OFA, DNA, & Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) Testing
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) was founded in 1966, with the sole mission of promoting health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.
OFA tests, such as hip and elbow certifications use x rays to check the health of a dog's hips and elbows. These readings can range from poor to excellent, and a certificate is issued to the dog owner after a team of veterinarians from the OFA go over the x-ray.
These tests are used to check for the possibility of hip & elbow dysplasia and should be performed on all breeding dogs!
All reputable breeders will perform OFA testing on their dogs and should show the certificate to those who want to adopt their pups. Dogs have the highest incidence of inherited genetic disorders, out of all domesticated animal. Sadly, over 90% of breeders Do No, or Minimal genetic & OFA Testing on their breeding dogs . Many will claim they do, but when asked to show proof, they cannot, or they will show you a DNA report that lists a couple of conditions only. Many will show you a DNA report from a different dog, not the parents of your puppy. The DNA report should have the dog's name on it, and even the dogs microchip number. Many will test for one or two genetic conditions and claim they do genetic testing- but they speak in half truths. This is NOT a complete DNA test! Many will claim that their vet said testing wasn't necessary. One of the biggest lies I have heard from a breeder is the claim that because Labradoodles are mixed breed dogs, they do not develop genetic disease, & that OFA testing is not accurate. THIS IS 100% FALSE!! Labradors can suffer from about 20 breed related genetic conditions, and Poodles can suffer from about 10 breed related conditions. A labradoodle is susceptible to over 20 genetic conditions! Unless a breeder tests for ALL of the breed related conditions- it is not a thorough and complete genetic test, PERIOD!
BOTH LABRADORS & POODLES CAN SUFFER FROM HIP DYSPLASIA, and all breeding dogs should be tested and have a clearance of FAIR to EXCELLENT which indicates that the dog does NOT suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia.

Trusted by Families Across the Country
Black Betty is 5 ! Healthy, smart and a Dang Good Dog!
Mike Martinez the breeder, is still in touch with us and enjoys hearing about her.
Betty and I have grown an inseparable bond over the years we cherish dearly. Being semi retired and working from home, we share a lot of our time together. She’s independent but always ready and waiting to share her love with us, the wife and I.
An F1 field dog, Betty Loves-to-Run and gets in at least a mile or two a day. Being trained off leash, she has the freedom and discipline to enjoy her walks in the park. Videos added.
Thank you Mike, for helping us find each other. We needed each other and time has been good to us.
Update 10/25/23. Betty is almost 3.5yrs now. Best forever friends! She's a good girl and we'll trained off leash. It took 1.5yrs till she knew it. A lot of time and patience to get there. The free spirit loves to socialize with the pack and their parents. She challenges alpha and plays hard to win.
Thanks Mike! It really means a lot to share our adventures with you.
Thanks Mike, for your professional experience and honest assessment of where we are in the doggy world today.
Our journey to meet you, by chance on the internet, was rife with disappointment and fraud. It had been 12-years since we shopped for a puppy and best-friend Jackson R.I.P, in 2008. When I spoke on the phone with Mike, he listened as I admitted my experience since early May, and aided me in the realization that I would be spending more than planned for a quality dog.
Mike indicated I could find a puppy in my price range, but, the dogs will most likely not be DNA and OFA certified. He went on to explain his quality breeding service and convinced me that I should consider his advice and read through the information in his website, along with his Google reviews, to see what others had to say.
We ended up with our beautiful, sweet, intelligent Betty! I understand the point’s people have made in the Google reviews- and I have to say I now understand why and confirm their accuracy with my own experience.
Mike calls to check on the pup. Mike has been breeding dogs for 15-years. The care and knowledge he possesses are vast, freely shared and greatly appreciated. Having had dogs all my life it is reassuring that his calls are of concern for his puppy’s and clients.
