The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. For a small fee, three diplomates of the American Board of Veterinary Radiology examine the hip x-rays submitted to OFA and offer a consensus report to the owner on the quality of the hip joints of the dog. Dogs of 24 months of age or older, which meet the criteria for normal hips as established by OFA, are issued a breed number (good for the lifetime of the dog) and a breed registry form stating whether the hip joint conformation is excellent, good, or fair. As of December 1981, approximately 4500 Siberian Huskies have obtained this certification. Reputable breeders hold it in such esteem that they do not breed their dogs until certification from OFA has been attained, and they offer to show this certification to all potential purchasers of puppies or stud service. They refuse to breed bitches that have not had OFA approval, and they