Canine Hip Dysplasia: Welfare Science and Breeding Reform

Hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal welfare problems in dogs affecting millions of animals annually as a consequence of breeding practices.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects 15-20% of all large-breed dogs and up to 70% of some predisposed breeds
The condition causes progressive joint degeneration leading to chronic pain typically manifesting in middle age
Hip scoring schemes including BVA/KC in the UK and OFA in USA assess breeding dogs before reproduction
Effective scoring programs have demonstrated measurable breed improvement over decades when participation is high
Many breeders do not participate in voluntary health testing programs despite their effectiveness
Companion dog genetic testing for hip dysplasia risk is increasingly available enabling breeding selection

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia is a preventable welfare problem whose persistence reflects failure of voluntary health testing to achieve universal participation. Breeds with the highest hip dysplasia rates have most to gain from rigorous testing yet participation remains voluntary and incomplete. Dogs living with unmanaged hip dysplasia experience chronic pain worsening with age. Prevention through breeding selection is vastly preferable to treatment.

What You Can Do

Require hip score evidence from both parents when acquiring a dog from a predisposed breed
Support breed clubs that make hip scoring participation mandatory for registered breeders
Advocate for strengthened Kennel Club health testing requirements for affected breeds
Donate to canine orthopaedic research developing more effective prevention strategies