CHIC--the Canine Health Information Center

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Genetics
• Canine Health Research
• Animal Breeding

Background:

• The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) is a collaborative initiative by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF).
• CHIC aims to centralize canine health data to support the breeding of healthier dogs.
• A publicly accessible online database and DNA bank are key components of CHIC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive resource for canine health information.
• To facilitate informed breeding decisions through accessible health screening data.
• To support canine health research by providing DNA samples and associated data.

Main Methods:

• Dogs receive CHIC numbers upon completion of health screenings defined by their parent club.
• CHIC results are published in an online, publicly accessible database.
• CHIC maintains a DNA bank with canine DNA samples, genealogic, and phenotypic health data.

Main Results:

• CHIC provides a centralized, searchable database of canine health screening results.
• The DNA bank offers valuable resources for researchers studying canine diseases.
• The initiative promotes the use of health data in breeding practices.

Conclusions:

• CHIC serves as a vital tool for advancing canine health and welfare.
• The database and DNA bank empower stakeholders to make data-driven breeding choices.
• CHIC significantly contributes to the scientific understanding and genetic improvement of dog health.