Dogs that are “only” family pets do not need OFA testing, but all dogs who are being considered for breeding need “all” OFA testing. Even pets may benefit from OFA testing, so if you’re curious about it, ask your vet if extra testing is recommended.
In the case of this breeding pair (Dixie Rose x Sir Reddington), both dogs have earned CHIC numbers, which indicates they have both undergone “all” testing. This is the most extensive screening available. Pursuing a CHIC number is a long and expensive process that could disqualify a healthy dog at any point. Making it through all the tests ensures, to the best of our ability, that our dogs do not knowingly pass along the congenital conditions most common in this breed.
While not 100% guaranteed that a pup’s offspring won’t develop a condition later in life, we can confidently say that both dogs passed their OFA tests with flying colors!
Recommendations for the Golden Retriever
Recommended Tests
CHIC Program Requirements
Working with the breed’s parent club, the OFA recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock. Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements will be issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For CHIC certification, all results do not need to be normal, but they must all be in the public domain so responsible breeders can make more informed breeding decisions.
For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification indicates that the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria.
The breed-specific list below represents the basic health screening recommendations.
| Screening | Testing options | Dixie Rose | Sir Reddington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation or PennHIP Evaluation (At least 4 months of age) | OFA | OFA |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation | OFA | OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Annual Eye Examinations. Results registered with OFA | OFA | OFA |
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam at 12 months or older, with exam by cardiologist Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam at 12 months or older, with exam by cardiologist | Advanced | Advanced |
Golden Retriever Puppies 