Health Awards

Revised January 2009

With the NCL-A Cerebellar Ataxia test now available for American Staffordshire Terriers, the STCA Health Committee has revised the awards system to include this test on all levels. To maintain the integrity of this database, we recommend that the DNA sample for this test be obtained by a veterinarian or veterinary technician who can verify the identity of the dog being tested.

The STCA has also joined the Canine Health Information (CHIC) database, and participants will be eligible for an STCA Health Committee CHIC award. Requirements for the CHIC database and all awards levels are listed below. To be eligible for a CHIC award, dogs need to complete the recommended tests and obtain a CHIC number. Passing scores are NOT required.

HIPS - OFA Good or excellent or Penn Hip score of .48 or lower
ELBOWS - OFA normal
CARDIAC - Normal Doppler by cardiologist
THYROID - OFA normal
EYES - CERF normal
CEREBELLAR ATAXIA - NCL-A test normal

HIPS - OFA normal (fair, good, or excellent) or Penn Hip score of .57 or lower
CARDIAC - Normal auscultation or Doppler by cardiologist
ELBOWS - OFA normal
THYROID - OFA normal
CEREBELLAR ATAXIA - NCL-A test normal

HIPS - OFA normal (fair, good, or excellent) or Penn Hip score of .57 or lower
CARDIAC - Normal auscultation or Doppler by cardiologist
CEREBELLAR ATAXIA - NCL-A test normal

Passing scores are NOT required
HIPS - OFA or Penn Hip evaluation
CARDIAC DISEASE - OFA evaluation by cardiologist
THYROID - OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory
CEREBELLAR ATAXIA - NCL-A test

Optional tests:
EYES - CERF
ELBOWS - OFA

• For GOLD and SILVER awards, thyroid and eye tests must be renewed annually. You may re-apply for a new award each year on these levels.
• Awards cycle is from Sept. 30th of previous year to Sept. 30th of current year. 
• OFA Hip and elbow certifications are acceptable from the dog's age of 2 years or older. Penn Hip evaluations and cardiac certifications are acceptable from 1 year of age. Thyroid and eye tests must be current. 
• Applicants must be STCA members in good standing. 
• The dog you are applying for must be currently alive. 
• Click the button below for the health award application. 
• To apply for an award, email copies of your health or CHIC certificates with an award application to:  Pamela Nemec at amstaffstca@gmail.com

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Policies

"First generation offspring of Ataxia clear parents are eligible for CLEAR BY PARENTAGE designation.  

See OFA policy below.  

CLEAR BY PARENTAGE is acceptable for all levels of Health Awards.