Royal Kennel Club Health Links and Information Page
RKC Health Standard landing page: Click here to go directly to the Royal Kennel Club Health Standard website.
The Royal Kennel Club Health Standard
For Flatcoated Retrievers
What is the RKC Health Standard?
The Health Standard provides guidance about relevant health tests for each breed, two categories or levels of testing are defined, good and best practice. The Health Standard and categorisation of tests will be regularly reviewed by the RKC and updated depending on breed specific data.
Who is it for?
Designed primarily for breeders, the Health Standard is also a valuable resource for puppy buyers helping them to check that a puppy’s parents have been appropriately health tested.
Good Practice
The minimum level of testing that should be carried out before breeding: Eye testing (and gonioscopy for PLA) using the BVA/RKC/ISDS Eye Scheme
Best Practice
These tests address conditions that are significant but not as prevalent or critical in the breed as those in the good practice category, however to support breed health, responsible breeders should complete all tests in both categories: Hip testing (for hip dysplasia) using the BVA/RKC Hip Dysplasia Scheme Elbow testing (for elbow dysplasia) using the BVA/RKC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
Further Information and Resources
View and download a copy of the full Health Standard on the Royal Kennel Club website:
RKC Health Test results finder:
BVA/RKC Health Schemes:
https://www.bva.co.uk/canine-health-schemes
RKC Flatcoated Retriever Information (A-Z of breeds):
https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/retriever-flat-coated/
Link to BVA webinar explaining the hip and elbow screening schemes:
Genetic diversity and selection of sires
All breeders must consider the genetic sustainability of the breed and make balanced breeding decisions. Genetic diversity will continue to decline if this is not considered as part of the process of sire selection, further information about maintaining genetic diversity can be found on the RKC website: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/health-and-dog-care/health-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/genetic-diversity-managing-and-maintaining/https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-anddog-care/health/getting-started-with-healthtesting-and-screening/genetic-diversitymanaging-and-maintaining/
Any Questions?
Questions can be sent to the RKC Breed Health Coordinator, Liz Branscombe via the RKC submission form:
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/retriever-flat-coated/
Royal Kennel Club information and links.
Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) All breeders should refer to inbreeding coefficient calculators of a potential litter to assist them in making balanced breeding decisions. Breeders can use The Royal Kennel Club’s Inbreeding Coefficient calculator. Breeders should always take into consideration the number of generations used to produce the calculation, whether dogs have been imported recently within the lines, and the number of offspring already sired by the male.
Royal Kennel Club Health Webinars
Follow this link to view a series of health webinars organised by the Royal Kennel Club Health Team
Breed Health and Conservation Plan (BHCP) Project:
Please click here for the RKC Information about the project.
To read the Flatcoated Retriever Breed Health and Conservation Plan (BHCP) Summary and Action Plan updated July 2020 click here.
To read the full BHCP document updated July 2020 click here.