The Importance of CHIC Certification (OFA)
At Penny Lane Goldens, the health and longevity of our dogs are a top priority. One of the most important ways responsible breeders demonstrate this commitment is through CHIC certification, administered by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
CHIC stands for Canine Health Information Center. It is not simply a test, but a comprehensive health screening program developed by the OFA in partnership with national breed clubs. For Golden Retrievers, CHIC certification requires specific, breed-relevant health evaluations, including hips, elbows, heart, and eyes, with results publicly available in the OFA database.
Why CHIC Certification Matters
Health Transparency: CHIC certification ensures that health testing results—passing or otherwise—are openly published. This transparency allows breeders and puppy buyers to make informed, ethical decisions.
Reduced Genetic Risk: By screening for known hereditary conditions common in Golden Retrievers, CHIC certification helps reduce the risk of passing serious genetic issues to future generations.
Breed Preservation: Responsible health testing supports the long-term well-being of the Golden Retriever breed, promoting sound structure, temperament, and overall vitality.
Accountability: CHIC certification reflects a breeder’s commitment to doing things the right way, even when testing is time-consuming or costly.
Our Commitment at Penny Lane Goldens
We are proud to say that Penny Lane Goldens uses a CHIC-certified dam and sire in our breeding program. This means both parents have completed all required OFA health clearances for the breed and meet the standards set forth by the Golden Retriever Club of America.
By starting with health-tested, CHIC-certified parents, we are taking an important step toward producing puppies that are not only beautiful and well-tempered, but also built for a healthy future.
OFA Testing
DNA Testing
At Penny Lane Goldens, responsible breeding begins with knowledge. DNA testing plays a critical role in protecting the health of our Golden Retrievers and ensuring we are making informed, ethical breeding decisions for every litter.
Genetic DNA testing allows us to screen our breeding dogs for inherited conditions known to affect Golden Retrievers. These conditions may not be visible through physical exams alone and can be silently passed from one generation to the next without proper testing.
Why DNA Testing Matters
Identifies Genetic Carriers: DNA testing helps determine whether a dog is clear, a carrier, or affected by specific inherited diseases, allowing breeders to make safe and responsible pairings.
Protects Future Puppies: By carefully matching our breeding dam and sire, we significantly reduce the risk of producing puppies affected by preventable genetic conditions.
Supports Long-Term Health: DNA testing contributes to stronger, healthier bloodlines and helps preserve the Golden Retriever’s longevity, temperament, and quality of life.
Provides Transparency: Test results give puppy families confidence and peace of mind, knowing their puppy comes from thoroughly screened parents.
Our Commitment at Penny Lane Goldens
Both our breeding dam and sire are DNA tested through reputable canine genetic laboratories. We use these results alongside OFA health clearances and CHIC certification to guide our breeding decisions.
By combining DNA testing with structural and orthopedic evaluations, we are committed to producing Golden Retrievers that are not only beautiful and well-tempered, but also genetically sound and set up for a healthy future.
