OFA

OFA The OFA is a not-for-profit foundation with the world's largest database of health screening results, publicly accessible online.

Please email all OFA questions and inquiries to [email protected] so that we can assist you in a timely manner.

The Australian Terrier, known for its confidence and lively nature, was bred to control rodents and be a companion in ro...
09/06/2026

The Australian Terrier, known for its confidence and lively nature, was bred to control rodents and be a companion in rough terrain. It was the first ever Australian-bred dog to be recognized and shown in Australia, and today it proves to be an excellent family member.
Are you interested in this breed? The OFA, working with the Australian Terrier Club of America, recommends the following basic health screening tests for all breeding stock:
- ACVO Eye Exam
-Patellar luxation
-Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Dogs meeting these basic health screening requirements are issued Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers. For potential puppy buyers, CHIC certification is a good indicator the breeder responsibly factors good health into their selection criteria. However, additional testing that is relevant to the breed is always encouraged.

For more information about the Australian Terrier please visit the parent club website: https://australianterrier.org/
For more information about the CHIC program, check out the OFA: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/

Did you know about the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)?RFGS was designed by the University of Cambridge as a ...
08/29/2026

Did you know about the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)?

RFGS was designed by the University of Cambridge as a way to objectively measure clinical diagnosis and severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

What is BOAS?

BOAS is a progressive condition caused by a combination of structural and soft tissue components of the upper airway in brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic is a term used to describe dogs with a shortened muzzle and flattened facial conformation. Common brachycephalic breeds include the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pugs. Due to their conformation, the soft tissue in the nose and throat are sometimes excessive for the airway and cause a partial obstruction. This often makes it difficult for them to breathe normally. Clinical signs include noisy breathing, exercise and heat intolerance, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

What does the exam look like?

The exam is conducted by a specially trained and approved veterinarian and includes a history, physical exam with auscultation (listening to the airway with a stethoscope), brief exercise test, and post exercise auscultation. The exam findings are then translated into a sliding scale from 0 to 3. The minimum age for RFGS testing is 12 months.

Learn more at: https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/

Are you ready to bring home a puppy but not sure where to begin your research? The OFA has information that can help you...
08/27/2026

Are you ready to bring home a puppy but not sure where to begin your research? The OFA has information that can help you get started!

Visit our page for prospective owners to learn more : https://ofa.org/prospective-owners/

Did you know? Dogs must be 24 months or older for OFA Hip and Elbow certification, and 12 months or older for Cardiac, P...
08/12/2026

Did you know? Dogs must be 24 months or older for OFA Hip and Elbow certification, and 12 months or older for Cardiac, Patellas, and Thyroid certification. There is no age minimum for eye certification, nor for DNA, since DNA does not change as the dog ages.

The OFA also does Preliminary evaluations on hips and elbows before 24 months of age. However, they will need to be re-evaluated again for a final certification once the dog reaches 24 months.

For more information, visit https://ofa.org

What is Sebaceous Adenitis? Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a hereditary skin disease in which the sebaceous glands become in...
08/07/2026

What is Sebaceous Adenitis?

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a hereditary skin disease in which the sebaceous glands become inflamed, often leading to progressive loss of hair. The disease is primarily seen in Standard Poodles, Akitas, and Samoyeds, although there have been reported cases in a number of other breeds and mixed breeds as well. The disease can develop in a wide age range, with age of onset documented as early as 1 year and as late as 12 years.

There is no DNA test available to genotypically detect SA. Currently, diagnosis is based on skin biopsy samples. Because the age of onset varies, and since this is only a phenotypic test reflecting a point in time, retesting is recommended every 1 to 2 years for dogs used in breeding programs.

Learn more: https://ofa.org/diseases/other-phenotypic-evaluations/sebaceous-adenitis/

Looking to get some health clearances completed? Check out our Health Clinic Calendar to find upcoming OFA health clinic...
08/03/2026

Looking to get some health clearances completed? Check out our Health Clinic Calendar to find upcoming OFA health clinics near you!

Calendar: https://ofa.org/health-clinics

FAQ: Does the OFA do tests for cats?Yes, the OFA accepts cats into the hip dysplasia, cardiac, and patellar luxation dat...
07/29/2026

FAQ: Does the OFA do tests for cats?
Yes, the OFA accepts cats into the hip dysplasia, cardiac, and patellar luxation databases. Requirements, protocols, procedures, and fees are identical to dogs.

Check out our website to learn more: ofa.org

Did you know that the OFA is on Instagram?Check us out
07/25/2026

Did you know that the OFA is on Instagram?
Check us out

Address

2300 E Nifong
Columbia, MO
65201

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when OFA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share