CHIC Recommended Health Tests

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC's) requires the following health clearances for Toy Poodles:
    - Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
    - Patellar luxation
    - CAER eye exam completed by a boarded AVCO canine ophthalmologist

CHIC required health clearances for Standard Poodles:
    - OFA screening for hip dysplasia (via radiographs)
    - CAER exam
    - Health elective of one of the following:
            - Thyroid test
            - Sebaceous adenitis evaluation (skin biopsy) performed by an approved dermapathologist
            - Congenital or advanced cardiac examination

Proof of these tests should always be confirmed using the Orthapedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) database, or by asking for copies of the testing/results.

VGL - Genetic Diversity

University of California Davis scientific research has proven that Poodles with 'typical' genetics have higher risks for autoimmune diseases - which cannot be detected and avoided using typical 'single gene' tests. We know for a fact that breeders can reduce risk in their puppies by breeding 'away from the cluster' and incorporating more unusual Poodle DNA in their breeding programs. Poodle breeders are lucky that our breed still has small pockets of unusual dogs. However it's nearly impossible to know which dogs are unusual, or which dogs are unrelated, just by looking at their pedigrees. Dogs can be highly related and yet have very different looking pedigrees. On the other hand, dogs can have very similar pedigrees but may be genetically very different. The UC Davis test and BetterBred platform let breeders SEE the individual genetic similarities and differences of each dog they intend to breed, instead of being forced to guess. With this information, they can plan safer matches that will result in generally healthier puppies. They can also deliberately preserve important DNA to ensure a healthier future for the whole breed. Greater genetic diversity reduces the likelihood of autoimmune and other diseases. An increase in genetic diversity decreases complex autoimmune disorders and other complex diseases. More information on this groundbreaking genetic research can be found at https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/GeneticDiversityInStandardPoodles.php and https://www.betterbred.com/.