By Dr. Roxane Jourdain
Published in the 2024-2025 Winter edition of the Collie Club of America Bulletin
The Collie Health Foundation’s founding purposes have frequently aligned with the missions of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and its Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). Since its inception in 2007, the Martha E. Hoffman DNA Banking project has contributed DNA samples from more than 450 Collies to CHIC’s DNA repository. This extensive collection, combined with genealogical information, will support future research into inherited canine conditions. See CHF website for more information on DNA banking at https://www.colliehealth.org/dna-banking/
CHIC not only banks DNA, but also offers a certification program developed in collaboration with AKC parent breed clubs. AKC Parent Clubs such as the Collie Club of America (CCA) can work with CHIC to create a searchable health database of dogs that meets the minimum testing requirements set by each parent club. As a result of ongoing collaboration between the CCA and CHF, the CHIC program for Collies requires the submission of the following test results for Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1), Progressive Retinal Atrophy rcd2 (PRA-rcd2), and Dermatomyositis (DMS) to achieve certification. Specific outcomes are not required for certification; only that the test results are submitted. Information on CHIC Certification can be found at https://www.colliehealth.org/ofa-chic/chic-certification/
As of summer 2023, 140 Collies completed the requirements for CHIC certification. CHF has since promoted CHIC certification for Collies by approving a subsidy to reimburse its members the submission cost of the three tests required for certification. As of November 2024, CHF has reimbursed submission costs for over 45 newly CHIC-certified Collies.
Our collaboration with the University of California-Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) has also significantly impacted CHIC certification. The VGL offers an exceptional Collie panel that includes testing for the most significant genetic conditions currently testable for Collies. VGL also provides the option for owners to submit test results directly from VGL to OFA, thus obtaining CHIC certification without any extra steps. Thanks to these initiatives, the number of CHIC-certified Collies in 2024 alone has tripled compared to previous years. As of this writing, 227 individual Collies have now been CHIC-certified.
We are pleased to recognize CHIC participants in the CHF newsletter and on our website. The growing list includes achievers at the highest levels of conformation and performance. CHIC participation not only distinguishes legacy preservation breeders from casual breeders, but also is a tool to share with new Collie owners and fanciers, exemplifying responsible breeding. This reflects a proactive approach and profound commitment to the health, quality, and future of the breed, combining excellence in both genetics and achievement.
We hope that, through the creation and use of this database, we can promote transparency and improve the overall health and well-being of Collies. By participating, you are contributing to a valuable resource that benefits current and future generations of Collies. Together, we can ensure that our beloved breed remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.