Mike is well read and experienced in puppy matters such as; health and safety, nutrition, doggy habits, training, discipline, etc. His breeder skills are top notch and delivers well-bred pups that are healthy and smart.
The “puppy prep sheet” Mike emails you is a good read and suggested reference when bringing a puppy home. The requirement sheet provides valuable and useful info for new puppy’s and owners, and older lifetime owners that may read some good info about quality pup care.
The care that goes into breeding Mike’s pups is proven science and a love for his dogs. His dogs are well cared for with walks and swims in Lake Michigan, and they are fit and trim. The dogs and pups live with him. Duly noted in another review is how clean and odor free his house is. His dogs are trained, very friendly and the puppies are born into a nurturing environment.
Betty is 8-weeks now. She goes to the door to go out, shakes paw, sits and her biting is down to a minimum, except when she’s in mad-dog mode and wants to play hard. She learns fast. She knows her name and is starting to come when called. I have started training, explaining; sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, on the double and no mud. Never too early to start, I believe she may be voice command trained very quickly!
Thanks Mike, A week and a half, and we are best friends. Betty’s personality is fast becoming loyal and trusting. She tries to please us with the skills she is learning, and loves obtaining our praise and kindness! The treats help too.
I may call to inquire about quality trainers to assist in Betty’s development. She’s smart and I would like to see her achieve her potential.
Bill Gibbons
Chicago, IL
Mike goes out of his way to ensure you have all of the information you need to be a successful pet parent. We also went over the thorough genetic testing and insights Mike has.
We’re so happy to have Molly as our new family member and appreciate the care that went into ensuring we had plenty of information to feel confident in the type of dog we have.
Mike’s dedication to responsible breeding gave us complete confidence in our decision. He truly cares about his puppies and the families they go to— this isn’t just a business for him, it’s a mission. If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Labrador or Labradoodle and want to work with someone who genuinely puts the dogs’ health first, Mike is the breeder you want. Highly recommended!
Before adopting Tootsie, I did a lot of research on the internet. Then I sope with Mike at great lengths, and decided Mike knew what he was doing, and cared deeply about his dogs. The in-person conversation only reinforced my research, and slowed me Mike is a first class breeder. Then he provided documentation regarding Tootsie's parents, specifically DNA and OFA testing. That was the proof I needed, he had testing to prove her health is as advertised, and what could be expected. I am a retired Project Manager in the Nuclear Power Industry that appreciates hard evidence.
Tootsie was Stage 2 trained. Eliminating hours and hours of crate training, she had all the basis commands I needed to help me build upon. Which I have, what a smart dog.
Thank you, Mike, for my dream puppy.
And thanks for your continued follow-up calls.
Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also goes above and beyond in staying in touch throughout the process. Whether it's answering questions, providing updates, or sharing essential information, he’s always available and eager to help. It’s clear that he cares deeply about the families he places his puppies with and is invested in their well-being every step of the way.
If you're looking for a healthy, well-bred Labradoodle and a breeder who truly cares about both the dogs and their future families, look no further. You won't find a better place to start your journey!
When decided to get another dog, we did more research for “good breeders”. We read reviews, looking to see how long they have been breeding dogs, etc. It wasn't until we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago that we began to understand the importance of DNA and Orthopedic testing. Most breeders don't even mention it, we just assumed we were getting a high quality, healthy dog because it’s from a breeder. I am so thankful that we came across Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies of Chicago and that Mike was able to teach us the importance of genetic testing. Mike prides himself on breeding healthy, high-quality puppies, which was so important to us given the experience we had with our last dog. Please, don’t get a puppy just based off reviews, take it from us, I wish we knew then what we know now. Thank you so much Mike, we love our beautiful little puppy Loki and look forward to a long healthy life with her.
From the very beginning, Mike was extremely easy to work with—professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in his dogs' well-being. What truly set him apart was his continued support even after adoption, consistently checking in to see how Minnie was doing and if we had any questions.
