Companion Animals

Hip Scoring in Dogs: Welfare and Breeding Decisions

How hip scoring schemes reduce heritable hip dysplasia and improve population welfare.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects many large and medium breeds
The BVA/KC hip scoring scheme grades hip conformation from 0-106 (lower is better)
Selecting breeding animals with scores below breed mean reduces disease prevalence
DNA tests for some genetic markers complement but do not replace radiographic scoring

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia causes lifelong pain and reduced mobility. Breeding decisions based on hip scores progressively reduce disease prevalence across generations. Welfare-informed breeding uses hip scores, elbow scores, and DNA health tests to make selections that improve population health over time. Purchasers asking for health test results drives improvement.

What You Can Do

Always ask for hip scores and health test results when purchasing a puppy
Choose breeders who health test breeding stock and score below breed average
Support breed club initiatives to improve mean hip scores across breeds