I realized after registering (should have read more) that this seems to be primarily a GS site but hopefully someone can still help me.

A few weeks ago we purchased a Golden Retriever puppy from a respected, well known breeder. We were originally looking for just a pet, but the breeder asked us if we would be willing to co-own one of the puppies in the litter with her as she thought he may be a good show dog, possible stud dog in the future. The stud aspect is still a ways off as he needs to get his clearances etc etc.

She had mentioned in passing the morning we picked him up that one of the puppies was put down as it was born with a cleft palate.

I've tried to do as much research online as I can, but I am finding conflicting information. SOme people that say the sire and dam should immediately be removed from a breeding program if they have a cleft palate puppy, and others that say it can be environmental and that no longer breeding the sire and dam is overkill.

THe sire and dam both come from very good lines, are both champions and have a long line of champions behind them.

Ok. My question as you may have guessed, if this can be genetic, should we not breed our puppy if all other clearances come back ok? If this is genetic and we run the risk of more cleft palate puppies, I don't know if I can continue to support the breeding program as ethically I feel this would be wrong.

Thanks for your time.

Welcome to the site!
There are a lot of GSDs here but they let those of us with different breeds in too!!

I don't know about the cleft palate issue but someone will come along who can help.

Tim, here is a link that explains about cleft palate and the causes (genetic/environmental/or vitamin 'a' excesses). Scroll down to 'cleft palate' to read the paragraph...
Not sure how you would know the difference...
http://molosserdeboeren.net/canine_health/


At the end of the decsription, there is a link to 'China Road', which looks like it may go in to more detail about the genetics of it...(if you haven't already read it, it's an interesting read)
Is there a history of cleft palate in the lines, other than the one pup?