Happy Tuesday ❤️
I want to address a question in the comments from yesterday.
OFA does not do DNA testing but it will document findings from approved labs in their public-facing database. Our breed has its own database (Berner-Garde) and so one does not have to share findings with OFA but there are advantages to doing so, and one of those is CHIC certification.
The OFA works with breed clubs (e.g., BMDCA) to establish optimal screenings for a dog used in breeding programs. For Berners, the tests include:
AKC DNA Profile
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
ACVO Eye Exam
Cardiac
DM: SOD1-A & SOD1-B, or an at-risk result for either SOD1-A or SOD1-B
Either vWD or Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab
(sourced from THIS webpage)
When those screenings are done and documented, OFA issues the dog a CHIC certification.
Why care about CHIC certification? I like this explanation from the OFA website:
“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.”
Data transparency — the good, the bad, and the ugly — is one mark of a good breeder/stud dog owner. It reflects an understanding that every dog has value in the grand tapestry that is a dog breed. We are lucky in our breed to have two places we can look to assess and verify information: Berner-Garde and OFA. I like to use both.
And so Capella did not have repeated DM tests but rather she had her results verified and documented by OFA, and that is reflected in the issuance of OFA numbers for those screenings. Thanks for asking ❤️
The puppies crawl under the tunnel more than they go through it.
Star Garnet went ball shopping.
I love how puppies drape themselves on their mom. This is Sapphire.
And by request — a video from this morning 🩷💙💙💙