The OFA created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) by partnering with participating parent clubs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. They established a recommended protocol for breed-specific health screenings. Dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.
The NCA recognizes that the more information stored and accessible in open databases, the better it will be for our breed. The NCA strongly encourages all Newfoundland breeders to attain CHIC Certification on their breeding stock. A dog achieves CHIC Certification if it has been screened for every disease recommended by the parent club for that breed and those results are publicly available in the database.
The required health screenings for Newfoundlands to be CHIC Certified are:
Hip Dysplasia: One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation or PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA.
Elbow Dysplasia: OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
Cardiac Evaluation: One of the following
- Congenital Cardiac Exam with examination performed by a Cardiologist
- Advanced Cardiac Exam
- Basic Cardiac Exam with examination performed by a Cardiologist
Cystinuria: DNA-based cystinuria test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA.
Progeny may be cleared by parentage. Please refer to the OFA policy on "Clear by Parentage".
The following Newfoundlands have earned a CHIC Certification: