Expertise Disclaimer: Content is written by experienced AKC Rottweiler breeders and reviewed to meet top veterinary health standards. Always consult a veterinarian for specific medical advice.
Why Health Testing Matters for Rottweiler Breeders
Rottweilers are a magnificent breed — powerful, loyal, and deeply affectionate with their families. But like many large breeds, they are prone to certain hereditary health conditions. Responsible breeders use OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing to screen breeding dogs and reduce the risk of passing these conditions on to puppies.
What Is OFA Health Testing?
The OFA is the gold standard for canine health testing in the United States. It evaluates X-rays, exam results, and lab reports submitted by veterinarians and board-certified specialists, then certifies dogs that meet breed health standards. When you see “OFA certified” on a breeder’s documentation, it means that a specific health test was submitted, reviewed, and passed — giving you confidence in the health foundation of your puppy.
Essential Health Tests for Rottweilers
1. Hip Dysplasia (OFA Hip Evaluation)
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic issues in large breeds. OFA evaluates hip X-rays and grades them as Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe. Only dogs rated Fair or above should be bred. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating arthritis and significantly shorten a dog’s quality of life, making this one of the most critical tests a breeder can perform.
2. Elbow Dysplasia (OFA Elbow Evaluation)
Elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint and can cause significant pain and lameness. Like hips, elbow X-rays are graded and only “Normal” elbows are considered clear for breeding. Dogs with elbow dysplasia may require expensive surgery and lifelong pain management — yet another reason to always verify elbow clearances before purchasing a puppy.
3. Cardiac Evaluation (OFA Cardiac)
Rottweilers can inherit sub-aortic stenosis (SAS), a heart defect that obstructs blood flow from the heart. A board-certified cardiologist performs a cardiac exam and submits findings to OFA. Dogs with a normal cardiac exam receive OFA cardiac certification. SAS can range from mild to life-threatening, which is why cardiac testing is a non-negotiable part of a responsible breeding program.
4. Eye Examination (CAER Eye Exam)
The CAER exam (Companion Animal Eye Registry) screens for inherited eye diseases including cataracts and retinal conditions. It is performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and must be renewed annually since eye conditions can develop at any stage of life.
5. DNA Health Testing
Genetic testing can screen for breed-specific mutations. Reputable Rottweiler breeders test for degenerative myelopathy (DM) — a progressive neurological disease similar to ALS in humans — to ensure they are only breeding clear or carrier dogs responsibly. A DM-clear dog has two normal gene copies and cannot pass the disease to offspring.
Understanding OFA Certification Numbers
Every OFA-certified dog receives a unique certification number that you can verify independently at ofa.org. The number format includes the breed abbreviation, a sequential number, and the grade. For example, a hip certification might look like: RO-19423G26F-VPI — meaning a Rottweiler (RO), certification #19423, rated Good (G), at 26 months of age, female (F), with a permanent ID on file. Always verify the number yourself rather than accepting a screenshot or verbal confirmation.
How to Verify a Breeder’s Health Testing Claims
Unfortunately, not all breeders who claim to health test their dogs actually do. Here is how to verify:
- Ask for the OFA certification numbers of both parents
- Go to ofa.org, click “Search OFA Records,” and enter the dog’s registered name or OFA number
- Verify that the certification is for the correct dog, test type, and grade
- Cross-reference the AKC registration number to confirm the dog’s identity
The CHIC Program: A Comprehensive Health Benchmark
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program, managed by OFA, establishes breed-specific health testing requirements. For Rottweilers, CHIC requires OFA evaluations for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes. Dogs that complete all required tests receive a CHIC number — a single reference point that confirms a dog has met the full health testing standard for their breed. When a breeder mentions their dog has a CHIC number, that is a strong sign of a serious, committed breeding program.
What to Ask a Breeder About Health Testing
- Can I see OFA certification numbers for both parents?
- Has the sire and dam been cardiac and eye certified?
- Are DNA test results available for degenerative myelopathy?
- Does either parent have a CHIC number?
- What is included in the puppy’s health guarantee?
- At what age were the parents tested and certified?
Our Health Commitment at Rottweiler Chronicles
At Rottweiler Chronicles, every breeding dog is OFA evaluated for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes before being bred. We believe health testing is not optional — it is the ethical foundation of responsible breeding. Every puppy comes with a 2-year health guarantee and full documentation of parental health clearances.
View our complete health testing results or browse available puppies today.
Understanding OFA Certification Numbers
Every OFA-certified dog receives a unique certification number you can verify independently at ofa.org. The number format includes the breed abbreviation, a sequential number, and the grade. For example, a hip certification might look like: RO-19423G26F-VPI — meaning a Rottweiler (RO), certification #19423, rated Good (G), at 26 months of age, female (F), with a permanent ID on file. Always verify the number yourself rather than accepting a screenshot or verbal confirmation from the breeder.
How to Verify a Breeder’s Health Testing Claims
Not all breeders who claim to health test their dogs actually do. Here is how to verify: Ask for the OFA certification numbers of both parents. Go to ofa.org, click Search OFA Records, and enter the dog’s registered name or OFA number. Verify the certification is for the correct dog, test type, and grade. Cross-reference the AKC registration number to confirm the dog’s identity. This 5-minute step can save you years of heartbreak and thousands of dollars in veterinary bills.
The CHIC Program: A Comprehensive Health Benchmark
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program, managed by OFA, establishes breed-specific health testing requirements. For Rottweilers, CHIC requires OFA evaluations for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes. Dogs that complete all required tests receive a CHIC number — a single reference point confirming a dog has met the full health testing standard for their breed. When a breeder mentions their dog has a CHIC number, that is a strong sign of a serious, committed breeding program.
How Health Testing Affects Puppy Pricing
Health testing is expensive. A full OFA panel including hips, elbows, cardiac, and eyes can cost a breeder between $800 and $1,500 per dog. When you multiply that across both parents, you understand why well-bred Rottweiler puppies cost more than puppies from untested parents. That price difference is not a markup — it is the cost of responsible breeding. A puppy from health-tested parents is significantly less likely to develop hip dysplasia, elbow problems, or heart conditions that can cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more to treat.
Health Testing vs. Health Guarantee: Know the Difference
A health guarantee is a promise from the breeder to replace or refund a puppy if certain conditions develop. Health testing is proactive scientific screening performed before breeding. These are not the same thing. A breeder can offer a health guarantee without doing any health testing at all — that guarantee is worth very little if the underlying risk was never evaluated. Always prioritize breeders who perform OFA health testing over those who only offer a guarantee with no testing documentation.
Written by Rottweiler Chronicles Editorial Team
AKC Certified Breeders & Canine Behavior Specialists
With over 15 years of dedicated breeding, training, and caring for standard Rottweilers, our team is deeply committed to preserving the health, standard, and amazing temperament of the breed. All guides are based on real hands-on experience and reviewed by partner vets.
Recommended Resources & Care Guides
- AKC Rottweiler Official Breed Standard — Learn about official breed standards and temperament characteristics from the American Kennel Club.
- Rottweiler Health Foundation (RHF) — Explore medical research, breed-specific health issues, and hereditary conditions in Rottweilers.
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Canine Care — Access comprehensive veterinary guidelines for giant breed nutrition and daily pet wellness.
