this system.
The Critical Role of Environment
Environment plays a substantial role in hip development—often more than is commonly acknowledged. Prior to World War II, hip dysplasia was rarely discussed or diagnosed in dogs. Post-WWII, as dogs transitioned from farm working lives with varied natural terrain to primarily indoor household pets on slippery surfaces like linoleum and vinyl, reported cases skyrocketed. Gordon E. MacLellan, retired orthopedic surgeon and Head of Research for the Pup Scan Project, has highlighted this correlation, noting how modern humanized environments contribute significantly to joint issues.
Research supports this: Puppies raised on slippery flooring (e.g., newspaper or smooth surfaces) before weaning face higher risks compared to those on surfaces with better traction. Diet, exercise, growth rate, and early housing all influence outcomes.
The Pup Scan Project: A Better Approach
The Pup Scan Project uses non-invasive ultrasound screening on puppies as young as 5-8 weeks to assess hip development early. This allows for timely interventions and better differentiation between rare congenital genetic issues and acquired/environmental ones. Above we’ve link a video podcast of the founder, Gordon McClellan, where he discussed why and how her developed this new program.
Their extensive research—scanning thousands of puppies (over 5,000 puppy hips) across 70+ breeds—shows very low incidence of true congenital dysplasia. Only a tiny number of hips showed a deficient socket, both unilateral, which strongly argues against a primarily genetic cause (as genetic conditions typically affect both sides symmetrically).
This method aligns with our goal of genuine genetic evaluation while accounting for real-world influences. I highly encourage everyone to listen to the video.
Our Commitment at Rose n’ Thistle Retrievers
Our adult dogs' x-rays have been evaluated by the Pup Scan Foundation's specialist orthopedic consultants and verified as having healthy, normal hips for the breed or OFA. But from 2026 onward, all our breeding dogs will be evaluated as puppies using the Pup Scan method as puppies. This enables earlier, more accurate insights and supports informed breeding decisions that prioritize overall health, temperament, and soundness—without unnecessarily excluding wonderful dogs based on potentially flawed adult interpretations.
We recognize that this is not the most conventional route in the breeding community, and we fully respect that everyone has the freedom to choose how they best want to handle and manage their dogs. However, based on our research, experiences, and convictions, this is the path we have chosen for our program, and we feel it is the best route moving forward.
Here at Rose n’ Thistle Retrievers, with all of this in mind, we are now prioritizing the health and nutrition of our dogs as our top priority. We allow our Golden Retrievers to live a life as they were designed to—with lots of fresh air, green grass, nutrient-rich food straight from the farm, and a diet optimized for their long-term orthopedic health.
We believe this holistic approach will produce healthier, happier Golden Retrievers with strong joints and exceptional dispositions. We remain committed to transparency and responsible breeding practices. If you have questions about our program or the Pup Scan Project, please contact us.
A Final Word: Realistic Expectations in a Fallen World
Health testing is a valuable and necessary tool—but it can sometimes create the illusion that we can control or eliminate every health concern in our dogs. While we do everything in our power to make wise, informed, and ethical breeding decisions—testing for genetic conditions, screening hips and elbows, feeding quality food, and raising puppies in a nurturing, healthy environment—we cannot promise perfection. Because perfection, this side of eternity, does not exist.
As Christians, we know we live in a fallen world—one where sickness, suffering, and death are part of the human (and animal) experience. Romans 8:22 reminds us:
“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
This groaning includes our beloved dogs. Despite our best efforts, they may still face health challenges in their lifetime—just as people do.
That truth doesn't excuse carelessness. In fact, it motivates us all the more to be diligent stewards of God's creatures—to take good dominion over the animals entrusted to us (Genesis 1:26), and to treat them with compassion, wisdom, and intentionality. But it also gives us peace when things don't go perfectly. Because our hope isn't in perfect genetics, but in a perfect God.
So while we absolutely believe in health testing, responsible breeding, and thoughtful planning, we also encourage our puppy families to have realistic expectations. Life comes with risk. What we offer is not perfection—but excellence, transparency, and wholehearted commitment.
We are here to walk alongside you with honesty and care. And we believe that with the right foundation, education, and love, your puppy can become a treasured companion—despite the uncertainties that may come with life in this world.