Why Health Testing Matters In Chow Chows

By Laura | Hoku Kennels

Health Testing Is More Than A Certificate

When people begin searching for a Chow Chow puppy, they will often see terms like:

• OFA Certified
• Health Tested
• DNA Tested
• Embark Tested

These phrases are frequently used in advertisements, but many buyers are never told what those tests actually mean or why they matter.

Health testing is not a marketing tool.

Health testing is one of the most important responsibilities a breeder has.

Its purpose is to help reduce the risk of passing inherited health conditions from one generation to the next. While no breeder can guarantee a puppy will never develop a health issue, responsible health testing allows breeders to make educated decisions that improve the overall health and longevity of the breed.

At Hoku Kennels, every breeding dog must undergo extensive health evaluation before being considered for breeding.

The Difference Between A Health Check And Health Testing

One of the biggest misconceptions in dog breeding is that a veterinarian declaring a dog healthy is the same thing as health testing.

It is not.

A wellness exam simply means a dog appears healthy on the day it was examined.

Health testing involves specialized evaluations designed to identify hereditary problems that may not be visible during a routine veterinary examination.

A dog can appear perfectly healthy while still carrying genetic conditions or structural issues that could be passed to future generations.

That is why responsible breeders invest in advanced testing long before any breeding takes place.

OFA Hip Evaluations

Hip dysplasia is one of the most well-known inherited orthopedic conditions in dogs.

The condition occurs when the hip joint develops improperly. Over time this can lead to pain, mobility issues, arthritis, and reduced quality of life.

To evaluate hips, radiographs are submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for review by veterinary specialists.

Results may be graded as:

• Excellent
• Good
• Fair
• Borderline
• Mild Dysplasia
• Moderate Dysplasia
• Severe Dysplasia

Responsible breeders use this information to make more informed breeding decisions and reduce the likelihood of producing affected offspring.

OFA Elbow Evaluations

Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that can significantly affect a dog's comfort and mobility.

Affected dogs may experience:

• Lameness
• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Reduced activity levels

Like hip evaluations, elbow screenings require specialized radiographs reviewed through OFA.

Healthy elbows are an important part of maintaining sound structure and long-term mobility.

OFA Cardiac Evaluations

Heart health is something every responsible breeder should take seriously.

Some cardiac conditions can be inherited and may not be immediately obvious to owners.

Cardiac evaluations performed by qualified veterinary specialists help identify abnormalities that could affect the long-term health of breeding dogs and their offspring.

A healthy heart contributes directly to longevity and quality of life.

OFA Thyroid Testing

The thyroid gland regulates many important functions within the body.

When thyroid function becomes abnormal, dogs may experience:

• Weight gain
• Skin issues
• Coat problems
• Fertility concerns
• Energy level changes

Proper thyroid screening helps identify potential concerns and provides another piece of the overall health picture.

OFA Eye Examinations

The eyes should never be overlooked in a breeding program.

OFA eye examinations are performed by veterinary ophthalmologists specifically trained to identify inherited eye conditions.

Healthy vision contributes to both quality of life and long-term wellness.

Regular eye examinations provide another layer of information when evaluating breeding dogs.

OFA Patellar Luxation Evaluations

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position.

Depending on severity, affected dogs may experience:

• Intermittent limping
• Pain
• Reduced mobility
• Surgical intervention

Patellar evaluation helps screen for structural concerns that could potentially be inherited.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative Myelopathy, often referred to as DM, is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord.

Dogs affected by DM may gradually lose coordination and mobility as the disease progresses.

While not every dog carrying a mutation will develop the condition, understanding a dog's genetic status allows breeders to make informed choices when selecting breeding pairs.

Genetic knowledge is one of the most powerful tools available to modern preservation breeders.

Why We Use Embark DNA Testing

In addition to OFA testing, our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive genetic screening through Embark.

Embark evaluates hundreds of genetic markers and inherited conditions while also providing valuable information about:

• Breed ancestry
• Genetic diversity
• Health risks
• Carrier status for inherited diseases

DNA testing allows breeders to identify potential risks before they become future problems.

The goal is not necessarily to eliminate every carrier from the breeding population, as doing so could unnecessarily reduce genetic diversity. Instead, the goal is to make educated pairings that avoid producing affected puppies.

Why Health Testing Costs So Much

Responsible health testing is expensive.

By the time a breeder completes:

• OFA Hips
• OFA Elbows
• OFA Cardiac
• OFA Thyroid
• OFA Eye Certification
• OFA Patella Certification
• Embark Testing

the investment can easily reach thousands of dollars per breeding dog.

Many people see this as an expense.

I see it as an investment in the future of the breed.

Every dollar spent on health testing today helps improve breeding decisions for future generations.

Why This Matters To Puppy Buyers

When choosing a puppy, you are not simply purchasing a dog.

You are investing in the next 12–15 years of your life.

Health testing cannot guarantee perfection.

No breeder can promise a dog will never become sick.

What responsible health testing does provide is a significantly stronger foundation for making informed breeding decisions and reducing preventable inherited problems whenever possible.

Responsible breeding begins long before puppies are born.

It begins with planning, research, evaluation, and a commitment to always putting the long-term health of the breed first.

Our Commitment At Hoku Kennels

At Hoku Kennels, health is not something we do because it looks good on a website.

It is something we do because we believe the Chow Chow deserves it.

Every breeding decision is made with careful consideration for health, structure, temperament, and preservation of the breed we love.

Because producing beautiful puppies is easy.

Producing healthy, well-bred Chow Chows that honor the history and future of this ancient breed is the responsibility we proudly accept.

❤️🐾

Laura Owner, Hoku Kennels
Diary of a Mad Chow Breeder