We are looking to get a Golden Labrador but have been warned they have lots of problems with hips and other problems because of bad breeding.  How do i make sure I get a good healthy dog?  What checks can i do?

You need to ask the breed club for the address of breeders of Yellow Labs, and then go and check them out for yourself.

You need to buy from a breeder who has KC registered dogs (not any other registration!!) and you should see the papers for the parents as well as the certificates to prove the results of the health tests.
You should find out which health tests are required for the breed,one of which is hip scoring and what a suitable result is.The lower the better for hip scoring.I am sure someone will come along with moe breed knowledge.
Do not be afraid of approaching a breeder who breeds for the show ring...they all produce some pet quality pups and are glad of enquiries from pet owners.
Good luck Archer

Thanks Archer, got sidetracked half way through my reply by a PM

Check that the hips of both sire and dam have been scored. A Labrador should ideally have a score of 15 or better total (both sides added together) They should have a current BVA/KC/ISDS eye test certificate. This should be renewed every year so the date on it should be less than a year old. Ideally they should be elbow scored zero, unfortunately not all that many breeders elbow score yet. You should also ask if there is any epilepsy in the lines. If all these points are ok then at least the breeder is trying!

Incidentally Guest, the correct terminology for the colour is Yellow, never Golden because it causes confusion with the Golden Retriever

Best wishes, John