Havana Silk Dogs - AKC Breeder of Merit

Health Testing & Clearances

CHIC Certification

I make it a point to obtain CHIC numbers for my Havana Silk Havanese dogs, ensuring their comprehensive health assessment and promoting responsible breeding practices. A CHIC number signifies that the dog has undergone all the recommended health tests for its breed, as determined by the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and the parent club associated with the breed, such as the Havanese Club of America. The specific health tests required for each breed vary, depending on the breed’s unique health concerns. In the case of Havanese, CHIC mandates tests for eyes, patellas, and hips.

It is important to note that a dog is only eligible to receive a CHIC number once it reaches a minimum age of two years. All my dogs’ test results are reported to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

You can access a dog’s test results and those of many relatives by accessing the OFA website and selecting the “search records” option. Enter the AKC registered name of any dog to authenticate the OFA health tests conducted.

CHIC Number Requirements

The Havanese breed must undergo the following tests to obtain a CHIC number:

  • Eyes: An annual examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist certified by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) is required to screen for juvenile cataracts and other eye diseases. The CERF test is done annually.
  • Knees: This test should be conducted once the Havanese reaches 12 months of age, performed by a family or specialty veterinarian. The results should be recorded with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). More information about patellar luxation can be found here.
  • Hips: After the Havanese reaches 24 months of age, an X-ray should be performed to evaluate the presence of hip dysplasia. The evaluation should be conducted by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
  • Hearing: To assess for congenital deafness, a BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) test should be conducted by an audiologist. Additional information about this test can be found here.

You can find more information about testing by visiting the CERF website