Information about our program

OFA stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. OFA exams are health screenings performed by licensed veterinarians and veterinary specialists to help identify hereditary conditions before dogs are bred. These exams help breeders make informed breeding decisions and work toward producing healthier puppies.

Once a dog completes all of the breed’s recommended OFA health screenings, it is awarded a CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) number. A CHIC number shows that the recommended health testing has been completed and the results have been recorded in the OFA database. All of our breeding dogs have earned their CHIC numbers, and we are happy to provide copies of their OFA and CHIC certificates upon request.

At Wooofyland, all of our breeding dogs complete the Dachshund Club of America’s recommended OFA health screenings, which include:

• CAER Eye Exam – Performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to screen for inherited eye diseases.
• Patella Evaluation – Checks that the kneecaps are stable and functioning properly.
• Cardiac Evaluation – Performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist to screen for congenital and inherited heart conditions.

In addition to OFA health screenings, all of our breeding dogs undergo DNA testing through a reputable laboratory. DNA testing helps identify whether a dog carries certain inherited genetic conditions and provides valuable information about traits such as coat color and coat type.

Our breeding dogs are genetically clear of PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), a hereditary eye disease found in Dachshunds. While DNA testing is an important tool, it does not replace OFA health screenings. We believe both DNA testing and OFA evaluations work together to help us make responsible breeding decisions and produce the healthiest puppies possible.

An AKC Champion is a dog that has earned its championship title by competing in AKC conformation dog shows. In these shows, judges evaluate each dog against the official breed standard, looking at structure, movement, temperament, and overall quality.

A championship title means the dog has consistently been recognized as an excellent example of the Miniature Dachshund breed. While being a champion does not guarantee perfect health, it does demonstrate that the dog meets the breed standard and has been evaluated by multiple judges.

At Wooofyland, we are proud to incorporate AKC Champion bloodlines into our breeding program to help preserve the breed’s correct structure, temperament, and overall quality.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a condition that affects the spine and is unfortunately common in dachshunds because of their long backs and short legs. The discs between the bones of the spine can bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Signs of IVDD can include back pain, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, weakness in the legs, or, in severe cases, paralysis. While not every dachshund will develop IVDD, the breed is naturally at a higher risk.

At Wooofyland, we do everything we can to help reduce that risk by carefully selecting breeding dogs with correct structure, excellent health, and champion bloodlines. While no breeder can guarantee a dog will never develop IVDD, responsible breeding for proper conformation is one important way to help support lifelong spinal health.

Owners also play a big role in prevention by maintaining a healthy weight, using ramps instead of allowing repeated jumping on and off furniture, and avoiding unnecessary stress on the spine.