Tag: cardiac

CHIC Number!

Posted on by Jennifer Cook-DeRosa, M.S.

All testing and Dixie Rose’s health clearances are complete and after extensive rounds of testing, she has met every standard and issued her CHIC number! We are so proud! There is no better way to celebrate than with about 1,000 rounds of fetch. (read more about CHIC below)

CHIC# 193071

A CHIC number is issued when test results are entered into the database satisfying each breed-specific requirement and when the dog’s owner has opted to release the results into the public domain.

Dixie Rose’s results are public record. While our record is positive, it’s important to note that had she failed her test, that would have been public record too. I strongly believe that ethical breeding includes transparency of information and that it demonstrates our integrity and commitment to ethical breeding practices.

Permanent Identification
Regardless of breed, each dog must be permanently identified in order to have test results included in CHIC. Permanent identification may be in the form of a microchip or tattoo.

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)

Database

The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). CHIC, working with participating parent clubs, provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds.

Browse by breed to see if your dog breed is currently enrolled in the CHIC program and what tests are required to obtain a CHIC number.

To find a dog already in the CHIC Database, search here.

For more information about CHIC eligibility, obtaining a CHIC number, fees, and how to enroll a breed in the CHIC program read the CHIC Frequently Asked Questions.

OFA 1st Screening

Posted on by Jennifer Cook-DeRosa, M.S.

We just celebrated Dixie Rose’s 1 year birthday, and that means it’s time for her first full OFA Health Screening. Our veterinarian will administer her essential Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health tests. While this is always important before breeding a dog, having this valuable information early in your dog’s life can give you information to help your dog live its best life because you have knowledge early on.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is a nonprofit organization based in Columbia, Missouri, that aims to research and prevent orthopedic and hereditary diseases in companion animals.

OFA tests are voluntary, become public record, and quite expensive. When an owner has these tests done, it makes a statement about their commitment responsible dog ownership and quality of the breed. OFA testing has nothing to do with being a “show dog” but owners of registered dogs add their dogs to the OFA database for the good of the entire breed. It allows all of us to trace a dog’s health for many generations. It also allows the tracing of diseases.

After a dog has completed these tests, the results are recorded in a database that’s easily accessible to everyone. It’s important to remember that having the possibility of diseases like hip dysplasia or eye issues doesn’t diminish your pup’s lovability; it’s simply information that can help inform health management and breeding choices. Being a responsible dog owner means making sure we don’t breed dogs with health issues, and registering all dogs in the database is a positive step for the well-being of our dogs and the wider community.