Significance of OFA
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing on the sire and dam prior to breeding is important when selecting a breeder for a number of reasons:
- Genetic Health: The testing helps identify any potential genetic health issues in the parents that may be passed on to the offspring. By ensuring that both parents have undergone OFA health testing, there is a higher chance of producing healthier puppies with a lower risk of inherited diseases.
- Responsible Breeding: Breeders who prioritize health testing demonstrate their commitment to responsible breeding practices. This includes selecting breeding pairs with good health history and taking steps to reduce the occurrence of genetic disorders within the breed.
- Transparency and Assurance: Obtaining health clearances from OFA provides transparency to potential puppy buyers. It offers assurance that the breeder has taken the necessary steps to assess the health status of the breeding pair and is committed to producing puppies of good genetic health.
- Long-term Benefits: Health testing helps improve the overall health of the breed by tracking and monitoring genetic health issues. By participating in health testing programs, breeders can contribute to the accumulation of data that can be used for future breeding decisions and breed improvement.
It’s important to note that OFA health testing is just one aspect to consider when selecting a breeder. Responsible breeders typically go beyond health testing and prioritize other factors such as temperament, proper socialization, and overall breed improvement.
Breed Club OFA Recommendations For Shiba Inu
The OFA, working with the breed’s parent club, 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 that responsible breeders can make more informed breeding decisions. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria. The breed specific list below represents the basic health screening recommendations. It is not all encompassing. There may be other health screening tests appropriate for this breed. And, there may be other health concerns for which there is no commonly accepted screening protocol available.
| Screening | Testing Options |
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
