Introduction
The latest breed average hip scores are published by the kennel club
here.
Dogs are x-rayed here at Vetrica. The x-ray picture is sent by us to the BVA, where a panel of experts examine the picture, take various measurements, and arrive at a score for each hip. The results for the two hips are added together to give the final score. The hip score can be any number from 0–106. Lower is better. Dogs should only be bred from if their hip score is well below the breed average. So, for example, a score of 20 might be acceptable for one breed, but unacceptable for another.
A breed average is only published if at least 10 dogs have had their hips scored, so if your dog’s breed doesn’t appear, it does not mean that a hip score is not necessary.
