Companion Animals

Dog Hip Dysplasia Welfare and Breeding Reform

Canine hip dysplasia is a heritable condition causing chronic pain and requires breeding reform to reduce prevalence in affected breeds.

Key Facts

HD affects up to 70% of some large breeds including German Shepherds and Labs
Pain from HD is often present from young adulthood and worsens with age
Hip scoring schemes allow breeders to select animals with better hip conformation
Surgical options including THR provide excellent welfare outcomes in suitable cases
Genetic testing for HD-associated markers is increasingly available

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia causes chronic, often severe pain that significantly reduces quality of life over many years. The high prevalence in affected breeds represents preventable welfare harm at population scale. Breeder adoption of hip scoring schemes and selection against HD is the most impactful intervention available.

What You Can Do

Check hip scores of both parents when buying puppies of high-risk breeds
Support breed clubs prioritising HD reduction in breed standards
Discuss pain management options with your vet if your dog has HD