Responsible dog breeding and ownership rely heavily on orthopaedic and genetic screening, and clearing dogs through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the gold standard for preventing heritable diseases. Testing a dog’s hips, elbows, and patellas (kneecaps) allows veterinarians to identify joint laxity, dysplasia, or malformations before clinical signs like painful arthritis or lameness develop. Similarly, OFA cardiac and eye clearances ensure that hidden congenital heart defects or progressive eye diseases (which can lead to early blindness) aren't silently passed down to future generations. Because many of these debilitating conditions are polygenic and can skip generations, relying on a dog "looking healthy" isn't enough; objective OFA testing provides the data needed to make informed breeding decisions, protect the welfare of puppies, and save owners from the emotional and financial heartbreak of preventable chronic illnesses.