Health & Testing

What Is CHIC Certification in Dogs? The Gold Standard of Health Testing

CHIC certification means a dog has completed all breed-specific health tests recommended by their parent club. Here's how to check a dog's status and why it matters.

November 25, 2024 · 5 min read

What Is CHIC?

CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) is a centralized canine health database established by the AKC, OFA, and breed parent clubs. A dog earns a CHIC number when it has completed all health tests required by its breed parent club and consented to make the results public — regardless of whether the results are favorable or not. This public transparency is the core of CHIC's value.

How to Look Up a Dog's CHIC Status

Visit ofa.org and search by the dog's registered name or AKC number. You'll see all submitted health test results for that individual, including whether a CHIC number has been issued. Any buyer can do this search before purchasing a puppy — it's free and public.

CHIC Requirements Vary by Breed

Each breed parent club sets its own CHIC requirements based on the health conditions most relevant to that breed. For Yorkshire Terriers, this currently includes: CAER eye exam, OFA patella, and OFA cardiac. Requirements change as science evolves. A breeder keeping up with CHIC means they're engaged with their breed parent club's health standards.

What CHIC Doesn't Guarantee

A CHIC number doesn't guarantee a dog is healthy or free of all conditions — it guarantees the breed-required tests were done and results made public. A dog can have a CHIC number and still be a carrier for a testable condition (which is acceptable if paired appropriately). The key value of CHIC is transparency — you can see exactly what was tested and what the results were.