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Standard Poodle Hip ScoringThe hips of Breeding Animals are x-rayed between 12 - 24 months of age. The x-rays are then sent to the AVA for evaluation. The AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) then produces a certificate outlining the scores for each individual hip. These scores are added together to arrive at the total hip score. The certificate also indicates the average for the standard poodle breed at the time of scoring. As of January 2006, the breed average was 11.83 To reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in standard poodles, it is recommended that dogs with a total score below the breed average and without gross differences between each hip, (1 - 2 points difference is not a problem) be considered as breeding stock. Previously the AVA hip dysplasia certificates also indicated a Grade (0 - 6)and in a few instances also gave an International Grade ( A - C etc) In approximately January 2000, hip grading was ceased by the Australian Veterinary Association / ANKC dysplasia scheme, as it was proven to be unreliable (based on its subjectivity). Any poodles hip scored after this date would not be given a grade, and the hip dysplasia certificate would only state the scores for each hip and the breed average at the time of scoring. The International grading system, as used on some hip dysplasia certificates in Australia, has never been finalised by the International body devising the scheme. Therefore it can not be compared to any other hip scoring system. The total hip score is more accurate and less subjective an arbitrary International grade.There are a number of hip scoring systems through out the world. America has the OFA, England has the UK classification, Germany the SV classification and Sweden has the FCI classification. We could not find any comparisons of the Australian system to those used elsewhere in the world so we decided to send our Swedish import's x-rays off to Sweden for evaluation. He had been scored in Australia as a 5:7. We were very pleased to receive his results of an FCI score of A. The FCI does give an evaluation for each hip, but the hip score will be listed as the score given for the worst hip. (For example a dog with hips scoring A/B, it will be listed as a B) An FCI evaluation of C for the hips and the animal is not acceptable for breeding.
Chart composed by the orthopedic Foundtion for Animals
Progress in hip joint phenotype of dogs in the United States between the 1970's and early 1990's has been shown through results of a retrospective study using the OFA data base. This improvement was evident as an increase in the percentage of dogs classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype and a decrease in the percentage of dogs classified as having hip dysplasia (HD). The increase in percentage of dogs classified as having excellent hip joint phenotype was greater for German Shepherd dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers than for all dog breeds combined. In addition, the submission screening rate for these four breeds was higher than the screening rate for all dogs. Within these four breeds, the improvement was greatest for Rottweilers, which also had the highest screening rate. Overall, low screening rates for breeds found in this study offer some insight into the problems involved with reducing the incidence of HD. The typical dog breeder is involved in breeding dogs for about five years. Thus, informed, experienced breeders are continually replaced with uninformed, inexperienced breeders who may not be as aware of the problems associated with HD or of the importance of participating in a screening program. In addition, many breeders choose which dogs they breed on the basis of the hip phenotype of individual dogs without knowledge of the phenotype of related dogs or previous offspring. It can be very difficult to get hip information on siblings and previous offspring due to the overall low number of dogs radiographed in a given litter (most dogs in a litter end up in pet homes). This is the slowest method of reducing the incidence of an undesirable trait or increasing the incidence of a desirable trait. The use of preliminary radiographs as early as 4 months of age can be used by breeders to add valuable information on the hip status of dogs they choose to use in a breeding program. What can breeders do?Hip dysplasia appears to be perpetuated by breeder imposed breeding practices, but when breeders and their breed clubs recognize HD as a problem and establish reduction of HD as a priority, improvement of the hip status can be accomplished without jeopardizing other desirable traits. Prospective buyers should check pedigrees and/or verify health issues with the breeder. If suitable documentation is not available, assume the worst until proven otherwise. Do not ignore the dog with a fair hip evaluation. The dog is still within normal limits. For example; a dog with fair hips but with a strong hip background and over 75% of its brothers and sisters being normal is a good breeding prospect. A dog with excellent hips, but with a weak family background and less than 75% of its brothers and sisters being normal is a poor breeding prospect. OFA's Recommended Breeding Principals
Reputable breeders will supply copies of the testing results to their puppy buyers.
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Last Update -
May 26, 2006
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