CHIC Explained

What is CHIC?

The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The CHIC, working with participating parent clubs, provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds.

CHIC Certifications Listed in the OFA Database

Dogs who have both OFA database listings and CHIC certifications are cross-referenced from the OFA site. Dogs who have a CHIC number will be listed in the OFA database with the CHIC logo, which will be linked to their information in the CHIC database. This will help breeders and owners using both sites find health data on dogs.

*NOTE – A common requirement across all breeds participating in the program—to be eligible for a CHIC number the dog must be permanently identified via microchip or tattoo.

 Finnish Lapphund - CHIC Certification requirements:

Hip Displasia:
OFA Evaluation

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test:
Optigen DNA based PRA test with results registered with the OFA

Eye Examination by a Board Certified ACVO Ophthalmologist:
Results entered with CERF or OFA evaluation

*Please note: To receive a CHIC number/certification, test results can be abnormal. CHIC is not about normalcy but is meant to encourage health testing and sharing of all results, normal and abnormal, so that more informed breeding decisions can be made in an overall effort to reduce the incidence of genetic disease and improve canine health. The FLCA encourages you to access the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for the actual certification test results of individual dogs.