We’ve always thought Cocoa was very chic, with her flashy brindle spots and her winning smile, but now Cocoa (CH Fleurdelys Chocolate Confetti) has an important new accessory: a CHIC number!
This is a number issued by the Canine Heath Information Center (CHIC) once a dog has completed the necessary tests to qualify. In the case of Frenchies, that would be: patella (knees), eyes, and hips. (Cocoa is an overachiever and passed several more health tests, too.) And sorta like high school or college, many of these tests have a score similar to A, B, C, D and F, or pass/fail.
From a quick search of the OFA site, it looks like Cocoa is joining 164 other CHIC French Bulldogs, and approximately 50,000 CHIC dogs from all breeds.
What does a CHIC number do for a dog? It puts the dog’s health information into a database for breeding reference, scientific research, and for the future of the breed. Say a dog has great hips, but not so great knees. As a conscientious breeder, you’d consider seeking out another dog, or line, with good hips and GREAT knees to keep the hips you have and to try and improve the knees. Responsible breeders are always trying to breed a better, healthier dog, or maintain the good health they have, and this database is an excellent tool to help. (And just so you know, many Frenchie breeders do health testing on their own, without going through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) process. Yes, it does cost extra. First you must seek out the OFA health clinics, or a qualified specialist. Some tests can be done by your vet, but must be done to OFA specs. Then you mail the completed applications, along with OFA fees, to OFA headquarters in Columbia, MO. This takes considerable effort and time.)
As a prospective puppy/dog buyer, A CHIC number lets you know the breeder takes the health of their dogs and line seriously. Based on health testing we’ve done, we’ve made decisions of whether to keep, show, or breed dogs, or retire a them to a loving pet home.
For the complete rundown on what CHIC registration offers, visit their info site here.
To search the CHIC database, go here.
To search the OFA database, go here.
