A growing educational resource to help breeders, puppy buyers, trainers, veterinarians, and canine professionals better understand responsible health screening.
Our Health Testing Library is being developed as a growing educational resource to help breeders, puppy buyers, trainers, veterinarians, and canine professionals better understand responsible health screening.
Use the navigation below to jump directly to any topic. This library will continue expanding as new research and educational resources become available.
The foundation of responsible breeding and lifelong canine wellbeing.
Read sectionUnderstanding inherited variants, carrier status, and what DNA results do and do not tell us.
Read sectionWhat the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals offers and how breeders can use OFA evaluations responsibly.
Read sectionHip laxity screening and early joint health assessment.
Read sectionWhat a CHIC number means, why transparency matters, and how requirements vary by breed.
Read sectionScreening for hip dysplasia through OFA, PennHIP, or equivalent methods.
Read sectionElbow dysplasia and structural screening.
Read sectionKnee joint assessment for patellar luxation.
Read sectionAuscultation, echocardiograms, and heart-condition screening.
Read sectionCompanion Animal Eye Registry exams for inherited eye conditions.
Read sectionBrainstem auditory evoked response testing for congenital deafness.
Read sectionEndocrine screening when recommended for the breed.
Read sectionEvaluations tailored to each breed's known inherited risks.
Read sectionBehavioral stability, sociability, working aptitude, and whole-dog character.
Read sectionHow to read, interpret, and use screening results responsibly.
Read sectionCommon questions about timing, costs, panels, and reliability.
Read sectionNew science, emerging research, and expanding educational materials.
Read sectionAt Crown & Collar Institute™, we believe responsible breeding is about far more than producing beautiful puppies. It is about improving the long-term health, temperament, and quality of life of future generations.
Health testing helps breeders make informed breeding decisions by identifying inherited conditions, reducing unnecessary risk, and protecting the future of each breed.
No health test can guarantee a perfect puppy. However, thoughtful health screening, honest record keeping, and responsible breeding decisions can significantly improve the likelihood of producing healthier dogs over time.
Our recognition programs encourage breeders to go beyond minimum standards whenever practical by combining:
Our goal is continuous improvement—not perfection.
DNA testing has become one of the most valuable tools available to responsible breeders. These tests can identify whether a dog is clear of certain inherited genetic conditions, is a carrier, or may be genetically affected by a particular disease.
While DNA testing is incredibly useful, it is important to understand what these results do—and do not—tell us. A DNA test is one piece of a much larger picture. Responsible breeding decisions should also consider temperament, character, orthopedic health, structure, longevity, reproductive health, behavior, pedigree, and overall quality of life.
Clear (Normal)
The dog does not carry the tested genetic variant associated with that particular condition.
Carrier
The dog carries one copy of the genetic variant but is typically healthy. Depending on the condition and mode of inheritance, carriers may still be appropriate breeding candidates when paired responsibly with a genetically compatible mate.
Affected (At Risk)
The dog carries the genetic combination associated with the condition being tested. Depending on the disease, this may or may not result in clinical signs during the dog's lifetime.
Not every disease follows the same inheritance pattern, so results should always be interpreted using current scientific guidance and, when appropriate, veterinary genetic counseling.
DNA testing helps breeders:
A normal DNA result does not guarantee a dog will never develop health problems, and an abnormal result does not automatically mean a dog should never be bred. Responsible breeding requires looking at the complete dog—not just one laboratory report.
Crown & Collar Institute™ encourages breeders to use DNA testing as one important tool within a comprehensive breeding program that also values ethical decision-making, orthopedic evaluations, temperament, behavior, lifelong health, proper nutrition, and continuous education.
Our goal is healthier dogs through informed decisions—not fear-based decisions or unnecessary elimination of valuable bloodlines.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one of the most widely recognized organizations for canine health screening in North America. Since 1966, OFA has worked with veterinarians, specialists, researchers, and breed organizations to collect and maintain health information that helps improve the long-term health of dogs.
OFA does not determine whether a dog should or should not be bred. Instead, it provides standardized health evaluations that breeders and puppy buyers can use to make more informed decisions.
Depending on the breed, OFA offers evaluations for many different health concerns, including:
Not every breed requires every evaluation. Responsible breeders select the testing that is most appropriate for their breed and breeding program.
Health evaluations can help identify inherited conditions before breeding decisions are made. This information supports better planning, healthier future generations, and greater transparency with puppy buyers. OFA testing also contributes valuable information to ongoing canine health research.
An OFA certification is not a guarantee that a dog—or its puppies—will never develop health problems. Likewise, one abnormal result does not automatically determine whether a dog should or should not be bred. Responsible breeding decisions should always consider the complete picture, including genetics, pedigree, temperament, structure, overall health, and guidance from qualified veterinary professionals.
Crown & Collar Institute™ encourages breeders to view OFA testing as one important part of responsible breeding rather than as a stand-alone measure of quality. Health testing, ethical breeding practices, brain development, temperament, nutrition, environmental enrichment, and lifelong education all work together to improve the health and well-being of future generations.
Responsible breeding is a process of continual learning and continual improvement.
