Understanding Hip Scores

This chart can help you to understand what the results of a dogs' hip score means. The breed average for the German Wirehaired Pointer is currently 9 to 10 as at 31 October 2014. It is recommended  by the BVA that dogs to be bred from should have a score below this. Results can be affected by factors such as; the experience of the vet taking the  X-Ray, positioning of the dog at when X-Ray is taken, quality of the X-Ray plates submitted for evaluation, time of season for a female, weight and condition of dog at time of X-Ray etc. 

As you can see from the chart, a score of slightly over 10 does not mean a dog has Hip Dysplasia and as other factors are important when producing a litter i.e., temperament etc, this should be taken into consideration.

To get a true picture of the hip score you need to look at the dogs' "Official hip score certificate". The ideal is that both hips are as even as possible i.e.   3/3 or 3/2. This chart shows what the total score means, i.e total score of 0 to 10 = No signs of Hip Dysplasia. 

VIEW OFFICIAL HIP SCORE CERTIFICATE HERE    

  

HIP CHART

 

BVA/KC

(Gt. Britain)

USA/OFA

FCI

Finland

Germany

Netherlands

Spain

Sweden

Switzer-
land

Western Australia

No Signs of Hip Dysplasia

total score of

0 - 4

5-10

Excellent

Good

(1)A(2)

Ei-
dysplasiaa

"hyvat"

Ei-

dysplasiaa

Kein

Hinweis

für HD (a) Normal

Negatief geheel

gaaf (1)

(-)

Negatief

neit

geheel

gaaf (2)

(-)

A

Utmarkt

U.A.

Frei

A

B

 

Near Normal Hip Joints

11-18

19-25

Fair

Borderline

(1) B (2)

Rajatapaus

Übergangsform

(verdachtig

für HD)

(a) Fast Normal

Transitional

Changes

(TC)

B

C

I

I

 

 

Mild Hip Dysplasia

26-35

Mild

(1) C (2)

I

(a) Leichte HD

Licht

positief

(3)

LP/+-)

C

 

Moderate Hip Dysplasia

36-50

Moderate

(1) D (2)

II

Mittlere HD

Positief

(3.5)

(P/+)

D

II

II

E

Severe Hip Dysplasia

51-106

Severe

(1) E (2)

III

IV

Schwere HD

Positief

(4)

(P/++)

Positief optima

forma

(5)

(P/+++)

E

III

IV

III

IV

E

F