OFA Health Testing for Breeding Dogs in Anderson, IN – Certified Health Clearances

In Anderson, responsible dog breeders use OFA health testing to screen breeding dogs for genetic conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals evaluates hips, elbows, hearts, eyes, and other breed-specific health markers (1). These tests prevent genetic disease, provide documented clearances, improve puppy health, and build buyer confidence. You'll learn which tests matter, timing requirements, and how results protect breeding programs. At Walls Family Doodles, we complete OFA clearances on all breeding dogs.

Breeding programs producing medium to large breed dogs need protection against dysplasia. Hip and elbow X-rays graded by OFA radiologists identify joint malformation before breeding occurs (2). Dogs with excellent, good, or fair ratings produce healthier puppies with better mobility throughout life (3).

Three board-certified radiologists independently evaluate each X-ray submitted to OFA. The grading system classifies hips as Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe (4). Excellent hips show deep-seated ball joints fitting tightly into well-formed sockets with minimal joint space. Good hips show slightly less coverage but remain well-formed and congruent. Fair hips display minor irregularities with wider joint space than good hips (5).

Veterinary clinics across Indiana and the Midwest perform preliminary X-rays, then films are sent to OFA in Missouri for official evaluation and certification. Indiana's moderate climate still stresses joints—winter cold and summer activity make orthopedic health critical for local dogs. Puppy buyers throughout Madison County, Ohio, and Michigan seek dogs with reduced arthritis risk and longer active lifespans.

OFA Hip and Elbow Evaluations Prevent Orthopedic Disorders in Future Generations

Veterinarian examining X-ray images on a lightbox, with a large curly-haired dog sitting on an examination table nearby.

Comprehensive OFA Health Testing Strengthens Breeding Program Reputations and Puppy Quality

Established breeders compete for serious buyers willing to pay premium prices for health-tested litters. Complete clearances—hips, elbows, eyes, and breed-specific panels—differentiate quality programs from hobby breeders (14). Puppies from health-tested parents command higher prices and attract educated buyers focused on long-term dog wellness.

At Walls Family Doodles, our Australian Labradoodles registered with WALA undergo comprehensive health screening. Veterinary communities throughout the Midwest recommend breeders with full OFA clearances to clients seeking puppies. Local training facilities, groomers, and pet stores refer customers to programs with documented health testing.

Programs in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and surrounding states building waitlists and referral networks benefit from transparency. Health testing demonstrates commitment to breed improvement and puppy welfare. Investment in OFA clearances protects buyers, puppies, and breeding program longevity.

A female veterinarian examines a dog with an otoscope in a veterinary clinic.

Cardiac and Eye Clearances Identify Hereditary Conditions Before Dogs Enter Breeding Programs

Breeders working with breeds predisposed to heart defects or eye disease must screen for these conditions. Board-certified cardiologists detect murmurs, arrhythmias, and structural heart problems missed in routine vet exams (6). CAER eye exams identify progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and other vision conditions passed genetically (7).

Cardiac evaluations require specialists trained to identify congenital defects like patent ductus arteriosus, the most common congenital heart disease in dogs. Eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists check for hereditary cataracts, retinal diseases, glaucoma, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (8). Some conditions eliminate dogs from breeding while others are breeder-option depending on severity.

Breeders across the Midwest travel to Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or regional veterinary universities for specialist cardiac evaluations. Eye certifications require annual renewal and responsible programs update clearances before each breeding. Puppy buyers in Indiana, Ohio, and surrounding states prioritize long-term health costs and veterinary expense reduction.

Two fluffy dogs sitting on a wooden porch outside a house, with one larger and one smaller dog, both looking at the camera.

Midwest Breeders Complete OFA Testing After Dogs Reach Minimum Age Requirements

New breeding programs establishing health testing protocols need clear timelines. Age requirements ensure skeletal maturity—hips and elbows must be fully developed for accurate evaluation (9). Testing too early produces unreliable results that don't predict adult joint health or breeding suitability.

OFA requires dogs to be at least 24 months old for final hip and elbow certification (10). Preliminary evaluations can be performed as early as 16 weeks (PennHIP) or 16 months (OFA prelims), but final certification requires skeletal maturity. Eye examinations can occur at any age but require annual updates. Cardiac evaluations depend on breed-specific requirements.

At Walls Family Doodles, we schedule OFA appointments around dogs reaching appropriate ages, coordinating with local veterinarians for X-rays. Buyers asking why young dogs under two years old may not have complete OFA certifications yet should understand skeletal development timelines. Some preliminary screenings available earlier, but OFA certification remains the gold standard across Indiana and Midwest breeding communities.

