At MN English Golden, we understand that bringing home a puppy is a long-term commitment. You’re not just adding a cute face to your family—you’re choosing a companion who will grow up with your children, comfort you after a long day, and bring joy for years to come. That’s why it’s so important to start with the right foundation: a puppy with verified and healthy genetics.
One of the best ways to ensure your future Golden is happy and healthy is by understanding two key credentials: the CHIC number and OFA certifications. If you’ve never heard of them, don’t worry—we’ll explain everything you need to know.
What Is a CHIC Number and Why Should You Care?
CHIC stands for the Canine Health Information Center, and it’s a system designed to promote responsible breeding. When a dog has a CHIC number, it means they’ve gone through a full set of breed-specific health tests—and those results are publicly available.
For Golden Retrievers, CHIC typically requires:
- OFA testing for hips and elbows
- A cardiac evaluation
- A certified eye exam
- Optional but important: DNA testing for hereditary diseases like Ichthyosis (ICH) or PRA
At MN English Golden, every one of our breeding dogs has a CHIC number—and we don’t stop there. We ensure our dogs go beyond the basic testing requirements to give our puppies the best possible genetic start.
What Are OFA Certifications?
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the gold standard for canine health testing. They evaluate dogs for a variety of genetic and structural issues, with an especially strong focus on joint health.
The two biggest OFA tests for Goldens are:
- Hip Certification – rated as Excellent, Good, Fair, or showing signs of dysplasia
- Elbow Certification – confirming strong, disease-free joints
Our dogs consistently receive OFA “Excellent” ratings, placing them among the top 1% of Golden Retrievers. These aren’t just numbers—they’re a promise that your puppy comes from strong, healthy lineage.
How These Certifications Protect Puppy Buyers
Anyone can say they raise “healthy puppies.” But unless a breeder backs that up with official health testing, there’s no way to truly know. CHIC numbers and OFA results are your best protection as a buyer. Here’s how:
- They help avoid expensive vet bills down the road
- They reduce the risk of painful conditions like hip dysplasia
- They show that the breeder is being transparent and responsible
- They support long-term health and a more predictable temperament
A puppy with a strong genetic foundation is easier to train, more adaptable, and more likely to grow into the gentle, affectionate dog Goldens are famous for.
What Makes MN English Golden Different?
We don’t just meet the minimum health testing requirements—we set the bar higher. When you reserve a puppy from MN English Golden, you’re getting:
- Puppies from world-class European bloodlines
- Parents with CHIC numbers and OFA Excellent ratings
- Puppies that are ICH clear and tested for other inherited diseases
- Full transparency—we’ll show you all our certificates
And because we’ve taken these steps, our puppies are well-suited not just for family life but also for service, therapy, and emotional support roles.
Health Testing Is Peace of Mind
Choosing a puppy is emotional—but it should also be informed. With CHIC numbers and OFA certifications in hand, you’re not guessing whether your puppy is healthy—you’re starting from a place of confidence and clarity.
At MN English Golden, we want every family to feel proud of the choice they’ve made. If you’re considering adding one of our puppies to your home, let us show you the paperwork, the process, and the passion that sets us apart.
Reserve your spot early—our puppies are in high demand and typically spoken for quickly.