It’s clear that he cares deeply about his puppies and the families they go to. We couldn’t be happier with our decision, and we highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a reputable, responsible breeder!
Given the large number of puppy mills in the Chicagoland area, it is great to know firsthand that Mike at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago is a first rate, legitimate breeder.
Having flown across the states not once, but twice, to bring home our beloved dogs Sherman (Black Labradoodle) and Birdie Bean (Silver + Blue Eyed Labradoodle), I am continually impressed by Mike's dedication and the personalized care he extends.
Mike's approach to breeding is grounded in meticulous DNA and orthopedic testing, ensuring each puppy's long-term health and vitality. His responsiveness and genuine care for the puppies extend well beyond the initial adoption. Mike's follow-up texts over several weeks to check on our new pup Birdie Bean highlight his commitment not just as a breeder, but as a true caregiver who remains invested in the lives of his puppies and their families.
I love to highly train my dogs and Mike's dog are crazy smart. Sherman off-lease in full heal in downtown Seattle could catch a frisbee 100 yards away and was taught to carry my umbrella in the Seattle rain. He would even walk to the local store and find my wife's favorite popcorn and bring it back to her. I plan to train Birdie to be in my pediatric medical clinic as a service pup. Anything is possible with Mike's dogs.
What truly sets Mike apart is his people-first attitude. His quick responses to texts, readiness to provide knowledgeable answers, and his innate kindness make the entire experience deeply personal and reassuring. The journey from Seattle to Illinois is a testament to the trust and respect we have for Mike's professionalism and the love he shows to every puppy and family he encounters.
If you are looking for a breeder who not only provides healthy, beautiful puppies but treats you like family, look no further than Mike Martinez at Labrador and Labradoodle Puppies Chicago. Here, you are not just adopting a pet; you are becoming part of a community that cherishes lifelong bonds.
Thanks Mike! 🐶 ❤️
Mike has been great about checking in with us frequently to make sure Champ is doing well and he remains available to answer any questions. Working with Mike has been a great experience I would definitely recommend.
week old Labradoodle “Bodi” two weeks ago. It’s been two weeks now. Bodi is in a nuts shell, crate trained, potty trained, (unless his parents screw up) and basically the smoothest transition dog I have ever had. Going on 8 dogs in my lifetime. We have had one indoor accident since arrival and It was my fault. Bodi rings a bell when he wants to go outside(our training). We have taken him on an 8 hour ride to PA from Chicago and he has no concerns being in his crate or buckled in to the back seat. We have kept him in his crate 60% of the day and will continue this practice until 6 months of age.( this make separation anxiety a breeze) He is well adjusted to being at peace by himself and has adapted well to our home and family. I can’t say enough about Mike! We have been in constant contact about the genetics reports on Bodi’s mom and dad, feeding recommendations and just about everything else. Mike is a very available and totally invested person when it comes to the future of his dog’s forever home family. If I have a question….Mike is willing and excited to reply promptly every time.
I was close to giving up on having a dog because of the shedding and allergies that would be an issue in my home.
I investigated the labradoodle breed because of the non shedding/hypoallergenic factor. While searching, I found Mike’s site. Everything just fell I to place from that moment.
We have an entire immediate and extended family that has fallen in love with Bodi! 9 cousins absolutely didn’t want us to leave PA this thanksgiving.
My parents are on deck to get a stage 1 trained pup from Mike as they are also a huge fan of a non shedding and not have to wake up every 2 hours every night to walk the babies.
Bodi’s demeanor is cool and isn’t overbearing unless on walks and then he wants to kill every blowing leaf he sees. He’s a puppy! It cute. He sits, waits, comes, lays down and did I mention in a week, he learned to ring a bell when he needs to pee?!?!
We are over the moon with the stage 1 labradoodle decision from a guy who has 17 of his own dogs at his house and celebrates birthdays and thanksgiving with all of his own labs and doodles!
All genetically tested and reported!
