Health Testing
Health testing is not just for Show Dogs! We strongly believe that any dog being considered for breeding should be properly screened and cleared of hereditary diseases by a licensed veterinarian or veterinarian specialist prior to breeding. The Siberian Husky, being a relatively healthy breed, requires minimal testing of their eyes and hips. Some breeders will do additional testing of their breeding stock including elbows/knees, thyroid, and burcelosis to help ensure that all puppies produced have the highest probability of being free of genetic defects that can severely compromise the length and quality of the puppy's life. When looking for a Purebred Siberian Husky breeder we encourage all prospective puppy buyers to insist on seeing the certificates of health for the breeding stock, a reminder that some of these tests are required annually so be sure to check the dates of the certification. These certificates should include a CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) Certificate or SHOR (Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registry) Eye Certification, and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Hip Certification.
CERF- Canine Eye Registry Foundation
After nearly 30 years of working towards the elimination of heritable eye disease in dogs. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation is now closed. Results up until June 2014 will remain available for the next year. Future eye exams will be offered through OFA.
There is no minimum age for testing your dog's eyes. A Canine Ophthalmologist looks at the animal's eyes and checks for hereditary defects such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, etc. The Vet then marks the results of these findings on a CERF form. This form can then be sent in to CERF with a very small fee and if the results allow the dog to be bred (no hereditary issues), they will issue a CERF number. Once the results have been sent in, a certificate is issued with the CERF number. ** Eye exams should be done ANNUALLY as a dog's eyes can change as it ages, and some disorders show up later in life. If the dog is to be used in a breeding program, eye exams should be repeated annually, and should be done within a year of the breeding in order to be considered valid.
SHOR- Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registry
SHOR is a low-cost alternative to CERF for the registration of Siberians who have been checked clear of inheritable eye disease by an ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) animal eye specialist veterinarian. Upon receipt of a clear ACVO exam report form for a Siberian Husky, the dog will be issued a SHOR number. This number may be used in advertising to indicate unaffected eyes. Just like with other eye certifications, any breeding dog should have its eye exam repeated annually, and should have an exam within a year of any breeding in order for the results to be considered valid.
OFA- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals issues results on hip x-rays and thyroid tests. For Siberians, a hip x-ray should be taken after 2 years of age by a regular veterinarian and submitted to OFA. OFA will not provide a proper rating until after the dog has reached 2 years of age. Hips can be rated Excellent, Good or Fair for non-dysplastic hips, and Mildly, Moderately and Severely Dysplastic for Dysplastic hips. Dysplastic hips should never be bred. Hip x-rays need only be done and submitted for a rating once, after the animal turns 2 years of age. For this reason, no dog should be bred before the age of 2 and before hip x-rays have been performed and evaluated.
CERF- Canine Eye Registry Foundation
After nearly 30 years of working towards the elimination of heritable eye disease in dogs. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation is now closed. Results up until June 2014 will remain available for the next year. Future eye exams will be offered through OFA.
There is no minimum age for testing your dog's eyes. A Canine Ophthalmologist looks at the animal's eyes and checks for hereditary defects such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, etc. The Vet then marks the results of these findings on a CERF form. This form can then be sent in to CERF with a very small fee and if the results allow the dog to be bred (no hereditary issues), they will issue a CERF number. Once the results have been sent in, a certificate is issued with the CERF number. ** Eye exams should be done ANNUALLY as a dog's eyes can change as it ages, and some disorders show up later in life. If the dog is to be used in a breeding program, eye exams should be repeated annually, and should be done within a year of the breeding in order to be considered valid.
SHOR- Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registry
SHOR is a low-cost alternative to CERF for the registration of Siberians who have been checked clear of inheritable eye disease by an ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) animal eye specialist veterinarian. Upon receipt of a clear ACVO exam report form for a Siberian Husky, the dog will be issued a SHOR number. This number may be used in advertising to indicate unaffected eyes. Just like with other eye certifications, any breeding dog should have its eye exam repeated annually, and should have an exam within a year of any breeding in order for the results to be considered valid.
OFA- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals issues results on hip x-rays and thyroid tests. For Siberians, a hip x-ray should be taken after 2 years of age by a regular veterinarian and submitted to OFA. OFA will not provide a proper rating until after the dog has reached 2 years of age. Hips can be rated Excellent, Good or Fair for non-dysplastic hips, and Mildly, Moderately and Severely Dysplastic for Dysplastic hips. Dysplastic hips should never be bred. Hip x-rays need only be done and submitted for a rating once, after the animal turns 2 years of age. For this reason, no dog should be bred before the age of 2 and before hip x-rays have been performed and evaluated.