Is recommended health testing important to you? IF it is then don't be fooled by unethical breeders. Some breeders say they DNA test... this is NOT health testing.
The recommended testing for Shiba's is "HIPS/PATELLAS/EYES"
If a breeder claims to do their health testing then either ASK to see the certificates that are issued by the OFFA "Orthopedic Foundation For Animals" IF the dog passes said tests they will get a certificate showing the rating for each test... IF they pass all the tests, they also get what is called a "chic" # if they are not issued a chic # then they did NOT pass ALL testing and in order TOO get a chic # if they did not pass the owner has to agree to show the results on the OFFA site.... SO even if a dog did not pass all tests, they can STILL get a chic #
OR you can go to the OFFA site at www.offa.org and type in the registered name or registration # of any dog... IF they passed ALL tests they will automatically be listed. If they did NOT pass then the breeder/owner has to approve for them to be listed.
IF a dog's hips are done BEFORE they are 2 years of age then they will NOT be on the OFFA site... if done before 2 years of age they are called "prelims" and can be done at 1 year... BUT the breeder/owner will STILL get a report from OFFA stating the results...
So, if health testing is important to you ASK to see certificates OR go to the OFFA site and CHECK....
