What Are Health Screening Schemes?
Health screening schemes are official checks used to assess the physical condition of a dog - not its DNA, but things like joints, eyes, or heart. These checks help avoid breeding from dogs with conditions that could be passed to puppies.
They're especially important for large breeds like Labradors, which are prone to joint and eye problems.
Key Health Screening Schemes for Labrador Retrievers
1. Hip Dysplasia Scheme (Hip Scores)
Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia - a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit properly. It can lead to arthritis and pain later in life.
- Each hip is scored from 0 to 53 (lower is better)
- The total score is usually shown as [Left]/[Right] (e.g. 4/5)
- The current UK breed average is around 9
Breeding dogs should ideally have scores below the breed average.
2. Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (Elbow Scores)
Checks for elbow joint problems, which can also lead to lameness or arthritis.
- Each elbow is scored from 0 to 3
- Lower scores are better (0 = no signs of disease)
Breeding dogs should ideally have an elbow score of 0.
3. BVA Eye Scheme
A specialist vet checks for inherited eye diseases like:
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Retinal dysplasia
The test must be done annually for it to be up to date.
4. Other Tests
Depending on your vet or breed line, you may also see:
- Heart screening (less common but sometimes done)
- Gonioscopy – a test for glaucoma risk (not required for Labs, but used in other breeds)
What to Look for as a Buyer
If you're buying a KC-registered Labrador puppy, ask for:
- ✅ Hip and elbow scores for both parents
- ✅ BVA eye test certificate
- ✅ DNA test results (see our Labrador DNA guide)
You can also check the results on The Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder.
Want to learn about inherited conditions in Labradors? See our DNA Tests for Labrador Retrievers