Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Hip Dysplasia Breeding Reform

Hip dysplasia causes chronic pain in many large breed dogs. Breeding health schemes have reduced prevalence in some breeds and offer a model for genetic welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects a high proportion of several large breed dogs including German Shepherds
The British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Hip Scheme provides hip scores for breeding
Selecting breeding animals with low hip scores reduces prevalence in offspring
Breeding scheme participation has reduced hip dysplasia prevalence in some breeds
Environmental factors including exercise and growth rate also affect hip development

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia causes chronic, progressive pain for millions of dogs. Breeding reform through health schemes provides a tractable route to welfare improvement across generations.

What You Can Do

Only purchase large breed puppies from hip-tested parents with good scores
Support campaigns for mandatory hip testing in predisposed breeds
Manage puppy growth and exercise to reduce hip dysplasia risk
Seek early veterinary assessment if large breed dogs show gait abnormality