Understanding the results
About the Hip Scheme
The Hip Dysplasia Scheme uses radiology to screen for abnormalities in the hip joints. The radiographs are scored by BVA appointed Scrutineers for any anatomical and pathological changes indicative of hip dysplasia and a score is recorded. This score, and its relation to the breed median score, is intended to assist dog breeders in their selection of breeding stock.
The Scheme is open to all dogs and breeds including crossbreeds, unrecognised breeds, and dogs not registered with the Kennel Club. To find out more about hip dysplasia, please read our hip dysplasia leaflet.
What do the results mean?
The hip score is made up of the total number of points given for different features in the hip joint, it is representative of the severity of the condition. The lower the score the better. The minimum score for each hip is 0 and the maximum is 53, giving a range for the total score of 0 to 106. This total score should be compared to the breed median.
If the dog is registered with the UK Kennel Club, their results will be sent to the Kennel Club for publication on the Kennel Club website.
Responsible breeders should select their breeding stock (both dogs and bitches) only from animals with hip scores below the breed median score.
More information on the scoring process can be found in Ruth Dennis’ article in Companion Animal Practice.
What is the breed median score?
We create breed specific statistics which include the breed median for every UK Kennel Club registered breed of dog that goes through the CHS Hip Dysplasia Scheme, as well as the most common crossbreeds and unrecognised breeds that go through the Scheme.
The breed median score is calculated from all the scores recorded for that breed over the previous 5 years. It represents the ‘middle’ score for all dogs’ in that breed, meaning that half of the dogs through the Scheme will have scored lower than the median, and half will have scored higher than the median. CHS recommends only breeding from dogs that have a total score lower than the breed median.
About the Elbow Scheme
The Elbow Dysplasia Scheme uses radiology to screen for abnormalities in the elbow joints. The radiographs are reviewed by BVA appointed Scrutineers and a grade is recorded. The grades can then be used by breeders to make informed breeding decisions.
The Scheme is open to all dogs and breeds including crossbreeds, unrecognised breeds, and dogs not registered with the Kennel Club. To find out more about elbow dysplasia, please read our elbow dysplasia leaflet.
What do the results mean?
A grade is given for each elbow and the overall grade is determined by the higher of the two individual grades. The grades are:
• 0 = Radiographically normal
• 1 = Mild osteoarthritis
• 2 = Moderate osteoarthritis or a primary lesion with no osteoarthritis
• 3 = Severe osteoarthritis or primary lesion with osteoarthritis
CHS recommends only breeding from dogs with an elbow grade of 0.
If the dog is registered with the UK Kennel Club, their results will be sent to the Kennel Club for publication on the Kennel Club website.
What are the breed specific statistics?
The breed specific statistics for the Elbow Dysplasia Scheme show the results for all UK Kennel Club registered pedigree breeds that have been screened since 1999, as well as the most common crossbreeds and unrecognised breeds. These statistics are broken down by breed and grade. We recommend that only dogs with an elbow grade of 0 are used for breeding.