OFA Critical Health Certifications

OFA Health Certifications and Why They are Critically Important

When purchasing a puppy, it is crucial to ensure that the puppy’s parents have proper OFA health certifications. This guarantees the health and well-being of your future puppy. Below are key health certifications and their significance:

1. Hip Dysplasia:
   Hip dysplasia is a common cause of rear-end lameness in dogs and is partially inheritable. While dysplastic dogs can produce normal offspring, severe cases of hip dysplasia are devastating. The OFA provides certifications that indicate whether a dog shows evidence of hip dysplasia:

   • HD-: No indication of hip dysplasia.

   • HD+: Mild hip dysplasia; 50/50 chance of passing OFA in the U.S.

   • HD++: Severe hip dysplasia; breeding is prohibited in Germany and the U.S.

   • HD+++: Severely dysplastic; breeding is prohibited globally.

2. Elbow Dysplasia:
   Elbow dysplasia is an inherited condition affecting the elbow joints. The OFA provides certifications to show if the dog displays evidence of elbow dysplasia:

   • ED-: No indication of elbow dysplasia.

   • ED+: Minor indication; breeding may be allowed, but there is a 50/50 chance of passing in the U.S.

   • ED++: Positive indication of elbow dysplasia; breeding prohibited in Germany and the U.S.

   • ED+++: Severely dysplastic; breeding prohibited worldwide.

3. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation):
   This certification ensures that the dog is free from hereditary eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy. CERF helps research and eliminate hereditary eye conditions in purebred dogs.

4. Heart Health:
   Rottweilers, like other breeds, can suffer from congenital heart disease, including aortic stenosis and pulmonary stenosis. OFA provides certification to indicate whether the dog has congenital heart disease. Heart screening is available through your vet.

5. Patella Luxation:
   Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap dislocates. The OFA provides certification to indicate whether the dog shows evidence of patellar luxation.

6. Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP):
   JLPP is a fatal hereditary disease that typically kills affected puppies by one year of age. The OFA offers certifications to confirm whether the dog carries the JLPP gene:

   • N/N: Clear, no JLPP gene.

   • N/M: One clear gene, one JLPP gene; healthy, but must only be bred to clear dogs.

   • M/M: JLPP affected; affected puppies usually die by one year old.

Important Note on Health Certifications:
We strongly recommend not trusting health certifications from any country other than Germany, as there have been numerous instances of fake or forged health certifications from other regions.

By ensuring that the puppy’s parents have these certifications, you are investing in the long-term health of your new companion. If you have any questions or need further clarification on health certifications, please feel free to reach out.