At SAM Goldens, we raise exceptional dogs in a loving and caring environment. Dedicated to following a responsible breeding program, our focus is on keeping our dogs  healthy and happy for when they find their new homes.

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Health and temperament are of utmost importance to us. We perform rigorous health testing on all of our adult dogs starting with a genetic panel through Animal Genetics to be sure our future litters will be clear of ICH, GR-PRA1, GR-PRA 2, prcd -PRA, DM, MD, NCL-GR.

 

OFA Heart and Eye exams are completed at 1+ years old. A specialist will examine the heart and eyes to determine if there are any issues, and if "Normal" we will receive the official clearance from the OFA. 

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In order to do the most possible to ensure quality structure in our adult dogs, we complete both PennHip and OFA Hip and Elbows. 

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PennHip is an X-ray that can be performed in puppies as young as 16 weeks of age and gives an estimate of the risk for developing painful arthritis in the hips or hip dysplasia later in life. The PennHip method has strong scientific evidence for being the most effective hip screening tool available for dogs.

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OFA Hip and Elbow radiographs are also completed and submitted for all of our dogs as recommended by the GRCA. 

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With so many complicated details in genetics, not every answer is always in black and white. The range of genetic results will typically go from Excellent to Severe, especially in the case of hip dysplasia. An Excellent rating means that your dog's genetics likely contain no traces of hip dysplasia. Severe is the worst kind of genetic result. We will only breed dogs that grade between Excellent and Fair.

 

The main goal of OFA certification is to help treat a dog's health and prevent future breeding of painful genetic diseases.

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We at SAM Goldens are primarily breeding to create puppies suitable as a family pet, which is why temperament is extremely important. 

 

We perform Early Neurological Stimulation on all of our pups, which is said to give them a superior advantage. ENS consists of five exercises that place minor stressors on the pups from day three to day sixteen. The exercises will produce neurological stimulations that don’t naturally occur during this early period of life. These exercises impact the neurological system by kicking it into action earlier than would be normally expected, creating calmer dogs in adolescence and adulthood. 

For more information on ENS and what it entails click here. 
 

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