CHIC Registry
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), an open and fully searchable registry, by partnering with participating parent clubs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. A recommended protocol has been established for breed-specific health screenings. Dogs tested and registered in accordance with that protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.
CHIC: Practical Applications for Breeders by Eddie Dziuk
The STCA has established a list of testing requirements and elective tests for submission of a Scottie into the CHIC Registry. To see the currently recommended screenings for Scotties, go to the following link at the OFA site: https://www.ofa.org/recommended-tests?breed=ST
Starting January 1, 2025, there will be an update to the requirements for the CHIC Registry. The changes reflect the importance placed on available DNA tests by making the CMO required. Also, the HTF added added other tests to the optional category to underscore the importance of these health issues in Scottish Terriers.
Required Tests: vWD – DNA test from an approved lab and results registered with the OFA; CMO – DNA test from an approved lab and results registered with the OFA; Patellar Luxation – Veterinary evaluation and results registered with the OFA.
Optional Tests (Choose one): Autoimmune Thyroiditis Panel from an approved lab and results registered with the OFA; ACVO Eye Examination and results registered with the OFA; Serum Bile Acid Test from approved lab and results registered with the OFA; Kidney Screen (Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratio) and results registered with the OFA; Legg-Calve-Perthese, radiographs submitted to OFA for evaluation.
Permanent identification in the form of a microchip or tattoo is required, as before.
Details on the procedures for these new tests are explained on the OFA website
The STCA publishes the names of all STCA member Scotties that achieve their CHIC status in The Bagpiper on a quarterly basis. Also, many Scotties with CHIC certification are indicated as such on the STCA pedigree database, where the CHIC number is an active link that will take you directly to that individual dog’s CHIC page.
Search a CHIC Registered Scottie
You can easily search for any Scottie that has been tested and that has achieved its certification on the CHIC website. You can use registered name, AKC number or kennel name as your search parameters: https://www.caninehealthinfo.org/
For more detailed information, go to the following article about the OFA/CHIC Registry for Scotties.
For further questions about CHIC and information on the HTF’s sale of DNA tests at National Specialties, contact the STCA’s CHIC Liaison, Helen Prince at haprince@comcast.net.