CHIC Numbers and the Dutch Shepherd: What Do They Really Mean?
A CHIC number is an important part of health transparency for dogs, but what does it actually mean?
CHIC stands for Canine Health Information Center. The program, administered by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), records breed-specific health testing and makes the results publicly available.
What Health Testing Is Required?
For Dutch Shepherd breeding stock, ADSA recommends:
Hips — OFA or PennHIP
Elbows — OFA evaluation
Eyes — OFA eye examination
Completing the applicable required screenings and having the results recorded publicly allows a dog to qualify for a CHIC number.
What Does a CHIC Number Mean?
A CHIC number means that the required health screenings have been completed and the results are available through OFA/CHIC.
But a CHIC number does not mean that a dog is perfect or that every health result is normal.
It also does not mean that the dog is:
A champion
Highly titled
A successful working dog
An exceptional representative of the breed
Better than another Dutch Shepherd
CHIC is about health testing and transparency—not accomplishments.
The Bottom Line
Health testing is an important part of responsible Dutch Shepherd breeding. A CHIC number provides valuable health information, but it is only one piece of the picture.
When evaluating a Dutch Shepherd, look at the whole dog:
Health • Temperament • Structure • Working Ability • Breed Type • Accomplishments
Learn More
To learn more about CHIC, health testing, and to search publicly available canine health records, visit the official Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) website:
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
You can also learn more about the CHIC Program and its requirements directly through OFA: