Understanding OFA Health Testing

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the gold standard for canine health testing in the United States. When breeders say their dogs are "health tested," OFA is usually what they mean. Here's what the tests are, what the results mean, and how to verify them.

What Is OFA?

OFA is a nonprofit that maintains a database of health test results for dogs. Breeders submit tests performed by qualified veterinarians, and OFA evaluates and records the results. All passing results are publicly searchable.

The Core Tests for Standard Poodles

Hip Evaluation

• What it tests: The fit and condition of the hip joint
• How it's done: X-rays taken under sedation, submitted to OFA for evaluation by three board-certified radiologists
• Results:
  • Excellent — Superior hip conformation
  • Good — Well-formed hips with minor irregularities
  • Fair — Acceptable hip joint, some minor issues
  • Borderline — Not clearly normal or dysplastic
  • Mild/Moderate/Severe Dysplasia — Abnormal hip development (fail)
• Minimum age: 24 months for a final rating (preliminary evaluations available earlier)
• What to look for: Excellent, Good, or Fair

Elbow Evaluation

• What it tests: Elbow joint conformation
• How it's done: X-rays evaluated by OFA radiologists
• Results: Normal (pass) or Dysplastic Grade I/II/III (fail)
• What to look for: Normal

Eye Examination (CERF/CAER)

• What it tests: Checks for hereditary eye diseases including cataracts, PRA, and other conditions
• How it's done: Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist performs a comprehensive eye exam
• Results: Normal/Clear or identification of specific conditions
• Frequency: Should be done annually — eyes can change over time
• What to look for: Current year clear exam

Cardiac Evaluation

• What it tests: Heart health, looking for murmurs, valve disease, and structural abnormalities
• How it's done: Auscultation (listening) by a cardiologist, or echocardiogram for advanced evaluation
• Results: Normal (pass) or specific findings
• What to look for: Normal, preferably by a cardiologist

Genetic Panel (DNA Testing)

• What it tests: Specific gene mutations associated with heritable diseases
• Key tests for standard poodles:
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) — Clear, Carrier, or Affected
  • vWD (Von Willebrand's Disease) — Clear, Carrier, or Affected
  • NE (Neonatal Encephalopathy) — Clear, Carrier, or Affected
• How it's done: Cheek swab or blood sample sent to a testing lab (Embark, Paw Print Genetics, or similar)
• What to look for: Both parents should be Clear, or at minimum one parent Clear (carrier × clear produces no affected puppies)

How to Look Up Results

1. Go to ofa.org
2. Click "Search OFA" or "Look Up a Dog"
3. Search by registered name, OFA number, or AKC registration number
4. Review all test results and dates

If a breeder says their dogs are tested but results aren't on OFA, ask to see the certificates directly.

Red Flags

• "Our vet said the hips look fine" — A regular vet check is not an OFA evaluation
• "We've never had any health issues in our lines" — That's not the same as testing
• "Health testing is too expensive/unnecessary" — The tests cost a few hundred dollars per dog. Any serious breeder considers this a basic cost of doing business
• No results on OFA and no certificates provided — Walk away

Why It Matters

Health testing doesn't guarantee a perfectly healthy dog — no one can promise that. But it dramatically reduces the odds of preventable genetic conditions. It's the single most important question to ask any breeder:

Can I see the OFA results for both parents?

A responsible breeder will be happy to show you.