What is CHIC and how do I get my number?

CHIC stands for Canine Health Information Center.  It is a centralized canine health database that collects health information on individual animals from multiple sources - namely OFA and CERF.

Parent clubs decide on what testing should be required for their breed to receive a CHIC number.

• What health testing is recommended for Chihuahuas? OFA Cardiac, OFA Patella and CERF eye testing are recommended for all Chihuahuas.

• What is the difference between OFA/ CERF and CHIC? OFA is a database which specializes in orthopedic issues and other genetic diseases.  CERF specializes in eye disorders.

CHIC is a database that collects information from all other databases in one convenient place and organizes that information based on breed.   Health testing results are also conveniently displayed for all relatives of dogs in the database that have been health tested.

• How do I get a CHIC number on my Chihuahua? Your Chihuahua must have permanent identification in the form of microchip or tattoo to be eligible.  Have patella, cardiac and CERF eye testing done on your Chihuahua and register the patella/ cardiac results with OFA and eye testing results with CERF.  There is no need to apply for a CHIC number; it is generated automatically when results are submitted to OFA and CERF and a certificate will be mailed to you.  There is no fee for a CHIC number.

• Does a CHIC number mean my dog passed all the tests? No, it does not mean the test results were normal.  It simply means that the examinations were performed and the results were registered.  The results of the testing will be public.

• Why is a CHIC number important if even a dog with luxating patellas and a heart murmur can get a CHIC number?

A CHIC number is not an indicator of good health, but rather an indication that a dog has had all applicable health testing performed and the breeder has shared those results in order to help other breeders make informed decisions and improve the health of the breed.

 

 

CCA CHIC PROGRAM

CCA believes that breeders should keep themselves informed in the areas of dog health and genetics and to carefully screen all breeding stock for hereditary faults or disqualifying defects, removing any questionable animals from their breeding program. This includes cardiac, patella, and eye testing as recommended by the Canine Health Foundation's CHIC program.

Recognition will be given to owners of Chihuahuas who participate in the Canine Health Information Center's data base and receive a CHIC number. Members will receive one lapel pin per member, and non-members will receive a certificate. After members receive their pin, the dogs name will be read at the next general meeting at the Fall Nationals.

Please complete the CHIC Recognition Form to receive your award.