Health Certification update

I blogged about health certifications once last year and wont repeat myself here. However, there are some recent changes in the recommended health certifications for standard schnauzers as per the latest issue of the Pepper and Salt newsletter.

The SSCA has recently joined together with CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) which is a joint project between the AKC and OFA. CHIC will be a cross referenced public database to help breeders and owners easily locate health data for their breed. SSCA is participating in this project and encouraging members to obtain CHIC certification for all standard schnauzers (pets, breeding stock, performance dogs, etc).

CHIC certification requires the following tests, all completed after the age of two:

1) OFA Hip test
2) CERF test

and at least one of the following:

1) Thyroid test by approved OFA lab
2) Cardiac test read by boarded cardiologist and/or
3) blood sample to CHIC DNA repository

SSCA is also recommending re-testing for CERF and Thyroid after seven years of age for breeding stock.

As noted elsewhere, Kord passed his cardiac, petella luxation and eye exams at 12mths. He is registered with CERF and OFA for these tests and we will undertake the additional recommended tests when he attains the recommended age.

I personally believe that good health is one of the characteristics that sets standard schnauzers apart from all other dogs, making them desirable as both pets and performance animals. I am glad that our parent organization and the many concerned breeders in this fancy are all doing their part to ensure that good health continues to be a defining characteristic of our breed in the future!