Thanks Mike!
My sons, husband and I will never forget the wonderful first meeting that Mike facilitated at his beautiful facility, full of happy dogs, where we met Burfi and his parents for the first time. Mike is very, very thorough in his approach, both in terms of the paperwork and health records for the puppies, as well as the preparatory instructions for soon-to-be dog owners! He is extremely knowledgeable about his profession, is very transparent about the health screens for his puppies and their parents, and also very transparent and helpful on what to expect with the puppies as they transition into their new home and grow. His records for Burfi were meticulous, and his instructions on how to deal with the early days with a new puppy have been on point. Mike has tirelessly checked in on us - he genuinely cares for Burfi and for us to have the best possible bonding experience with our new love and family member!
Update…about 6 years after adopting, we decided our family was ready to add another dog to the mix. After having such a great experience, we decided to reach out to Mike again. We found a perfect fit for our family in adopting Ruby, a trained puppy. She was already crate trained and able to walk on the leash. She even sleeps through the night. Mike allowed us to bring our dog over to play with Ruby for awhile to make sure they got along. Could not have been an easier process. For anyone looking for a puppy or a trained puppy, I highly recommend!
He was very quick to respond when I was inquiring about a puppy.
We had a wonderful experience.
2024 UPDATE:
Finley is 2 years old now. What a great dog she has turned out to be. We tried to train her properly, but I also feel like she's naturally a quick learner, eager to please, and quite intelligent. I've had a few questions for Mike along the way and even after owning Finley for almost two years, Mike is still friendly and quick to respond. He's part of the family now too. I highly recommend reading the puppy training book he provides, I tried new things from the book, and the tips worked, like training them not to bark all the time. The steps are simple, but consistency and patience are key. Also, exercise, exercise, exercise. Mike is right when he says it's the most important thing to have a well behaved, happy dog. We couldn't be happier with our pup that we purchased from Mike. He's an excellent breeder and like I said before, he truly cares about all of his dogs and the puppies he sells.
DNA Testing
DNA testing should be a staple in ALL REPUTABLE BREEDERS breeding program. These DNA tests help rule out any genetic traits being passed to puppies from the parents. Myopathy EIC, PRA and IVVD to name a select few, are diseases that can affect certain dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles, including mini poodles. A puppy that is breed from parents with a lack of complete DNA testing & OFA hip/elbow testing, have between a 35% & 65% chance of developing either a genetic disease and or hip/elbow dysplasia in its lifetime.
The breeder should be able to show those who wish to adopt one of their pups DNA results. I give a copy of both parents DNA reports. I also give copies of my dogs' OFA certificates. I use Embark for my genetic testing, as they test for over 200 possible genetic conditions.
Sadly, many breeders are charging top dollar for their puppies- while doing no OFA testing, and no, or very little genetic testing. Many genetic conditions do not surface until the dog reaches a few years of age. Now- you have a huge financial burden, which will undoubtedly cost thousands and thousands, if the dog lives, and worse, it will take a tremendous emotional toll. Most of these issues could be avoided with thorough and complete DNA testing and OFA testing on the hips and elbows.
COEFFICIENT OF INBREEDING (COI)
COI is a means of testing a dog's DNA to check how diverse its gene pool is. The lower the percent, the more diverse the dog's gene pool is. This gives the dog the potential for ultra-high intelligence and lessons the chances of genetic issues. The average C.O.I of a purebred dog is 20%. The average C.O.I of a mixed breed dog is 10%. While this isn't the "end all be all" it does give you a good idea of the dogs gene pool. It can also be used to tell if a dog was inbred, line bred or cross bred. All of my puppies have a COI of between 20% and 0%. This number, however, is enhanced by a DNA profile which is clear of all genetic issues. All of my dogs are 100% clear of ALL genetic conditions. When a dog has a clean DNA profile, as well as a 0% to 20% COI, you are getting a genetically perfect animal.
