Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint affecting many breeds. The condition can be inherited and/or environmental and the diagnosis is made by x-ray which is examined under the BVA (British Veterinary Association) scheme. A score is given to each hip ranging from 0-53 the scores are added together to give the total 0 being the best and 53 the worst. If you are looking for a puppy do check that both parents have been hip scored. Our breed average is a score of 17.
For further information on hip dysplasia and hip scores please see these links