Carova Breeding Standards
We must be doing something right when families return for their second puppy. 
Carova Breeding Standards
Warning: Breeders who boast about their dogs having AKC (American Kennel Club ) papers, has nothing to do with having health clearances on dogs being used in a breeding program.
1. All dogs being used in the Carova breeding program are required to have all health clearances proposed by the Golden Retriever Club of America. As with any rule, exceptions will occur. The GRCA Code Of Ethics contains a section called ,” Other Considerations”. This allows us to consider dogs that may not have all clearances , yet, improve the breed due to exceptional health traits that we as breeders should preserve. . Clearances for each breeding can be verified by the Orthtopedic Foundation For Animals.
Thyroid, Cardiac, Eye Clearances ( done yearly), Hips/ Elbows (done at age two and no earlier known as prelims)
Please visit Golden Retriever Breeding Code of Ethics for more information on health clearances and responsibilities of the breeder.
2 All dogs used in the Carova breeding program meet the American Kennel Club standard for a golden retriever.
Visit American Kennel Club Golden Retriever Breed Standard
.3. Research by Scott and Fuller state that 35% of a dog’s behavioral make up is genetic, and 65% due to management, training, socialization, nutrition and more. The temperament of the dogs used in the Carova breeding program will have been tested/ observed by a third party not related to either breeder of dogs being used.
Third party can be Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Evaluators, conformation judges, performance judges, and the general public.
4. Prior to any Carova breeding, a test breeding will be done through k9data. We are looking for a COI score of 6.25% or lower based on John Armstrongs Longeveity study and the Canine Diversity Project.
“The COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) is calculated up to a maximum of 12 generations. However, if a generation is found where fewer than 75% of the dogs in that generation are known, the calculation stops just short of that generation. So if all dogs are known in the 5th generation but only half of them are known in the 6th generation, a 5-generation COI will be calculated. For dogs with more than 10 generations of pedigree information available, a 10-generation COI is also calculated for comparison and statistical purposes.
The COI is calculated entirely from the pedigree information present in the database, so if there are inaccuracies in the pedigree, there will also be inaccuracies in the COI. COIs are calculated in batches about once a month, so the current COI may not reflect recent pedigree changes. Accuracy of the COI is not guaranteed. For information on what the COI figure means, see http://www.canine-genetics.com/relation.htm, particularly where it discusses the inbreeding coefficient. For a more complete discussion of genetic principles, visit the Canine Diversity Project. ”
5. Have both breeders given full disclosure of any and all health issues in each other’s pedigree?
All breeders that I work with share the common goal of breeding the very best healthy puppies that we can. When planning a breeding, it starts with the give and take of information on the sire and the dam. Each breeder shares the strong and weaker areas of their dogs. Yes, the “perfect” dog does not exist. Sharing information is crucial in breeding so that we do not double up on a problem area. We also are very aware that even after health screenings of our breeding companions, that the risk of a minor or major Golden Retriever breed specific health problems, could occur at some time in the dog’s life. Dogs, like people, can be born with health issues linked to genetic traits, while other health concerns could be linked to the living environment.