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What is OFA certification and what do they recommend?

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OFA certification refers to a formal evaluation and documentation process provided by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), a respected organization that assesses and tracks inherited health conditions in dogs.​​​​​​

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• ​​Patella evaluation​

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Test screens for a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position, which can lead to discomfort, lameness, or long-term joint issues. It’s a common concern in small breeds like Boston Terriers. The evaluation is performed by a veterinarian and graded to determine severity. For OFA certification, dogs must be at least one year off age at the time of evaluation to ensure accurate and reliable results. Breeding dogs should have normal or low-grade findings to help prevent passing the condition on to future litters.

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• Congenital Cardiac Evaluation

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Screens for inherited heart defects that may be present from birth, such as murmurs or structural abnormalities. A veterinarian performs a cardiac exam, often through auscultation (listening to the heart) or advanced imaging if needed. For OFA certification, dogs must be at least one year of age at the time of evaluation. Identifying and screening for congenital heart conditions helps ensure that only dogs with healthy cardiac function are included in breeding programs.

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• BAER Test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response)

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The BAER test evaluates a dog’s hearing by measuring brain activity in response to sound stimuli. It is the only accurate method for detecting congenital deafness, which may affect one or both ears. The test is non-invasive and typically performed by a veterinary neurologist or certified audiologist. It can be safely conducted as early as 6 weeks of age, making it an important tool for early screening in breeds like Boston Terriers.

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Ophthalmic Exam (CAER Certification)

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The CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) exam is a specialized eye examination performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. It screens for a range of hereditary eye conditions that can affect vision and overall eye health. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks of age for the exam, and results are submitted to the OFA for official certification. Regular eye screenings help ensure the long-term ocular health of breeding dogs and their puppies.

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DNA testing

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​Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (JHC) & Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA Tests screen for two inherited conditions that can impact Boston Terriers. The JHC test identifies whether a dog carries the gene for juvenile hereditary cataracts, which may cause early-onset vision loss. The DM test checks for a mutation associated with degenerative myelopathy, a progressive neurological disease that can lead to mobility issues later in life. Testing determines if a dog is clear, a carrier, or at risk (affected), allowing breeders to make responsible breeding decisions. These tests can be performed at any age using a simple cheek swab.