What Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Does and Why It Matters
🏥 What OFA Does and Why It Matters
Understanding the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and How It Protects Puppies
🦴 What Is the OFA?
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a non-profit organization that evaluates and tracks heritable orthopedic and genetic conditions in dogs. Established in 1966, its mission is to improve the health and welfare of companion animals through a database of canine health testing.
When a breeder says their dog is OFA certified, it means the dog has passed health screenings interpreted by board-certified veterinary specialists and is publicly listed in the OFA database.
🐕 What Conditions Does OFA Test For?
The OFA doesn’t perform the tests—it collects and publishes the results. Breeders work with veterinarians or veterinary specialists to perform the tests, and the results are submitted to the OFA.
Here are some of the most important conditions screened through OFA:
🦴 Hip Dysplasia
A painful, inherited condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly. Common in large breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
🦴 Elbow Dysplasia
A developmental abnormality in the elbow joint that leads to lameness and arthritis.
🧠 Patellar Luxation
The dislocation of the kneecap, most commonly found in smaller breeds like Pomeranians and Yorkies.
💗 Cardiac Disease
Heart defects, such as subaortic stenosis or mitral valve disease, screened by certified veterinary cardiologists.
👂 BAER Testing (via OFA)
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response, which tests for hearing ability, especially in Dalmatians and other at-risk breeds.
👁️ Eye Certification (CAER)
Done in partnership with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) to detect inherited eye disorders.
🧬 DNA Tests
OFA also partners with major labs to house DNA test results for hereditary diseases such as:
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
💡 Why Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Testing Should Matter to Puppy Buyers
Puppy health starts long before you meet your dog.
Responsible breeders use OFA testing as a standard, not a selling point. It ensures their dogs are structurally sound and free of common genetic diseases. You should never have to guess whether your new puppy is going to suffer from a painful, expensive condition.
✅ OFA testing is public
✅ Results are verified by specialists
✅ It’s trusted by veterinarians and breed clubs worldwide
🔍 How to Verify Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Testing
Before purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder for the OFA test links or registration numbers of the parents.
You can verify health tests yourself on the official Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA site:
🔗 Search by Dog’s Registered Name or Registration Number
A responsible breeder will be happy and proud to walk you through the testing history.
🐾 What Breeders in the Paw Privileges Program Do
All breeders featured on ResponsibleBreeders.ca and part of the Paw Privileges Responsible Breeding Program commit to transparency, health, and ethical breeding practices. Their breeding dogs:
- Are OFA (or Pennhip) tested and certified
- Have breed-specific DNA and eye testing
- Have hips and elbows certified (as appropriate for their breed)
- Publicly share test results
🧠 Common Misconceptions About OFA Testing
“My vet says the hips are fine.”
Regular X-rays are not a substitute for certified OFA or PennHIP evaluations, which are interpreted by board-certified radiologists.
“Small dogs don’t need testing.”
Every breed has specific risks. Toy breeds still face patellar luxation, heart problems, and genetic diseases.
📦 Final Thought: OFA Testing = Healthy Foundation
A breeder using Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ( OFA) doesn’t just care about appearances—they care about long-term health, structure, and the future of the breed. It’s a sign of commitment and professionalism.
When you buy a puppy from an OFA-tested line, you’re investing in a sound, ethical start.
🐶 Ready to Find a Health-Tested Puppy?
🔗 Browse Our Verified Breeders
🔗 Learn About Our Health Requirements
🔗 Read: Why Health Testing Matters →
Responsible Breeders of Canada
