Breeder guide

OFA vs PennHIP: what health paperwork to keep

A spreadsheet line saying "hips done" is not a record. Keep the certificate itself, know the difference between prelims and finals, and file so a buyer's request takes minutes, not an afternoon.

OFA: what to file

File the certificate showing the rating (Excellent, Good, Fair for hips; Normal for elbows), the dog's registered name and number, and the test date. OFA final certifications are done at 24 months. Prelims done earlier are not the same thing, and buyers who know the difference will ask which one you have.

PennHIP: what to file

Keep the PennHIP report with the distraction index numbers for each hip. Unlike OFA finals, PennHIP can be done as early as 16 weeks, which makes it useful for young breeding prospects, but the report with the actual numbers is the record, not your recollection of it.

What every record needs

For each dog, for each test, your file needs five things:

Test name
Date of testing
Result (rating or numbers)
The dog's age at testing
The certificate or report itself, as a PDF or a clear photo

Build per-dog checklists from your breed club's list: different breeds need different testing panels, so check your breed club's recommended list and build each dog's checklist from that. Include the less obvious cycles: eye exams are usually annual, OFA hips and elbows after 24 months are permanent, and DNA panels are generally permanent too.

The buyer's test

When a puppy buyer asks for health clearances, you should be able to produce every certificate for both parents in one go. If assembling that takes you an afternoon of searching, your filing system needs work. One folder per dog, certificates inside, and a checklist on top showing what is current and what is due next.

Never miss an expiry again

The free WhelpWise health clearance tracker logs OFA, PennHIP, eye, heart and DNA tests for every dog, with automatic expiry dates and expiring-soon and overdue alerts. No signup needed.

Open the tracker

Prefer paper? The Breeder Records Pack has printable litter sheets, weight logs and checklists for $17.

This guide is for informational and record-keeping purposes only, not veterinary advice. Testing protocols vary by breed and registry; confirm requirements with your breed club and your vet.