PennHIP (Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) is a scientifically developed method for evaluating hip joint laxity and assessing a dog’s risk of developing hip dysplasia. Unlike traditional hip evaluations that primarily assess existing joint changes, PennHIP measures how tightly the hip joint fits together, helping estimate the likelihood of future hip problems.
PennHIP was developed through research at the University of Pennsylvania and is now used by veterinarians and breeders around the world.
Specialized radiographs are taken by veterinarians who have received PennHIP training and certification. The examination measures joint laxity using a value known as the Distraction Index (DI).
In general:
PennHIP compares each dog’s results with others of the same breed, allowing breeders to better understand where an individual dog falls within the breed population.
PennHIP offers several advantages:
PennHIP and OFA are not competing systems. They evaluate hip health differently and provide different types of information.
Many responsible breeders choose to utilize one program, while others incorporate both as part of a comprehensive breeding program.
Neither evaluation should be viewed as the sole factor in determining breeding quality.
Hip dysplasia is influenced by multiple factors, including:
Because hip health is multifactorial, no single test can completely predict future orthopedic health.
Crown & Collar Institute™ encourages breeders to understand the strengths and limitations of every health evaluation.
PennHIP provides valuable information about hip joint laxity, but it should always be considered alongside pedigree, temperament, structure, overall health, orthopedic history, nutrition, and the long-term goals of the breeding program.
Responsible breeding is built upon informed decision-making, transparency, continuous education, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of future generations.
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) is a health database created through a partnership between the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and participating breed organizations. Its purpose is to encourage health testing and increase transparency by recording health screening results for breeding dogs.
A CHIC number indicates that a dog has completed the health screening recommended for its breed by the participating breed club and that the results have been submitted for inclusion in the CHIC database.
A CHIC number does not mean a dog “passed” every health test or is guaranteed to be free of disease.
Instead, it means the dog has completed the recommended health evaluations for its breed and those results have been made publicly available through the CHIC program.
Transparency benefits breeders, puppy buyers, researchers, and the future of every breed.
Responsible breeders recognize that sharing health information—both normal and abnormal findings—helps improve the health of future generations.
Open reporting allows breeders to:
Each participating breed club determines which health evaluations are recommended for that breed. As a result, CHIC requirements differ among breeds.
For example, one breed may emphasize hip and eye examinations, while another may recommend cardiac, patella, respiratory, or DNA testing in addition to orthopedic evaluations.
There is no single health testing protocol that applies to every breed.
Crown & Collar Institute™ encourages breeders to understand what a CHIC number represents rather than viewing it as a simple badge or ranking.
Health testing should always be interpreted within the context of the individual dog, its pedigree, temperament, behavior, overall health, and the goals of a responsible breeding program.
Our philosophy emphasizes education, transparency, ethical decision-making, and continuous improvement. Health testing is one important part of that commitment, working alongside proper nutrition, brain development, environmental enrichment, temperament assessment, and lifelong learning to support healthier dogs and stronger breeding programs.
Hip evaluations screen for hip dysplasia, a common inherited orthopedic condition in many breeds. Standard methods include OFA hip radiographs and PennHIP measurements. Results are used to guide breeding pair selection and to reduce the prevalence of dysplasia over generations.
Elbow evaluations screen for elbow dysplasia and related developmental joint conditions. OFA elbow radiographs are commonly recommended for medium and large breeds and are often performed at the same time as hip evaluations.
Patella evaluations assess the stability of the kneecap and screen for patellar luxation, which is more common in small and toy breeds. Evaluations are performed by a licensed veterinarian and may be submitted to OFA.
Cardiac testing screens for inherited heart conditions and may include basic auscultation by a veterinarian, advanced auscultation by a cardiologist, or echocardiogram evaluation. Recommended testing depends on the breed's known cardiac risks.
Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) examinations are performed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists to screen for inherited eye conditions. Because many eye conditions can develop over time, CAER exams are typically repeated annually in breeding dogs.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing evaluates hearing function in one or both ears. BAER testing is especially important in breeds and coat-color patterns with a higher incidence of congenital deafness.
Thyroid testing screens for autoimmune thyroiditis and related endocrine conditions. Recommended panels typically include multiple thyroid markers and are interpreted alongside the dog's age, breed, and clinical history.
Different breeds have different health concerns. Crown & Collar Institute™ recognition pathways use breed-specific testing expectations whenever appropriate, and not every breed requires the same testing.
Breeders are encouraged to consult their veterinarians, breed parent clubs, and current CHIC recommendations when selecting the tests most relevant to their breed.
At Crown & Collar Institute™, we believe responsible breeding extends beyond physical health. A dog’s temperament, character, resilience, trainability, confidence, and ability to thrive in a family environment are equally important components of responsible breeding.
Health testing helps us understand the body. Temperament and character evaluations help us understand the mind.
Both matter.
A physically healthy dog may still struggle if it has poor emotional stability, excessive fear, inappropriate aggression, difficulty recovering from stress, or limited adaptability.
Responsible breeders work to improve both physical and behavioral health across generations.
Temperament influences:
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, Crown & Collar Institute™ recognizes that they describe different aspects of a dog.