A cozy wooden desk with a laptop, a pair of glasses, a notebook, a coffee mug, a desk lamp, and a dog resting its head on the desk near the laptop, in a warmly lit room.

OFA Certification Results Appear in Public Databases for Buyer Verification

Prospective puppy buyers researching breeder claims about health testing need verification tools. The public OFA database allows anyone to search dog names or registration numbers and verify clearances instantly (11). Passing grades prove dogs meet breeding standards and demonstrate breeder transparency.

Dogs receiving Excellent, Good, or Fair hip grades receive OFA numbers accepted by AKC for dogs with permanent identification like microchips (12). These results enter the public domain automatically. Borderline, Mild, Moderate, and Severe dysplastic grades receive radiographic reports but stay private unless owners choose open database (13).

Buyers throughout Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois increasingly check OFA records online before visiting breeders or placing deposits. Breeding program reputation suffers when advertised clearances don't appear in OFA database or show failing grades. If you're ready to work with a breeder committed to health testing, start your application today.

A black and tan dog sitting on a wooden floor in front of a white wall, with framed certificates hanging above.

FAQs

Q1: Where can Midwest breeders get OFA X-rays and evaluations done?

Local veterinarians across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan take X-rays for OFA submission. Films are sent to OFA headquarters in Missouri where board-certified radiologists evaluate and grade them. Results are posted online in the public database within several weeks.

Q2: How much does OFA health testing cost for breeding dogs?

Hip and elbow X-rays cost $200 to $400 at local veterinary clinics. OFA evaluation fees range from $35 to $65 per test (15). Cardiac and eye exams with specialists cost $300 to $600. Total OFA clearances for a single dog typically run $800 to $1500 depending on tests required.

Q3: Can puppy buyers see OFA results before choosing a breeder?

Yes, search the OFA public database by the dog's registered name or number at ofa.org (16). Reputable breeders provide links or copies of clearances. Buyers should verify results independently rather than relying solely on breeder-provided documentation.

Q4: What happens if a dog fails OFA testing?

Dogs with dysplastic grades should not be bred (17). Responsible breeders spay or neuter failing dogs or place them as pets only. Failing results can be submitted to the public database at owner discretion. Some borderline cases improve with age and can be retested after six months.

Q5: Do all dog breeds need the same OFA tests?

No, breed-specific requirements vary based on known hereditary conditions (18). Large breeds need hip and elbow evaluations. Some breeds require cardiac testing while others need thyroid panels or patellar luxation checks. Breed parent clubs establish recommended testing protocols through CHIC (Canine Health Information Center).

References

  1. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, "The Canine Health Information Center," accessed November 17, 2025, https://ofa.org/.

  2. OFA, "Hip Grade Details," accessed November 17, 2025, https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/grades.

  3. Breeding Business, "OFA Grades – Classification for Hip & Elbow Dysplasia," accessed November 17, 2025, https://breedingbusiness.com/ofa-grades-for-dysplasia/.

  4. OFA, "Hip Grade Details."

  5. Ibid.

  6. CitizenShipper Blog, "Health Testing for Dogs Before Breeding," accessed November 17, 2025, https://citizenshipper.com/blog/health-clearances-for-responsible-breeding/.

  7. Ibid.

  8. ACVO Public, "Before You Buy That Cute Puppy - Do Your Homework!" accessed November 17, 2025, https://www.acvo.org/tips-treatments-tricks/lh4rhnxtdhbfnl2we8e4f8rxtz9z22.

  9. Breeding Business, "OFA Grades."

  10. Golden Retriever Club of America, "Health Screenings for the Parents of a Litter," accessed November 17, 2025, https://grca.org/about-the-breed/health-research/health-screenings-for-the-parents-of-a-litter/.

  11. OFA, "About OFA Policies," accessed November 17, 2025, https://ofa.org/about/ofa-policies/.

  12. OFA, "Hip Grade Details."

  13. Ibid.

  14. CitizenShipper Blog, "Health Testing for Dogs Before Breeding."

  15. St. Charles Veterinary Clinic, "Canine Hip Dysplasia | OFA & PennHip Evaluations," accessed November 17, 2025, https://stcharlesveterinaryclinic.com/services/PennHIP-Evaluations.

  16. OFA, "About OFA Policies."

  17. Breeding Business, "OFA Grades."

  18. CitizenShipper Blog, "Health Testing for Dogs Before Breeding."