VCA Official Health Statement
The Vizsla Club of America (VCA) seeks to preserve the health and welfare of the Vizsla through responsible breeding practices that improve the breed as outlined by the AKC Vizsla Standard. Health screens for known conditions and genetic diseases are essential to selecting healthy breeding stock.
Prior to a mating, the VCA requires that all breeding stock have an AKC DNA number and strongly recommends that all breeding stock receive a permanent CHIC number that is issued after the following health screens are completed:
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP evaluation) – at 24 months or older
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis (OFA evaluation) – every other year
- Eyes (to be examined by a board-certified ACVO Ophthalmologist and registered with the OFA) – annual
In addition, these optional health screens are recommended for all breeding stock:
- Elbow Dysplasia (OFA evaluation) – at 24 months or older
- Cardiac (evaluation by a board-certified/ACVIM Cardiologist and registered with the OFA) – at 12 months or older
- Longhaired DNA Test
- Dwarfism (Skeletal Dysplasia (SD3) DNA Test)
Preliminary OFA hip and elbow evaluations performed before the age of 2 are not considered accurate assessments of soundness.
In order to receive a CHIC number, a dog must have permanent identification (microchip or tattoo). To keep a CHIC certification current, eye screens should be repeated annually, and thyroid every other year, per OFA.
A dog need not receive a passing score in order to receive a CHIC number. CHIC certification only indicates the tests have been done, so it is the responsibility of each puppy buyer to verify that the results for both sire and dam are normal. Test results can be found here: https://ofa.org/advanced-search.
All breeding stock must be identified by AKC DNA. AKC DNA numbers are not required for dogs deceased prior to 2007.
For more information about the CHIC requirements for the Vizsla: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=VZ&var
Some CHIC health screens can often be performed at a local dog show for a lower cost. To find a Health Clinic in your area, check the OFA Health Clinic calendar: https://www.ofa.org/health-clinics
The Vizsla Club of America (VCA) is the AKC parent club for the Vizsla breed. For more information on how to find a responsible breeder, please visit our website: http://www.vcaweb.org/breed/find_a_breeder.shtml.
Approved by the VCA Board of Directors on November 20, 2024.
More information about health screens for the Vizsla
Orthopedic Foundation of Animals
Find a Clinic
PennHIP
Specific Genetic Tests for the Vizsla
Long-Hair Gene:
UC Davis
DNA Diagnostic Center
For more information, contact: vcawf2000@gmail.com
Krista Schroeder, VCA Public Health Coordinator
See also the VCA Welfare Foundation