Why CHIC Health Standards Vary by Breed
Why CHIC Health Standards Vary by Breed
And why Labrador requirements raise legitimate questions
The Canine Health Information Center CHIC program is often misunderstood as a universal health standard that applies equally to all dog breeds. In reality, CHIC requirements are intentionally breed specific. Each breed’s parent club determines which health tests are required for a dog to earn a CHIC number, based on what that club considers the most important and actionable health concerns for that breed.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA provides the database and reporting framework, but it does not dictate which tests are mandatory. Those decisions rest with the parent club.
This structure explains why CHIC requirements vary widely between breeds and why certain tests may be required in one breed but optional or omitted in another.
CHIC Is a Participation Standard Not a Health Guarantee
A CHIC number indicates that all required tests for that breed have been completed and publicly disclosed. It does not require normal results, nor does it imply that optional or recommended tests were performed.
CHIC establishes a baseline of transparency, not a comprehensive health clearance.
How Breed Priorities Shape CHIC Requirements
Parent clubs consider several factors when setting CHIC requirements
- Which conditions are historically prevalent in the breed
- Whether reliable screening tests exist
- Whether the condition can be meaningfully managed through breeding decisions
- Cost and accessibility of testing
- Longstanding breed policy and consensus
As a result, CHIC requirements often reflect tradition and policy alongside scientific data.
The Labrador Retriever Example
CHIC Required Tests
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia Evaluation | Assesses joint integrity and risk of degenerative joint disease |
| Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation | Identifies inherited elbow abnormalities affecting mobility |
| Eye Examination AVCO | Detects observable ocular disease at time of exam |
| Exercise Induced Collapse EIC DNA Test | Identifies carriers and affected dogs for a known neuromuscular disorder |
| D Locus Dilution DNA Test | Identifies presence of coat color dilution genetics |
Optional or Recommended Tests
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| prcd Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA | Identifies inherited retinal degeneration that can lead to blindness |
| Centronuclear Myopathy CNM | Detects inherited muscle weakness affecting working ability |
| Cardiac Evaluation | Screens for congenital or acquired heart conditions |
| Expanded Genetic Panels | Identify additional inherited risks with validated markers |
Why the D Locus Requirement Receives Mixed Reviews
The D locus test identifies whether a dog carries or expresses coat color dilution. It does not diagnose disease, predict temperament, or measure functional soundness.
Because the test is tied to coat color rather than health outcome, some breeders view it as a policy driven requirement rather than a medical one. For breeders producing dilute Labradors, the mandatory nature of the D locus test is often perceived as discouraging rather than encouraging participation.
As a result, some dilute breeders choose not to pursue CHIC certification at all, even when they routinely perform orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, and comprehensive genetic testing. This has contributed to mixed participation and inconsistent data representation within the breed.
Why PRA Remains Optional
prcd Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a well documented inherited condition in Labradors with a validated genetic test and clear breeding implications. Despite this, PRA testing remains optional for CHIC participation.
This reflects policy prioritization rather than lack of clinical significance, and it highlights how CHIC requirements do not always align neatly with disease impact.
Why Phenotypic Eye Exams Are Required Alongside Genetic Testing
CHIC requires phenotypic eye examinations through AVCO certified ophthalmologists. These exams identify physical abnormalities present at the time of examination, including conditions without known genetic markers.
Genetic testing, however, can identify inherited risks before disease onset. Both approaches provide valuable but different information. Requiring one while treating the other as optional reflects program structure rather than a limitation of genetic testing itself.
What This Means for Breeders and Buyers
CHIC participation is valuable, but it should not be mistaken for a complete picture of a dog’s health.
- CHIC represents minimum disclosure not comprehensive testing
- Optional tests may be equally or more relevant for long term health
- Breeders may exceed CHIC standards without holding a CHIC number
- Buyers should evaluate actual test results not just certifications
The Bigger Takeaway
CHIC standards are not fixed scientific conclusions. They are evolving policy frameworks shaped by breed history, parent club priorities, and practical considerations.
Improving participation and data quality may require reassessing which tests are mandatory, which are recommended, and how health focused incentives are communicated. Aligning requirements more closely with disease impact rather than appearance related genetics could encourage broader participation while maintaining transparency.
Understanding how and why these standards are set allows breeders and owners to make better informed decisions about what testing truly matters for the long term health of the Labrador Retriever.