Bringing a puppy into your home is a joyful milestone filled with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of years of companionship ahead. But behind that joyful moment should be something deeper: confidence in your puppy’s health and well-being. At Charlotte Dog Club, we believe responsible breeding begins long before a puppy is born. It starts with knowledge, integrity, and a commitment to health standards that protect both the puppy and the breed for generations to come.
That’s why we emphasize the importance of OFA certification: a trusted benchmark in canine health that ensures every puppy begins life on the strongest possible foundation.
Why It Matters
When it comes to responsible breeding, prevention is key. Many health problems that appear later in a dog’s life can actually be traced back to genetics. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) helps breeders identify those risks early, before they can be passed down to future litters. By selecting parents that meet OFA health standards, breeders strengthen the breed as a whole and give each puppy a healthier start.
For families, OFA certification means peace of mind. It reflects careful breeding decisions and transparent health practices. Simply put, it’s reassurance that your puppy’s well-being has been thoughtfully prioritized from the beginning.
What Is OFA Certification?
The OFA is a non-profit organization established in 1966 with a mission to reduce the incidence of genetic and orthopedic diseases in companion animals. When a dog is OFA-certified, it has undergone specific health evaluations, such as X-rays, physical exams, or genetic testing, reviewed by veterinary specialists. Each result is submitted to the OFA’s public database, where owners can verify a dog’s health history.
What OFA Screening Covers
OFA evaluations assess a variety of hereditary and structural conditions, including:
- Patellar Luxation: When the kneecap slips out of place.
- Cardiac and Thyroid Health: To monitor overall organ and metabolic function.
- Eye Disorders: Genetic testing to identify vision-related conditions.
The Charlotte Dog Club Promise
We believe that healthy beginnings lead to lasting companionship. That’s why we partner only with trusted, licensed breeders who meet strict health and ethical standards, including adherence to OFA testing protocols. Every puppy’s journey begins with careful planning, professional oversight, and genuine care.
At Charlotte Dog Club, doing what’s right for our puppies isn’t just part of our process. It’s who we are.
