OFA and CERF are two health databases that screen and register breeding dogs to monitor for certain genetically linked health issues. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) monitor for hip, elbow and knee issues; CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) monitors for eye diseases. The Cockapoo has been granted breed index designations by OFA and CERF, so that tested NACR registered cockapoos will be recorded by these databases for genetic health in dogs. NACR registration numbers will be used by these organizations to trace cockapoo lineages in their databases. The associations between NACR and OFA & CERF became official in January of 2000 after acceptance of the NACR by both organizations. Participation in these databases (done by breeders voluntarily having approved vets test their dogs and providing the results to the NACR) will help to insure that cockapoo lines are kept as free as possible of inherited orthopedic and eye disorders.

       NACR Breeders are strongy encouraged to participate in these programs with their breeding stock. Doing so means that extra care is being taken to help eliminate and prevent some common inheritable conditions from being passed on into the cockapoo lines. Please understand that CERF and OFA screenings do NOT insure that a dog will be free of these problems, but it can go a long way in being sure that if a dam or stud does indeed carry a trait that that particular dog and its offspring are removed from the breeding program/gene pool. The NACR is an accepted breed registry with both CERF and OFA  to submit and support CERF and OFA testing results.

       CERF and OFA screenings must be done by qualified and specialized veterinarians; ideally the CERF screenings are done annually but more realistically they are done on a periodic basis. Only those dogs that have been screened by the accepted methods can be said to be OFA and/or CERF certified. Only puppies whose immediate parents have been screened and passed can be called puppies from OFA or CERF tested parents. Skipping one or more generations leaves the door wide open again. And, in order to be effective both parents need to be screened.

       The NACR urges cockapoo puppy seekers to check with their breeder about OFA and CERF screening; in turn you may also use the OFA and CERF websites linked above to double check any information about the status of the pup or dog you are considering.