OFA Certification at AZ Doxies
Health isn’t an afterthought — it’s the foundation of everything we do.
At AZ Doxies, owned by Bryan and Peggy Martin, we believe every breeding decision should be guided by health, structure, and responsibility. In addition to comprehensive DNA testing, we also use OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification to screen our dachshunds for physical health concerns.
This commitment is one of the reasons we are proud to be a part of the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program, which recognizes breeders who uphold the highest standards of care.
What is OFA Certification?
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a nationally recognized organization that evaluates dogs for heritable health conditions. Veterinarians submit X-rays, exams, and test results to OFA, and the foundation issues certifications that confirm whether a dog has been screened and cleared.
For dachshunds, the most relevant OFA certifications may include:
Patella (kneecap) evaluations
Ensures kneecaps are stable and not prone to luxation.
Cardiac exams
Rules out congenital or structural heart issues.
Eye exams (CAER, formerly CERF)
Confirms eyes are healthy and free from inherited diseases.
These certifications provide an added layer of confidence and transparency for families choosing a dachshund from AZ Doxies.
For dachshunds, the most relevant OFA certifications may include:
What is OFA Certification?
While dachshunds are best known for IVDD risk, they can also face orthopedic, cardiac, and eye conditions. OFA certification:
Documents that breeding dogs have been professionally evaluated and cleared.
Helps breeders avoid pairing dogs that could pass along health risks.
Gives families documented proof that their dachshund comes from responsibly tested parents.
When combined with DNA testing through Optimal Selection, OFA results create a comprehensive health profile for each of our breeding dogs.
OFA and AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.
The AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program stands for:
Health
Health testing for all breeding dogs.
Education
Breeders commit to ongoing learning.
Accountability
AKC inspections and standards.
Responsibility
Proper care and placement of puppies.
Tradition
Upholding AKC breed standards.
OFA certification directly supports the Health requirement of this program. By completing OFA exams and submitting results, breeders demonstrate that they are not only meeting but exceeding AKC’s expectations for responsible breeding.
OFA and AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.
At AZ Doxies, our dachshunds undergo:
DNA testing for genetic conditions through Optimal Selection.
OFA health screenings for orthopedic, eye, thyroid, and cardiac health.
Veterinary wellness care for ongoing health and development.
This layered approach ensures that every breeding decision we make is rooted in science and responsibility. Families who choose AZ Doxies can feel confident knowing their dachshund has been bred with health as the top priority.