As well as the health information below, more information is in the Useful Links and Articles section
Lynda Heron is our Breed Health Representative and Breed Council Representative and can be contacted on 
Tel:   01665 570631     Mob:  0774 689 4623   email: brigburn@gmail.com
Our annual Eye Testing Clinic takes place on Sunday 2nd February 2020 with Mr S. Ellis.  Please contact Denise Bratton, Show Secretary to make an appointment. 
​Tel:   07794 412 761
 Please be patient as Denise works full time and may not pick up immediately.
Based on the usage of the Labrador Breed Council’s discounts with Paw Print Genetics, they have granted a renewed discount code, and also increased the discount.
Code UKBCLR20 now saves 50% off any order of single diseases, traits or color testing or 55% off the Labrador Breed Council Panel of tests
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/402/

This panel consists of the 5 tests GPRA, CNM, SD2, HNPK and EIC the usual cost is $275.
When using the code you will receive a 55% off when the code UKBCLR20 is added at checkout meaning the 5 tests will be discounted to $123.75 US dollars.

This code becomes effective on December 31, 2019 and is valid through December 31, 2020. 
All of the tests on the Breed Council Labrador Panel are accepted from PPG by the UK Kennel Club.
Paw Print Genetics have offered a very generous discount code for the panel of DNA tests for labradors.  Click here for the Paw Print Genetics link.
Click here for the Kennel Club's New Dog Owners Handbook
***The Kennel Club have launched COMBIBREED. 
A new all-in-one DNA test which will allow dog breeders to check for a number of inherited conditions via one simple swab. Together we can eradicate inherited health conditions and produce happy and healthy puppies.***
Click here for more information
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Our Breed Health Co-Ordinator Lynda Heron organised recently (in liaison with North East Veterinary Association), a seminar with Geneticist Erin Chu.  Erin has kindly provided a copy of her slideshow used on the evening which we hope will be of interest,
​​(especially to breeders). 
Click anywhere on this section to download the pdf version 
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*** K999 CANINE FIRST AID COURSE***
Sunday 17th March 2019. Canine First Aid Course, Bowburn, Co. Durham

The event was a great success with Vet Dr Jacqui Molyneux and teacher/clincal behaviourist Mechelle Jacques presenting an informative, extremely professional yet user friendly, event (complete with live canine patients).  We do hope to repeat this extremely popular course some time in the future.
Important research is being undertaken by Animal Health Trust on Mast Cell Tumours in the Labrador. 
If you feel you could help with the research please click here for details from
​Mike Starkey, Head of Animal Oncology at AHT. 
​​YOU and YOUR LABRADOR COULD REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Click here for the news on Hereditary Cataract Research in Labradors
What are EBV's?  Click here for information on Estimated Breeding Values
Click here for the updated BVA Eye booklet -  including DNA testing
Click here for details of Optigens recent Health Screening Results
Click here for an article on the Key Strategies to Reducing Genetic Disorders in Dogs
Click to read a study on the Reliability of DNA tests for Inherited Diseases in Dogs
Click here for K.C. information on how canine diversity may be increasing
This is the link to the genetic diversity in all breeds
Click here for the 2014 Kennel Club Labrador Breed Health Survey 
You can also click the buttons below to see summary tables of data over the last 15 years for the following sub-groups which we hope you find informative.
Many thanks to Andy Smith for a very useful piece of information on Hip Dysplasia. The chart and attached information, shows the trend for Labrador Retrievers mean hip scores of tested progeny by sire.  It includes all KC held data from 2000 to the end of 2013.
There is a clear downward trend. (click for the full article)