Spanish Water Dog health testing explained
Before you buy a Spanish Water Dog puppy or book a stud dog, check both parents' health results yourself. They are public, and it takes five minutes.
The tests
- Hips (OFA or PennHIP). Screens for hip dysplasia. OFA final ratings require the dog to be at least 24 months old.
- Elbows (OFA).** Screens for elbow dysplasia.
- Eyes (CAER).** An exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Repeated every year, because some eye conditions appear later.
- prcd-PRA (DNA).** A form of progressive retinal atrophy that causes blindness.
- NAD (DNA).** Neuroaxonal dystrophy, a fatal neurological disease that has been documented in Spanish Water Dogs.
- CHG (DNA).** Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter.
[Confirm the SWDCA's current CHIC requirements and list them here in the club's own terms. If the club adds or recommends other tests, such as thyroid or a cardiac exam, list those separately as "recommended."]
What a CHIC number means
A CHIC number means the dog completed the breed club's required tests and the results are public. It does not mean every result was normal. Look at the individual results.
What "clear" means for DNA tests
A "clear" dog has no copies of the mutation. A "carrier" has one copy and will not develop the disease, but can pass the mutation on. Carriers can be bred responsibly to clear mates. Ask the breeder about any carrier result instead of ruling the dog out.
How to check
Search the dog's registered name on ofa.org. If a breeder cannot give you a registered name or an OFA link, ask why.
Dudley and Molly
Both dogs' complete results are linked from their page.
This guide is general information, not medical advice.