When looking for a puppy to become a new family member, its health is an important consideration. Asking questions of the breeder regarding health testing of the parents helps
assure you get a healthy dog. (This also benefits the breed overall as it encourages breeders to health test.) Breeders should freely discuss health testing results and any health
issues with anyone interested in their puppies. Of course, not all health issues have testing methods, and just as is the case for humans, the causes of some conditions are still
unknown.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) by partnering with breed parent clubs to research and maintain information on the
health issues prevalent in specific breeds. OFA recognizes that the more information stored and accessible in their databases, the better it will be for every breed. They encourage
all breeders to attain CHIC Certification if their breed participates in the CHIC program. More information on the Benefits and Policies of the Canine Health Information Center can
be found on the OFA Website under CHIC Program. OFA provides detailed information on numerous diseases and testing methods on their website under
Diseases.
The Giant Schnauzer Club of America participates in the CHIC program and has determined the tests that are required for CHIC certification. These are summarized in the
GSCA Health Statement on the AKC website.
A Giant achieves CHIC Certification if it has been screened for every disease specified by GSCA and those test results are publicly available in the OFA database.
The most up to date listing for Giant Schnauzer health testing requirements as well as optional/recommended testing can be found on the OFA website under
CHIC Program > Browse by Breed and then by selecting Giant Schnauzer.
OFA test results and CHIC certifications are public information. Any individual can search the OFA website for health testing results by using the
Advanced Search tool provided by OFA.
At least part of the dog’s registered name will be required for the search or their registration number may also be used. It is important to understand that a CHIC number does not
necessarily mean a dog is clear of disease or has passed every required health test. CHIC certification indicates that the dog has been tested and the results have been made public only.
Therefore, it is critical to look into the details underlying every CHIC certification.