Don’t Choose a Puppy Just by Looks — Know Their Health Background
🐶 Don’t Choose a Puppy Just by Looks — Know Their Health Background
When you’re looking to adopt or purchase a puppy, it’s easy to focus on appearance or personality. But there’s something even more important: their genetic health. In the U.S., there are reliable systems in place to help ensure your future furry friend is as healthy as possible. Meet OFA and CHIC.
✅ What is OFA?
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1966, dedicated to promoting the health and welfare of companion animals through the reduction of inherited disease. They offer a wide range of health screenings for dogs, including:
- Hip Dysplasia – Especially common in large breeds and strongly hereditary.
- Patellar Luxation – A knee joint condition frequently found in small breeds.
- Cardiac Issues – Screens for congenital or hereditary heart defects.
- Eye Disorders – Detects issues like inherited cataracts or retinal abnormalities.
When a dog passes these tests, the results are published on the official OFA database. If a puppy’s parents are listed there, it's a good sign they’re free from certain genetic risks.
✅ What is CHIC?
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) is a joint initiative between OFA and the American Kennel Club (AKC). While OFA provides test results for individual conditions, CHIC issues a comprehensive health certification for dogs who meet all recommended screenings for their breed.
For example, to receive CHIC certification, a Coton de Tulear must pass the following tests:
- Hip Evaluation – Either via OFA or PennHIP method
- Eye Exam – Conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist
- Patella Evaluation – Screening for luxating patella
- Cardiac Screening – Often through echocardiogram or auscultation
Once all required tests are completed and recorded, the dog is assigned a unique CHIC number (e.g., CHIC #123456) that anyone can look up in the CHIC database.
✅ OFA vs CHIC: What’s the Difference?
| Certification | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| OFA | Passed specific genetic health tests (e.g., hips, knees, heart, eyes) | Reduces the risk of hereditary diseases in puppies |
| CHIC | Passed all breed-recommended tests; receives an official certification | Shows breeder transparency and commitment to healthy breeding |
✅ Questions to Ask Your Breeder
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, make sure to ask the following:
- Have the parents been tested through OFA?
- Do they have a CHIC number?
- Can I see the health reports on the OFA or CHIC websites?
- Are the most recent test results available in document form?
✅ These Certifications Aren’t Just Paperwork
OFA and CHIC records are not just formalities — they are science-backed tools to help you avoid heartache later. Health certifications help ensure your dog has the best shot at a long, happy life free from preventable inherited conditions.
✅ Helpful Resources
Good health isn't just luck. It begins with smart, informed choices. If you want a healthy puppy, make OFA and CHIC part of your decision process.
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