What Is OFA Testing?

The Gold Standard in Canine Health Verification, and Why Every Responsible Breeder Should Have It

The Basics

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) was founded in 1966 as a private, not-for-profit foundation with one mission: to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease. What started as a program to track hip dysplasia has expanded into the most comprehensive canine health database in the world, covering hips, elbows, patellas (knees), cardiac health, eyes, thyroid, trachea, spine, and a growing list of breed-specific genetic conditions.

The OFA database is maintained through the University of Missouri and is recognized worldwide as the definitive source for verified canine health testing results.

How OFA Testing Works

When a dog undergoes OFA evaluation, the process is rigorous and standardized:

  1. Radiographs (X-rays) are taken by a licensed veterinarian following strict positioning protocols. The dog typically requires sedation to ensure proper positioning.
  2. Independent Review: For hips and elbows, three board-certified veterinary radiologists independently evaluate the radiographs. A consensus opinion determines the final rating.
  3. Rating Scale: For hips, dogs receive one of seven ratings: Excellent, Good, and Fair (all considered normal), Borderline, and Mild, Moderate, or Severe dysplasia. An “Excellent” rating in French Bulldogs is extremely rare.
  4. Public Database: All results are entered into the OFA’s publicly searchable database, so anyone can verify a dog’s health status independently.
  5. Age Requirements: Dogs must be at least 24 months old for official OFA certification.

What OFA Tests Are Required for French Bulldogs?

The French Bulldog Club of America (FBDCA) and the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) have established breed-specific health testing requirements:

Required Tests:

  • Hips, OFA or PennHIP evaluation for hip dysplasia
  • Patellas, Evaluation for luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
  • Eyes, CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
  • Cardiac, Heart evaluation for congenital cardiac disease

Recommended Additional Tests:

  • Thyroid, Screening for hypothyroidism
  • Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC), DNA test specific to French Bulldogs
  • Cystinuria Type 3, DNA test for kidney and bladder stone predisposition
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia, Evaluation for narrowed trachea
  • Spine, Radiographic evaluation for vertebral anomalies

Why OFA Matters When Choosing a Breeder

Ask for OFA numbers. Every OFA-tested dog receives a unique identification number that can be searched in the public database. If a breeder can’t or won’t provide verifiable OFA results, that’s a red flag.

Verify independently. Don’t take a breeder’s word for it. Go to ofa.org and search the dog’s registered name or application number.

Look beyond hips. A responsible French Bulldog breeder tests for multiple conditions, not just hips.

Understand the ratings. “Good” hips are exactly that: good. “Excellent” is rare and exceptional. “Fair” is still within normal limits.

Our Commitment at Paradise Coast Frenchies

At Paradise Coast Frenchies, OFA testing isn’t optional, it’s foundational. Both Coral and Ace have completed full OFA certification and DNA testing, with results publicly verifiable on the OFA database. Koko will undergo the same comprehensive evaluation when she reaches testing age.

We believe that if a breeder won’t let you verify their dogs’ health independently, you should find one who will.