Understanding OFA and Its Importance in Choosing a Healthy Puppy

Choosing a puppy can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear terms like OFA certification or OFA dog health testing thrown around. You want to bring home a happy, healthy dog, but the jargon can make the process confusing. This guide will help you understand what OFA is, why it matters, and how it can guide you toward a responsible dog breeder who prioritizes your puppy’s health.

What Is OFA and What Does It Do?

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a nonprofit organization that maintains the largest public database of canine health testing results. Founded in 1966, OFA helps breeders and dog owners by collecting and sharing health information about dogs, especially focusing on inherited conditions.

OFA works with AKC Parent Clubs and veterinarians to publish and maintain breed-specific health screening requirements through the CHIC program. Parent Clubs—not OFA—create these guidelines and determine which tests are important for reducing the risk of inherited genetic diseases in their breed. Breeders and owners complete these tests through licensed veterinarians or certified specialists—such as cardiologists, ophthalmologists, or genetic testing labs—and then submit the results to OFA for official recording. When breeders follow their Parent Club’s recommended screenings and submit the results to OFA, they contribute to a transparent public database that helps buyers like you make informed, health-focused decisions.

Why OFA Dog Health Testing Matters When Choosing a Puppy

When you’re looking for a puppy, you want to avoid inherited health problems that can cause pain, expensive vet bills, or heartbreak down the road. OFA dog health testing helps reduce these risks by screening for common breed-related conditions.

Here are some of the most common tests recorded in the OFA database:

• Hip and elbow evaluations to check for dysplasia, a painful joint condition common in many breeds.

• Patella (kneecap) evaluations to detect luxating patellas, which can cause lameness.

• Heart exams to identify congenital heart defects.

• Eye exams to screen for inherited eye diseases.

• Thyroid testing to detect hypothyroidism, a common hormonal disorder.

• Genetic tests for breed-specific inherited conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy or von Willebrand disease.

  
  

By choosing a puppy from a breeder who shares OFA results, you reduce the chance of inherited diseases. This doesn’t guarantee perfect health, but it shows the breeder is committed to responsible practices.

Different Breeds Need Different OFA Tests

Not all breeds face the same health risks. For example, large breeds like German Shepherds or Labrador Retrievers often need hip and elbow evaluations, while smaller breeds might focus more on patella and eye exams. Some breeds have unique genetic conditions that require specific DNA tests.

A responsible dog breeder will know which tests are recommended for their breed and will provide you with those results. This tailored approach helps protect your puppy’s health based on its breed’s known risks.

How to Look Up OFA Results

OFA results are publicly searchable on their website. You can enter a dog’s registered name, registration number, or OFA number to view their health records. This transparency allows you to verify a breeder’s claims and see the health history of a puppy’s parents.

When you look up results, pay attention to:

• Clearances: This means the dog passed the health test with no signs of disease.

• Grades or ratings: Some tests, like hips or elbows, have grading scales. A “Good” or “Excellent” rating is ideal.

• Pending or incomplete tests: If results are missing or pending, ask the breeder for an explanation.

  
  

What It Means If a Breeder Doesn’t Use OFA

If a breeder does not provide OFA results or uses other health testing methods, it doesn’t always mean they are irresponsible. Some breeders may use other reputable organizations or veterinary specialists for health screening. However, lack of OFA results can be a red flag, especially if the breeder is unwilling to share any health testing information.

You should feel comfortable asking questions about health testing and expect clear answers. A responsible dog breeder will welcome your interest and provide documentation to show they prioritize health.

Interpreting What’s Missing in OFA Results

Sometimes you might find that certain tests are missing from a dog’s OFA record. This could mean:

• The test was never done.

• The breeder hasn’t submitted the results to OFA.

• The dog is too young for some tests (like hips, which are usually done after 2 years of age).

  
  

Missing tests don’t necessarily mean the dog is unhealthy, but they do mean you should ask the breeder for more information. A breeder committed to responsible breeding will explain why tests are missing and what steps they take to ensure health.

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

You don’t have to understand every detail of dog health tests explained by veterinarians or breeders. Your goal is simple: confirm whether the breeder follows the recommended health testing for their breed. This is a key sign of responsible breeding and helps you feel confident about your puppy’s future.

Ask the breeder for OFA numbers or certificates, and check them yourself on the OFA website. If you’re unsure, many breed clubs and rescue organizations offer guidance on what tests are important for specific breeds.

Final Thoughts on OFA and Choosing a Healthy Puppy

Knowing what OFA is and how it supports responsible dog breeding gives you a powerful tool in your puppy search. OFA dog health testing is not a guarantee of perfect health, but it is a clear sign that a breeder cares about reducing inherited diseases.

By checking OFA results, understanding breed-specific tests, and asking the right questions, you can choose a puppy with confidence. Your new furry family member deserves the best start in life, and you deserve peace of mind.

Take the time to learn about OFA and use it as a guide. Your puppy’s health and happiness will thank you.

Sorting through OFA results and breeder information requires time, attention, and careful verification. If you’d prefer confidence without the hours spent digging through OFA records or breeder websites, Puppy Due Diligence offers fully handled dog breeder research. Explore my services to streamline your search so you can focus on choosing the right puppy.