Golden Retriever DNA Tests

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Use AKC DNA + Health for all your DNA needs for Golden Retrievers. Every test provides results for:

• AKC DNA Profile – 201 markers for parentage verification purposes, the only AKC-approved profile for parentage verification*
• 328+ markers for health and traits

Sample AKC DNA Profile     Sample AKC DNA + Health Report

This comprehensive genetic screening includes tests for the following genetic variants that have been identified in Golden Retrievers:

Recommended by the Golden Retriever Club of America:

• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (Golden Retriever Type)

The AKC recommends that breeders perform health tests on sires and dams that are relevant to their breed based on Parent Club recommendations. To learn more about additional health tests recommended for Golden Retrievers, please read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.

Other genetic variants identified in Golden Retrievers:

• Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (Golden Retriever Type)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM)
• Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (Golden Retriever Type)
• Exercise-Induced Collapse
• Ichthyosis (Golden Retriever Type 1)
• Ichthyosis (Golden Retriever Type 2)
• Muscular Dystrophy (Golden Retriever Type)
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Golden Retriever Type)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Golden Retriever 1
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Golden Retriever 2
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD)

The following color and traits tests included in AKC DNA + Health may also be relevant to Golden Retrievers:

• Coat Colors:
  • E Locus (e1, e2, e3, eA, Eg, Eh, & Em)
  • I Locus (Intensity)
• Other Traits:
  • Brachycephaly
  • Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)
  • L Locus (Long Hair/Fluffy)
  • Polydactyly (Common Variant)
  • SD Locus (Shedding)
  • Social Behavior

Explore the Genetics of Golden Retriever Colors

The Labrador breed standard considers the following colors as “standard.” To learn more about the Golden Retriever breed standard, visit the Golden Retriever Breed Page.

• Golden
• Light Golden
• Dark Golden

First, some basic coat color genetics will help with understanding Golden Retriever color genetics. Dogs have two different types of pigment, known as eumelanin and pheomelanin. These colors correlate to black (eumelanin) or yellow/red (pheomelanin) and is controlled by the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, also known as “Extension” and different variants are evaluated with the “E Locus Panel.” The E locus helps determine if a dog has yellow/red pigment (pheomelanin) or black pigment (eumelanin). All Golden Retrievers make pheomelanin, which is responsible for their iconic golden hues.

All Golden Retrievers have the genotype “e¹e¹” at the E Locus. 

Other genes help modify the intensity of the pheomelanin pigment, but all the details of how different shades of goldens are made are still unknown. One factor that has been identified, the I Locus (Intensity), has genetic variants that dilutes the pheomelanin pigment to a lighter color, such as cream or white. The I Locus is a genetic variant in the MFSD12 gene and has a recessive mode of inheritance. The degree of dilution varies within and between breeds with coat color ranging from cream to solid white.

Please note: These genotypes explain most colors for Golden Retrievers, but other genes can modify the actual color observed. For questions, please contact the AKC Canine Genetic Counselor at 919-816-3508 and press 4.

*The AKC does not accept DNA results from other genetic testing providers.

Citation:

• Hedan B, Cadieu E, Botherel N, Dufaure de Citres C, Letko A, Rimbault M, Drogmuller C, Jagannathan V, Derriern T, Schmutz S, Leeb T, and Andre C. Identification of a Missense Variant in MFSD12 Involved in Dilution of Phaeomelanin Leading to White or Cream Coat Color in Dogs. 2019 May 21; 10(5), 386. [PubMed: 31117290]

Author: Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine), Executive Director, AKC DNA Program