BCA Division IV Ambassador For Health Award Guidelines

The purpose of the BCA Division IV Ambassador for Health program is to promote betterment of the Breed through health testing by recognizing Bulldogs, owned by Division IV members, which have met specific health testing requirements. We sincerely hope that everyone will take the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program.

The program has 3 levels of recognition – Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The requirements for each certificate level are:

·Silver – successful completion of any 2 of the eligible certifications

·Gold – successful completion of any 3 of the eligible certifications

·Platinum – successful completion of any 4 of the eligible certifications

Eligible Certifications:

·OFA Cardiac

·OFA Patella

·OFA Thyroid

·OFA Elbow

·OFA Hip

Passing results are required on all tests (passing is defined by OFA and an OFA certificate must have been issued) for the Health Ambassador award. All tests must be submitted to OFA and be part of their public database.

Age Notes for the Health Ambassador Award:

Cardiac, Patella, Thyroid – Dogs must be 12 months of age or older on the date of the examination.

Hips/Elbows – Dogs must be 24 months of age or older at the time of the radiography.

A veterinary cardiologist, other veterinary specialist, or any veterinary practitioner may perform OFA cardiac testing.

The Bulldog that is applying for the Health Ambassador award must be owned or co-owned by a BCA Division IV member in good standing. If the dog is co-owned, the co-owner who is a member of Division IV must submit the application. It is not necessary to be a BCA Division IV member at the time the tests were performed.

Each eligible Bulldog will be awarded a certificate suitable for framing which indicates the level of achievement and details the health certifications the dog has successfully completed. Certificates will be awarded annually at the Division IV banquet to all Bulldogs whose owners have submitted a completed application and the required verification to the Health Committee by the deadline date. The deadline date will vary based on the date of each year’s Division banquet.

All awards are designed to be a one time award for each recipient rather than a reoccurring, annual award. Additional levels can be applied for the next year provided all required verification is received by the Health Committee by the deadline date and the recognition award will be given at the appropriate upgraded level.

In addition, any Bulldog receiving an Ambassador for Health certificate that has also participated in any BCA initiated or recognized research project will receive a Health Pioneer designation which will be included on their Ambassador for Health certificate.

**Notice** changes to the Program 2008. The Health Pioneer can now be applied for as a stand alone certificate. The only exclusion is that CERF is not considered for the stand alone award. It is however accepted in conjunction with The Ambassador for Health award provided it is current for the year you are applying for.

General notes for the Health Pioneer designation:

CERF is considered as part of the Health Pioneer recognition since at this time the Ambassador for Health program is comprised of permanent certifications. A passing CERF certificate that is current at the submission deadline date is required.

All tests must be submitted to CERF and be part of their public database.

Certificates for CHIC DNA repository, OFA Tracheal Hypoplasia, and OFA Spinal Study may be submitted for inclusion in the Health Pioneer designation.

Proof of participation is required for any other BCA initiated health studies in order to be included in the Health Pioneer designation.

Division IV Health Committee members:

Chairman - Dan Bandy      danbandy@yahoo.com

Co-Chair - Leigh Meeks    leigh@bullywoodbulldogs.com

Note* The 2008 applications are due in to Leigh by December 1, 2008 in order for your dog to be recognized at the Division IV banquet in Austin, Texas January 2009.