A while back I was doing some research on CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) & OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing, but wanted to know if anyone has done it before & any experiences they've had doing so. I'd like to have Koda's eyes & hips/joints checked out for sure, but I'm having trouble locating certified professionals with the organizations in south Georgia. Any info?

Have you tried contacting Siberian Husky Club of America for referrals? Or breeders on that list in your area for help?

Unless you plan on breeding, you don't need to get them graded... you can just go to a specialized vet and get their opinion. Sending it off to be graded costs more money I believe.

I checked their website, which is how I found out about the tests & whatnot. I think CERF has now become ACVO if I'm not mistaken?

Oh so it's basically just for grading? I know that sibes are prone to eye & hip problems, so I thought those tests were more thorough examinations for that purpose as opposed to grading. I wouldn't be against the idea of siring him out to see if the blue eyes his father had would turn up in resulting litters so I could get a pup, but if that doesn't happen by the time he's 2 his boys are out =/ (He's a year & six months old now).

*Note: I'm aware of the huge responsibilities of breeding from research. Also, that sticky somewhere on the forums was extremely insightful.

If I'm not mistaken the vet examines the dog and either sends X-rays off to be graded and clears the eyes... If you are wanting to breed I would certainly have them graded and really think hard about your reasons to breed. Especially if your dog wasn't from a reputable breeder to begin with.

Ah, I see. So the results from the grading could be an indicator of how well a dog meets a breed standard & whether or not they should be bred as a result? I've already had a full blood chemistry test performed & everything was fine as of a few months ago. The other two tests would just be two more necessary steps for him to be qualified as being able to sire.

I've got another six months to think on it. He's no show dog (in terms of obedience, etc), nor was raised as one so I'm not sure much of a comparison can be made there lol. The only way I will go through with it is if I can find an intact, also registered experienced female and breeder near me that may be interested. I don't want to contribute to any backyard breeding projects.

I don't want to be rude, but you will have a hard time finding someone who will breed your dog that isn't a Backyard Breeder. The majority of credible breeders will not allow their bitch to breed with a dog that has not proven its credibility in show or working. It's nothing against your dog as he is quite pretty.

As far as health testing goes, if you want to get it done, be my guest - but it can be very expensive. It's great to know where your dog stands in terms of health testing, so I can definitely see why you would want to do it. But, if he is a pet then you don't have to worry about it!

By the way, he isn't old enough for testing yet. He needs to be 2.

Thanks for the info mheath, that also is something that's been on my mind. People breed to improve on the breed standards or get closer to them, so show dogs or working ones would be much better than pets for that purpose-definitely makes sense. Again, that aspect is one of many that I've been weighing out on getting him neutered at 2 or not. Should I meet a responsible breeder with an intact no-show girl in 6 months or so, cool-if not, cool lol. I would LIKE to be a breeder someday, but I'm definitely not trying to start up now, so no issue here with it.

I was kinda apprehensive about having him neutered around 7-8 months for fear of development issues (and the fact that I'm a guy too lol >.<), but it could possibly help with his dog-on-dog dominance should I decide to do it. He's sweet with other dogs, but he is definitely an alpha.

I'm hoping to get Freya's hips x-rayd to find out about her hips when she goes in for her spay.

My hast boy had terrible hip displaysia and it was crippling. In the end we chose to let him go because he had other conditions that wouldnt allow him to live a proper life post surgery. It was heart wrenching and I want to avoid this as much as possible.

I think finding out early would be the best option for sucessful tretament.