Dog Hip Dysplasia Breeding Schemes and Genetic Progress

Hip dysplasia remains prevalent in large dog breeds. BVA-KC hip scoring schemes have achieved measurable genetic progress in breeds with high scheme participation.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia is a developmental orthopaedic condition causing hip joint malformation
German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers have highest prevalence
BVA-KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme radiographically scores hips of adult dogs from 24 months
Median hip scores for Labradors have improved measurably over 40 years of scheme data
Breeding only from dogs with hip scores below breed median reduces offspring risk

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with severe hip dysplasia experience significant chronic pain affecting their ability to exercise, play and interact normally. Early onset in young dogs and progression to severe osteoarthritis in middle age creates a lifetime of welfare compromise. Genetic selection through hip scoring schemes represents the most effective long-term intervention. Breed clubs that mandate scheme participation and publish individual results create positive selection pressure across the population. Dogs with borderline scores should only be bred if complementary health testing strongly supports the breeding decision.

What You Can Do

Request hip score certificates for both parents before purchasing any puppy from a high-risk breed
Only breed dogs with hip scores at or below the published breed median
Support breed clubs that mandate hip scoring as a condition of registration
X-ray all dogs from high-risk breeds at 12 months to screen before any breeding decision
Report hip health outcomes in offspring to inform breed population monitoring data