Health Testing in Shiba Inu: OFA Certifications and What a CHIC Number Means

When families begin researching breeders, one of the first questions they ask is, "Are your dogs health tested?" That is the right question — but it is only the beginning.

A quality breeder does not simply say "yes" and move on. We explain what we test, why we test it, what the results mean, and how we use those results in real breeding decisions.

At Moonlight Shibas, our breeding dogs follow OFA standards and are OFA certified for:

• Patellas
• Eyes
• Hips

We also provide parent CHIC documentation with our puppies. If someone has a specific question about health results, testing timelines, or a concern they have seen in a line, we are happy to have that conversation. Transparency matters.

This article is meant to help you understand what these tests are, what a CHIC number is (and is not), and how thoughtful breeders approach health in a practical, responsible way.

What "health tested" should mean

"Health tested" is not a protected term. Some folks use it to mean they have taken a dog to the vet for a wellness exam. That is good care, but it is not what we mean by health testing in the context of breeding.

In responsible breeding, health testing means objective screening for inherited or breed-relevant conditions, recorded through reputable programs and verifiable by the public.

For Shiba Inu, there are a few core screening items that matter because they can affect quality of life and long-term soundness.

OFA, in plain language

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a well-known registry and evaluation program used by responsible breeders across many breeds.

OFA does two things that matter to puppy buyers:

1. It sets clear standards for specific types of testing.
2. It records the results so they can be verified.

When you see OFA certifications on a dog, that indicates the dog has been evaluated according to those standards and the result has been recorded.

The health tests we do: patellas, eyes, hips

Patella evaluations

Luxating patellas (kneecaps that move out of position) can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may never cause obvious problems. More significant cases can contribute to discomfort, altered movement, and in some cases surgical intervention.

A patella evaluation is a hands-on orthopedic exam performed by a veterinarian. The result is recorded with OFA.

Why it matters: In breeding, we want to reduce the odds of producing dogs with significant orthopedic issues. Patellas are one of those items where responsible screening is simply part of doing right by the breed.

Eye examinations

Eye health can be complex. A dog can appear to see perfectly in day-to-day life and still have early signs of an issue that a trained examiner can spot.

OFA eye exams are performed according to the current OFA eye program standards (often associated with CAER exams, depending on the evaluating veterinarian). Results are recorded.

Why it matters: Good vision and comfortable eyes are not "nice extras." Eye conditions can affect quality of life in serious ways, and screening helps breeders make better long-term decisions.

Hip certifications

Hip dysplasia is not the most commonly discussed Shiba issue, but it is important enough that responsible breeders do not ignore it.

Hip evaluations are typically done when a dog is mature enough to be evaluated according to OFA standards. The results are recorded.

Why it matters: Hips are foundational to sound movement and long-term comfort. Even when a dog is active and athletic, underlying structure matters.

What is a CHIC number?

CHIC stands for Canine Health Information Center.

A CHIC number indicates that a dog has completed the breed's recommended health testing as defined by the parent club and CHIC program, and that the results have been recorded.

Here is the key point that many people miss:

A CHIC number is about participation and transparency. It means the dog has completed the required tests and the results are available. It does not automatically mean every result was "perfect." It means the breeder tested and recorded the outcomes rather than hiding them.

That matters because honest breeding decisions are made with real information.

How we use health testing in breeding decisions

Health testing is not a checklist we do to satisfy a requirement. It is a tool we use to make responsible choices.

A thoughtful breeder looks at:

• The individual dog's results
• The family history, when known
• Patterns in the pedigree
• The strengths and weaknesses of the pairing
• Temperament and structure alongside health

Sometimes that leads to an easy yes. Sometimes it leads to a no. And sometimes it leads to a careful pairing decision with clear goals and close follow-up.

Common health concerns people ask about in Shiba Inu

Every breed has things that come up more often than we would like. In Shiba Inu, families commonly ask about:

• Patella concerns
• Eye health concerns
• Orthopedic soundness over time
• Skin and allergy-type issues
• General autoimmune-type concerns that people have heard about in the breed

No breeder can promise a dog will never have a health problem. Living creatures do not come with guarantees.

What a responsible breeder can do is stack the odds in the puppy's favor by:

• Selecting breeding dogs carefully
• Completing and recording recommended health testing
• Keeping lines with known, consistent stability in health and temperament
• Raising puppies with excellent early care
• Standing behind their dogs and being available if concerns arise

Questions you can ask any breeder

If you want to separate "good marketing" from a truly responsible program, here are some fair, reasonable questions to ask:

• Which health tests do you do, specifically?
• Are the results recorded with OFA?
• May I see the parents' CHIC documentation?
• At what age were hips evaluated?
• Who performed the eye exam and how often is it repeated?
• If a concern arises, what support do you provide?

A good breeder will not get defensive. They will explain.

A note about "we have never had that problem"

You may hear a breeder say, "We have never had patella issues," or "We have never had eye problems." That may be true, or it may reflect a lack of transparency or follow-up.

A more trustworthy statement is something like:

"We test our breeding dogs, here are the results, and here is how we make decisions. If a concern ever comes up, we want to know and we will help."

That is the voice of responsibility.

Our promise at Moonlight Shibas

At Moonlight Shibas, we follow OFA standards and ensure our breeding dogs are OFA certified for patellas, eyes, and hips. Parent CHIC documentation is provided with our puppies, and we are always open to specific questions.

Our commitment to verified health and ethical breeding is recognized by the AKC Breeder of Merit program at the Silver level — a distinction held only by breeders who meet AKC's testing and documentation standards across many generations.

We believe that health testing is one of the clearest ways a breeder shows respect for the breed and for the families who trust us.

If you are doing your homework and asking hard questions, you are already on the right path. We would be glad to walk it with you.