Top Hat Golden Retrievers & Lagotto Romagnolo

05/25/2026

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For purebred dogs there are common health concerns and also recommended health screenings within each specific breed. These screenings help reduce the risk of inherited health problems and support a better quality of life and greater longevity. Health should be a primary consideration in every breeding decision.

In some European countries, breeders must meet strict testing requirements before they can breed and register a litter.

In many other countries, breed clubs publish recommended tests, but there may be no oversight requiring breeders to complete them before selling puppies.

In the United States and Canada, breeders and breed organizations often rely on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for health testing standards. In addition to promoting animal health, the OFA maintains a public database of orthopedic and genetic test results.

The OFA also created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program, which outlines breed-specific testing recommendations. For each breed, the national breed club determines which tests are required for CHIC recognition.

Here is the list of the recommended health tests for Lagotto Romagnolo
https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=RWD

The OFA database is free to use and is a valuable resource for breeders and puppy seekers, especially in North America. Although health data can be submitted from anywhere in the world, it will appear in the database only if it has been properly submitted.

When evaluating a breeder, it is important to verify the health testing completed for each dog. If testing appears incomplete or cannot be verified, ask the breeder for additional information.

Screening is available for many of the breed’s common health concerns, but research into serious genetic conditions is still ongoing. As new tests become available, they may be added to the list of recommended screenings.

The Lagotto Foundation provides a printable reference of CHIC health testing requirements on its website publications Health Testing.
https://lagottofoundation.org/home/publications/

This reference includes the OFA CHIC requirements as well as additional health testing recommendations from the Lagotto Foundation.

THANK YOU to Tazmaa’s Studio Artist Designer Valerie A. Ryan for compiling this beautiful reference.

05/19/2026

Health testing isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of protecting the future of the breed.

The Golden Retriever Club of America recommends a comprehensive approach to health testing that goes beyond the basics. This includes:
• Hips evaluated by OFA or PennHIP
• Elbows evaluated by OFA
• Cardiac exam by a board-certified cardiologist (advanced/echo preferred)
• Annual eye exams by a board-certified ophthalmologist

These recommendations are in place to help reduce the risk of passing on hereditary conditions and to preserve the health, structure, and longevity of Golden Retrievers.

A CHIC number through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals simply means a dog has completed the required testing—it does not mean the dog “passed” everything, and it does not include genetic testing.

Health testing is about transparency, education, and making informed breeding decisions—not shortcuts.

If we want to protect what we love, we have to be willing to do the work behind the scenes.

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03/30/2026

Cricket and I had a lot of fun showing this weekend at the Warren County Kennel Club show in Wilmington, OH.

This was Cricket's second weekend showing in AKC events and what a great weekend we had!

Saturday we showed to Mustapha El Khorchi who awarded her Winners Bitch, Best of Winners for a 3 point major, AND Best Puppy. Mustapha was also the judge for Best Puppy Sporting Group where he awarded her a Group 2.

Debbie Melgreen was our judge Sunday where Cricket won her class and again was awarded Winners Bitch for another 2 points.

Thank you to these judges who chose my girl! Cricket now has 6 AKC points and her first major at just 6 months old.

Cricket's official name is Racecity Penzance Highlight To Top Hat TKN STR

These are photos from the Warren County show and the Indy Cluster where she also won Best Puppy in Sporting Group at 5 months old.

07/12/2025

Cool-Down Science: How a Simple Head Dunk Could Save Your Dog from Heat Stroke
From AKC Canine Health Foundation

Summer brings long days of sunshine and outdoor adventure and for many dogs, that means backyard play, long hikes, training sessions, or athletic competitions. But with rising temperatures comes a real danger: heat injury.

Just as you might crave air conditioning and ice water after time outside, your dog can feel similarly. Even with shaded rest areas, cooling towels, and constant hydration, it can be difficult to keep active dogs cool—especially those involved in working or sporting events. Dogs primarily cool themselves through panting and some sweating through their paw pads, which makes them more vulnerable to overheating.

Read the entire article here: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=333225

06/20/2025

DON'T FORGET! With the heat wave on the way, you CANNOT leave your pets unattended in the car. Cracking the windows does not help the situation. Within a short amount of time, the inside of your vehicle will heat to a level that becomes dangerous and even deadly.

06/06/2025

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With the approach of summer, it is essential to reiterate the importance of responsible pet ownership. Leaving your pet unattended in a hot vehicle, even briefly, can have devastating consequences. It is incomprehensible that some individuals need constant reminders of this fundamental concern. Imagine being confined in a hot vehicle with no means of escape or seeking help – it is a horrific prospect. If you truly love your pet, it is imperative to exercise extreme caution and prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being above all else! ❤️🐈‍⬛🙏🐕