Like all dogs, Goldens are subject to a number of heritable defects including eye, heart, hip, elbow, blood and thyroid disorders. To reduce the occurrence of these abnormalities, ethical breeders have all breeding stock screened by veterinary specialists before their dogs are bred. A dog with a "clearance" has tested negative for evidence of a heritable abnormality by a specialist and is given written certification. Ethical Breeder have all breeding stock tested for eyes, heart and hips as a minimum standard.

Eye examinations must be performed annually by a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists to detect cataracts and other complicated eye disorders. Some eye abnormalities found in Goldens can be surgically corrected while others may result in various degrees of blindness.

Sub Aortic stenosis (SAS) is a condition affecting blood flow from the heart. A report of normal heart function is issued by a veterinary cardiologist.

A Hip or Elbow certificate is issued by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) at 24 months of age or older to any dog who's pelvic x-rays show no sign of hip or elbow dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is a terrible genetic disease because of the various degrees of arthritis (also called degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis) it can eventually produce, leading to pain and debilitation.

Von Willebrand·s Disease (VWD) is a blood disorder which prevents blood from normal clotting. Dogs are given a blood test to determine if they are within normal range.

Hypothyroidism is a heritable condition and is detected through a blood test. Although a serious condition, it is easily treated with hormone therapy.

It is important to remember that breeding "clear" dogs does not absolutely guarantee that puppies will be unaffected, as it is not usually possible to determine which genes both dam and sire carry and how their combinations will affect offspring. However, there is no doubt that breeding non-affected animals greatly increases the chance of producing non-affected offspring.