OFA

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the 3 Schnauzer breeds. With his sturdy and powerful but agile body and keen nose, quick intelligence and responsive disposition, the Giant is amenable to many kinds of training and enjoys a fine reputation as a police or army service dog and as a devoted guardian of home and family.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Giant Schnauzer Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
Optional but recommended:
- Cardiac Exam (Basic or Advanced Exam)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DNA test)

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Giant Schnauzer, please visit the parent club website: http://www.giantschnauzerclubofamerica.com/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

The Lowchen is a small, bright, and lively dog with an outgoing and positive attitude. They originated as a companion breed in pre-Renneissance Europe and were often referred to as “little lions” due to how the ladies of the court groomed them.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Lowchen Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam (12m age minimum)
- Patellar Luxation

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Lowchen, please visit the parent club website: https://www.thelowchenclubofamerica.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

With Tracheal Hypoplasia, the trachea has a decreased luminal diameter resulting in breathing difficulties. The condition is common in Bulldog and non-Bulldog brachycephalic breeds.

The evaluation consists of a subjective evaluation of tracheal size and uniformity by a board certified veterinary radiologist, and an objective evaluation based on the ratio (TLR) of the tracheal lumen diameter at the thoracic inlet to the width of the proximal third rib. For certification, dogs must be at least 12 months of age at the time of radiography, must have a normal subjective evaluation of the tracheal size and uniformity, and must have a TLR greater than or equal to 2.0.
Learn more: https://ofa.org/diseases/other-phenotypic-evaluations/tracheal-hypoplasia/

Originating in Hungary, the Wirehaired Vizsla was developed by hunters and falconers who desired a sturdy, versatile hunting dog able to withstand harsh winters in the field, forest and water.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Wirehaired Vizsla, please visit the parent club website: https://loom.ly/dIuSAfw
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://loom.ly/DiTLISo

What do I have to do for an OFA cardiac clearance?
The OFA maintains two separate cardiac clearance databases, the Basic Cardiac Database and the Advanced Cardiac Database. The Basic Cardiac Database will only clear for congenital disease, and may be performed by any licensed veterinarian. The Advanced Cardiac Database results in a two-tiered clearance – one for congenital disease, and a second for adult onset disease. Advanced Cardiac exams may only be performed by boarded veterinary cardiologists with Diplomate status in either the ACVIM or ECVIM. Adult onset clearances are only valid for one year. The minimum age for certification in either cardiac database is 12 months.
Learn more: https://ofa.org/diseases/cardiac-disease/

Happy 4th of July from everyone at the OFA! Have a fun and safe holiday🎆

The Japanese Akitainu is a large, sturdily built, well balanced Spitz-type dog. They are the largest of the native dog breeds of Japan and were originally used for hunting game in mountainous terrain.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Japanese Akitainu Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Familial Enamel Hypoplasia
Optional but recommended:
- Patellar Luxation
- Elbow Dysplasia

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Japanese Akitainu, please visit the parent club website: https://akita-inu.com/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

What is the RFGS?
The Royal Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge have devised the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) designed to advise owners if their dog is affected by BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and give guidance to breeders on how to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. The program has been licensed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and RFGS screening is now available in North America.

The a select number of veterinarians have been approved as OFA RFGS examiners as of Spring 2024.The list will continue grow in numbers and by geography over time, but the roll out is slow as all approved examiners must shadow under an approved examiner in a clinical setting in order to gain familiarity with the exam protocol and gain experience and proficiency in the grading scheme before becoming approved.

Learn more about the RFGS here: https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/

The Barbet was an original water dog and was primarily used in France for hunting water game. They are more than a versatile gun dog. The Barbet is a joyful, smart, loving, and devoted breed.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Barbet Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam (12m age minimum)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy prcd (DNA Test)
Optional but recommended:
- AKC or UKC DNA profile

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Barbet, please visit the parent club website: https://www.barbetclubofamerica.com/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

FAQ: I have a mixed breed. Can they get an OFA number?
Yes. The OFA does not require dogs to be purebred or registered in order to perform an OFA evaluation or to register test results into our databases

Learn more: https://ofa.org/

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog that is dainty and of lively action; distinguished from other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Papillon Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Patellar Luxation
Health Elective (one of the following):
- Cardiac Exam (Basic, Advanced, or Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam)
- PRA1
- NAD

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Papillon, please visit the parent club website: https://papillonclub.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

FAQ: Does the OFA do tests for cats?
Yes, the OFA accepts cats into the hip dysplasia, cardiac, and patellar luxation databases. Requirements, protocols, procedures, and fees are identical to dogs.

Check out our website to learn more: ofa.org

The Australian Cattle Dog is a strong compact, symmetrically built working dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task however arduous.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam (24m age minimum)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy prcd (DNA Test)
- Congenital Deafness (BAER)
- Primary Lens Luxation (DNA Test)
Optional but recommended:
- Patellar Luxation
- Cardiac Exam (Basic, Advanced, or Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
- PennHip

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Australian Cattle Dog, please visit the parent club website: https://www.acdca.org/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

The OFA would like to share that the AKC is hosting a series of breeder oriented webinars focused on health. The next webinar of the series will be on the DNA program with Dr. Claire Wiley and will take place on Tuesday, June 18th, 7:00-8:00pm ET.

Join AKC DNA Program Executive Director Dr. Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM, as she shares DNA basics!

