OFAs

Question
Hi, I'm looking at a 3 month old shepherd to purchase.  The owner said that the father's parents tested positive for OFA's.  Can you please explain OFA's.  Thank you for your time.  Shannon

Answer
Hi Shannon,

This is a good question and I wish more people would be aware of the OFA testing.  OFA is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.  The link for this site is www.offa.org  Please go thru the site for more information.  In Canada, the equivalent is OVC certification.

Now about this breeder, the question you should ask is - are both parents of the puppy OFA hips and elbows?   Are all 4 grandparents OFA hips and elbows?   They said the sire's parents were OFA, but was it for hips AND elbows?  And what grade?  Hips are graded, elbows are pass/fail.  I would also ask for proof of the parent's OFA, there is a certificate that is issued.  Check on the littermates of the parents as well, were they OK?   Does this breeder give you a guarantee for hips and elbows for 2 years?   And a 72 hours health guarantee, and have the pups been wormed and have their first shots?   Are they clean and healthy, and if your vet declares the puppy to not be healthy, can you return the puppy for a full refund?  Is the guarantee in writing, signed by both buyer and seller?  You should also get a pedigree of the puppy and a health record.  These are all things that a reputable breeder does.  

If you have any more questions, please use a follow up question.

Lori