Temperament refers to the natural behavioral tendencies a dog is born with, including emotional responses, confidence, sociability, and resilience.
Character develops over time through genetics, early development, environment, learning experiences, socialization, and responsible guidance.
Evaluating both provides a more complete understanding of the individual dog.
No single evaluation can accurately predict a puppy’s future.
As puppies grow, their behavior continues to develop through brain maturation, learning, nutrition, health, and life experiences.
For this reason, Crown & Collar Institute™ encourages multiple age-appropriate evaluations rather than relying on a single test.
Our developing recommendations include structured observations throughout puppyhood and continued evaluation as dogs mature.
Behavior exists on a spectrum.
Rather than labeling puppies as “good” or “bad,” responsible evaluations seek to understand each dog’s individual strengths, challenges, motivations, and developmental needs.
The goal is not to eliminate every imperfection.
The goal is to better match each dog with the right home while continuously improving future generations.
Our philosophy combines health testing, responsible breeding, early neurological development, nutrition, environmental enrichment, positive learning experiences, and ongoing temperament evaluation into one comprehensive approach.
By considering both physical health and behavioral health together, breeders can make more informed decisions that support healthier, happier dogs and stronger lifelong partnerships between dogs and their families.
Crown & Collar Institute™ is developing detailed educational resources covering:
These resources are currently under development and will continue expanding as new educational materials become available.
Health testing is designed to provide information—not to oversimplify complex breeding decisions.
Many health evaluations cannot be accurately described as simply “passing” or “failing.” Instead, they provide valuable information that helps breeders, veterinarians, and puppy buyers better understand a dog’s health and potential breeding considerations.
Responsible breeders learn how to interpret results within the context of the entire dog rather than focusing on a single number or report.
Different health evaluations measure different aspects of health.
Some identify inherited genetic variants.
Some evaluate joint structure.
Others assess heart function, vision, hearing, respiratory health, or breed-specific concerns.
Each test should be understood according to its intended purpose and interpreted appropriately.
No individual health test can fully define the quality of a dog.
Responsible breeding decisions also consider:
When viewed together, these factors provide a much more complete understanding of a dog’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Every breeding program involves balancing strengths and weaknesses.
The goal is not to produce “perfect” dogs—because perfection does not exist.
Instead, responsible breeders work to:
Open communication benefits everyone involved.
Sharing health testing information allows puppy buyers to make informed decisions, encourages confidence in responsible breeders, supports scientific research, and contributes to the long-term improvement of every breed.
Transparency demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning rather than perfection.
Crown & Collar Institute™ encourages breeders to use health testing as an educational tool—not simply as a marketing tool.
Certificates and test results are valuable, but they should always be interpreted alongside the dog’s overall health, temperament, behavior, pedigree, and lifelong well-being.
Responsible breeding is built upon knowledge, honesty, continual education, and a genuine commitment to improving the future of our dogs.
Why should breeders perform health testing?
Health testing helps breeders make more informed decisions by identifying inherited health concerns, understanding breed-specific risks, and contributing to the long-term improvement of future generations. It is one important part of responsible breeding alongside temperament, nutrition, ethical practices, and lifelong education.
Does health testing guarantee healthy puppies?
No.
Health testing significantly improves the information available to breeders, but no test can guarantee that a puppy will never develop health problems. Genetics, environment, nutrition, development, and many other factors all contribute to lifelong health.
If a dog passes every health test, does that make it a good breeding dog?
Not necessarily.
Responsible breeding considers the complete dog, including temperament, character, structure, pedigree, behavior, longevity, reproductive health, and overall quality of life—not just laboratory or orthopedic results.
What is the difference between DNA testing and orthopedic testing?
DNA testing evaluates inherited genetic variants associated with specific conditions.
Orthopedic testing evaluates physical structures such as hips, elbows, patellas, and other joints to assess orthopedic health.
Both provide valuable but different information.
What is the difference between OFA, PennHIP, and CHIC?
These programs serve different purposes.
They complement one another rather than compete with one another.
Why do testing recommendations vary between breeds?
Every breed has unique inherited strengths and health challenges.
For that reason, responsible health testing is based on the needs of the individual breed rather than using one universal checklist for every dog.
Should puppy buyers ask to see health testing?
Yes.
Responsible breeders should be willing to discuss the health testing they perform, explain why those evaluations were selected, and answer questions honestly and openly.
Health testing is only one part of responsible breeding, but transparency builds trust.
Is health testing enough?
No.
Excellent breeding programs also focus on:
All of these work together to influence the long-term health and success of future generations.
Where can I learn more?
The Crown & Collar Health Testing Library will continue expanding with detailed educational resources covering breed-specific testing, genetics, orthopedic health, temperament, brain development, nutrition, and responsible breeding practices.
Our goal is to help breeders and puppy buyers make informed, evidence-informed decisions that support healthier dogs and stronger lifelong partnerships.
This library will continue expanding as new research and educational resources become available. Crown & Collar Institute™ may update these recommendations as new scientific evidence emerges. Additional topics—such as reproductive health, genetic diversity, and emerging research—will be added to the library over time.