CHESAPEAKES

Explanation of hip, elbow and eye certification numbers.
OFA	Orthopedic Foundation for Animals	Grades hip x-rays and issues certification numbers to dogs with Excellent, Good or Fair grades. Numbers are published in the following format CB 0000G24F-T. CB-Chesapeake Bay; 0000-the individual numbers; G-the rating, in this case Good; 24-age in months at time of examination; F-sex; T- tattooed. On pedigrees, often just the number and rating are given. OFA certifies elbows (EL)and patellas and has registries for heart, von Willebrands and thyroid testing. Visit the OFA site for more information.
CERF	Canine Eye Registration Foundation	Issues certification numbers to dogs that have been examined by a member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The number (0000/96-48) consists of three parts 0000-certification #;/96-year of examination;-48-dog's age in months; -recertified after the original examination. Chesapeake breeding stock should be examined yearly.
OVC	Ontario Veterinary College	OVC issues hip certification numbers. Unlike OFA they do not use different grades, just certify passing hips as Normal. OVC has always been considered by many breeders as a "tough" registry (if dogs pass OVC they will have no problems to get a OFA #).Whether this is true or not, who knows? OVC is used by many Canadian breeders.
PRA	OPTIGEN	In 2005, a new mutation DNA test for PRA (progressive retinal atrophy-an inherited disease which causes gradual blindness) was announced. The American Chesapeake Club website has a PRA registry. Tested dogs are listed and there is a complete explanation of ratings.
NOTES	Pedigree depth	The greater the pedigree depth (number of generations), the better the chance of clear hips and eyes. Dedicated Chesapeake breeders have been certifying hips and eyes for a number of generations. Elbow checks are not as common yet. Absence of OFA/OVC/CERF numbers should be explained to your satisfaction and you should be provided with copies of all certifications upon request.