Health & Testing
OFA Testing Explained for Small Breed Dogs: What Breeders Should Do
OFA is the largest canine health database in North America. Here are the tests most relevant to small breed breeders and how to read the results.
December 10, 2024 · 5 min read
What OFA Does
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintains a centralized health database for dogs. Breeders submit health evaluation results from qualified veterinary specialists, and OFA maintains public records of these evaluations. Dogs that receive qualifying normal/passing evaluations are awarded OFA certification numbers. Results are searchable at ofa.org.
Key OFA Evaluations for Small Breeds
- OFA Patella: Evaluation for patellar luxation (kneecap slippage). Done by a veterinarian. Grades 0–4 (0 = normal, 4 = severe). Highly recommended for Yorkies, Toy Poodles, Cavapoos, French Bulldogs.
- OFA Cardiac (Basic): Auscultation (listening) by a board-certified cardiologist or internist. Detects heart murmurs. Especially critical for Cavaliers and Cavapoos.
- CAER Eye Exam (OFA): Examination by an ACVO-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Screens for hereditary eye conditions not detectable by DNA. Recommended for all breeding dogs.
- OFA Hips (Prelims): Less common for toy breeds, but relevant for French Bulldogs given their structure.
How to Read OFA Results
- Normal/Pass: Dog passed the evaluation. May carry a condition DNA-tested separately, but clinical evaluation found no abnormality.
- Cardiac grade: No murmur detected = good result. Grade I–VI murmurs indicate progressive severity.
- Patella grade: Grade 0 = normal. Grade I = mild (intermittent luxation). Grades III–IV are disqualifying for responsible breeding.
- Eye CAER: Each specific condition is noted. 'Breeder option' conditions may be passed with genetic counseling.