Register now: https://loom.ly/YtvPXsE

The Irish Wolfhound is a large, rough-coated, shaggy-browed hound, built on galloping lines. Whether lying by the hearth or galloping in the meadow, it is easy to imagine him as the prominent figure he was during the Middle Ages

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Irish Wolfhound Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Cardiac Exam (Advanced cardiac exam w/ ECG)
Optional but recommended:
- Serum Bile Acid Test

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Irish Wolfhound, please visit the parent club website: https://www.iwclubofamerica.org/home

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at the OFA🩷

What is Patellar Luxation?
The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place, either in a medial or lateral position. Bilateral involvement is most common, but unilateral is not uncommon. Classifying the degree of luxation and bony deformity is useful for diagnosis. Grades are assigned 1-4 in severity. Diagnosis is made upon physical evaluation by a veterinarian and can be submitted to the OFA for dogs that are a minimum of 12 months of age (or

This , we celebrate the heritage and predictability of purebred dogs. These amazing animals have enriched our lives as service dogs, conservation dogs, livestock guardians, search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and more. Visit www.akcchf.org/research to learn about our work to advance the health of purebred dogs and all dogs.

Strong, athletic, intelligent and driven to please, the Am Staff can excel at just about anything asked of it. They can be strong willed, exuberant and impulsive while remaining quite sensitive.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Staffordshire Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Cardiac Evaluation (Basic, Advanced, or Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam)
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Annual)
- NCL-A Cerebellar Ataxia (See CHIC page for more info)
Optional but recommended:
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Elbow Dysplasia

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the American Staffordshire Terrier, please visit the parent club website: https://www.amstaff.org/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a little French breed developed in virtual isolation in the rugged Pyrenees Mountains of France as a herder of sheep. He is a small, lively dog with a sparkling personality and quicksilver intelligence.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- ACVO Eye Exam
- Patellar Luxation
Optional but recommended:
- Cardiac Evaluation (Basic, Advanced, or Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam)
- DNA Repository

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Pyrenean Shepherd, please visit the parent club website: https://www.pyrshepclub.org/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) was founded as a private, not-for-profit foundation in 1966 by John M. Olin, a well-known inventor, industrialist, philanthropist, conservationist, and sportsman.

Olin was an avid sportsman, hunter, and field trial participant. When hip dysplasia began to impact the performance of Olin’s dogs, he organized an initial meeting with representatives of the veterinary community, the Golden Retriever Club of America, and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America to discuss means of limiting the disease. This ultimately led to the formation and incorporation of the OFA.

Learn more: https://ofa.org/about/
Image via Waterfowl Stamps and More

Check out our website to find upcoming health clinics near you!

https://ofa.org/health-clinics/

NOTICE

The OFA website and OFA Online will be undergoing planned system upgrades and maintenance on Sunday, April 14th. During this time, these tools will be unavailable The anticipated downtime is from 10am - 2pm central time, however this is subject to change due to the significance of the effort. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience, and plan on having all online tools available by Monday morning.

The Irish Setter has been termed by artists to be the most beautiful of all dogs. Along with its appearance, the Irish Setter is described to be fun loving with a “rollicking” temperament.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Irish Setter Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP)
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (DNA test)

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Irish Setter, please visit the parent club website: https://irishsetterclub.org/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

The OFA would like to share that the AKC is hosting a series of breeder oriented webinars focused on health. The next webinar of the series will be on Cardiac Exams with Dr. Heidi Kellihan and will take place Tuesday, May 7th, 7:00-8:00pm ET.

Join Dr. Heidi Kellihan for a break down on OFA Cardiac Examinations done on your breeding stock. She will share cardiac abnormalities that a Cardiologist screens for when performing OFA Cardiac Basic and Advanced examinations.

Register now: https://loom.ly/8HqE6F8

Ever wonder how we grade elbow radiographs on adult dogs?

When a set of elbow radiographs on a dog over 24 months is submitted to the OFA, a group of 3 randomly assigned board certified radiologists evaluate and grade them independently. Their evaluations are pooled, and a final grade consensus is determined. The grades for elbows are:
Grade I Elbow Dysplasia: Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna (less than 2mm).
Grade II Elbow Dysplasia: Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (2-5 mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch sclerosis).
Grade III Elbow Dysplasia: Well developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along anconeal process being greater than 5 mm.

Additionally, any underlying components of elbow dysplasia that may be present will be diagnosed when seen (ununited anconeal process, fractured medial coronoid process, OCD).

For even more in depth information on elbow grading and dysplasia, check out our website: https://ofa.org/diseases/elbow-dysplasia/

Happy Easter from all of us at the OFA🐰

Have you ever wondered why the minimum age for hip and elbow clearances is 24 months?
OFA hip and elbow clearances look at the conformation of the joints to evaluate if there are any deformities or evidence of disease. While preliminary results are generally reliable, the accuracy of the final grade and the ability to diagnose hip dysplasia increases at 24 months of age. Degenerative arthritic changes secondary to hip or elbow dysplasia can take time to appear on radiographs, especially mild cases. The 24 month mark has been shown to be reliable for diagnosis because it ensures growth is complete and allows for degenerative changes to be seen. This age is also still young enough to allow breeders and owners to make informed decisions for the dog's future.

The Rottweiler is a robust, powerful and loyal dog with strong protective instincts.

Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the American Rottweiler Club, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cardiac Exam (Basic, Advanced, or Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam - 24m age minimum)
- ACVO Eye Exam (24m age minimum)
Optional but recommended:
- Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy

Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.

For more information about the Rottweiler, please visit the parent club website: https://www.amrottclub.org/

For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/