OFA Information

At Kimberlee’s Kennels, we believe in full transparency and informed decision-making for our clients. This page is intended solely as an educational resource to help our families better understand Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluations and the factors that can influence their results. Please note that individual OFA certifications for our sires and dams are not listed here; those can be found on our “About” page under the “Females” and “Sires” sections.

Since our establishment in 2010, Kimberlee’s Kennels has remained committed to breeding dogs that are thoroughly health-tested, genetically screened, and evaluated through OFA standards. Over time, we have worked diligently to develop and refine our own bloodlines, with the goal of consistently producing high-quality, healthy puppies for both our families and our future breeding program.

During this process, we encountered an unexpected and concerning challenge: a small number of dogs we retained for breeding—despite being physically sound, active, and derived from parents with passing OFA scores—received unfavorable OFA evaluations. Out of an abundance of caution and our commitment to responsible breeding, these dogs were removed from our program.

Seeking answers, we conducted extensive research and connected with other reputable breeders and dog owners who had experienced similar discrepancies. This led us to a study conducted by Dr. Lonnie Davis of Troy Animal Hospital in Troy, Ohio. Dr. Davis has performed a high volume of radiographic evaluations using a highly refined positioning technique and has reported a significant rate of improved outcomes in dogs previously graded as failing.

Through this research, we gained a deeper understanding of the OFA evaluation process—particularly the critical role that radiographic positioning and technique play in the final assessment. Proper positioning during X-rays can significantly influence how joint conformation is interpreted.

To ensure the most accurate evaluations possible, we have chosen to have select dogs re-evaluated using these advanced techniques. While this requires considerable travel, we have seen consistent improvements in outcomes when proper imaging protocols are followed.

Because of the logistics involved, some dogs on our website may be listed as “OFA results pending.” We want to assure our clients that these dogs come from carefully selected, health-tested lineage, and we fully expect their evaluations to reflect that quality.

What’s objective vs. variable

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals uses board-certified radiologists to evaluate joint structure (most commonly hips and elbows). Their grading is based on established anatomical criteria, which are standardized and not arbitrary.

However, the image they are evaluating must be technically correct—and this is where variability can come in.

How X-ray quality affects OFA results

Several technical factors can significantly influence how a joint appears on radiographs:

• Positioning of the dog
  This is the most critical factor. Small differences in how the pelvis or limbs are aligned can make hips appear tighter (better) or looser (worse) than they actually are.
• Sedation and muscle relaxation
  If a dog is not fully relaxed, muscle tension can affect joint positioning and appearance.
• Image clarity and exposure
  Poor contrast, improper exposure, or low resolution can obscure important anatomical details.
• Symmetry and alignment
  The pelvis must be perfectly straight and femurs properly extended; even slight rotation can alter the apparent joint conformation.

Does this mean OFA is subjective?

Not exactly. The grading standards themselves are objective, but the input (the X-ray) can vary in quality. So:

• Two different X-rays of the same dog can look different if taken with different techniques.
• This can sometimes result in different OFA grades, especially in borderline cases.

Practical takeaway

• High-quality, properly positioned radiographs are essential for an accurate OFA evaluation.
• Experienced veterinarians and technicians who regularly perform OFA imaging tend to produce more consistent, reliable results.
• If results are unexpected or don’t match the dog’s physical condition, a repeat X-ray with improved technique is sometimes considered.

We encourage all prospective families to educate themselves on OFA evaluations, including their methodology and variables, and to review the available research for a more comprehensive understanding.