Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Hip Dysplasia Breeding Reform Progress

Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition causing chronic pain in many dog breeds, with breeding schemes making measurable progress in reducing its prevalence.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects up to 60-70% of large breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors without screening
BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia scheme in the UK has improved breed scores significantly over decades
Breeding from only dogs with good hip scores progressively reduces disease prevalence
GWAS genomic tools now allow more precise selection against dysplasia-associated genes
Pain management including surgery and medical treatment helps affected dogs but does not eliminate suffering

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia is one of the most widespread causes of chronic pain in dogs, largely driven by irresponsible breeding. Breeding schemes that mandate hip scoring before breeding have proven effective and should be the norm for all high-risk breeds.

What You Can Do

Only acquire dogs from breeders who health-test breeding stock for hip dysplasia
Support breed clubs mandating health testing as a condition of registration
Advocate for legislation requiring health testing before breeding high-risk breeds