Companion Animals

Dog Hip Dysplasia Welfare and Screening

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common inherited orthopaedic conditions, with screening programmes reducing its prevalence in affected breeds.

Key Facts

The BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme has screened hundreds of thousands of dogs since 1965
Hip scores range from 0 to 106 (worst), with breed-specific thresholds for breeding suitability
Higher hip scores cause progressive arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility in affected dogs
Total hip replacement provides excellent welfare outcomes for severely affected dogs
Breed average scores have improved in many breeds through selection pressure from screening

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia causes significant chronic pain and welfare loss in affected dogs. Each generation bred from screened, low-score parents reduces the prevalence of the condition. Screening programmes have demonstrated measurable improvement in breed average scores over decades, representing a population-level welfare advance.

What You Can Do

Ensure dogs are hip scored before breeding, using the BVA/KC scheme
Choose puppies from parents with hip scores below the breed average
Support breed health schemes that set minimum hip scoring requirements before breeding