Know Your Scores? Dog Hip & Elbow Scores Explained

Understanding the health of your dog’s hips and elbows is a crucial aspect of ensuring their overall wellbeing, especially in breeds known to be prone to joint problems.

A ‘dog hip score’ is a measurement derived from X-rays of the hip joints, while a 'dog elbow score' is derived from X-rays of the elbow joints. The scores are used by veterinarians to assess the likelihood of hip and/or elbow dysplasia.

Understanding the Dog Hip Score

The score assigns a numerical value to the structure of the hip, with a lower score indicating fewer abnormalities and a healthier hip.

By comparing a dog’s hip score to the breed average, owners and breeders can make informed decisions about breeding practices and the care required to maintain their dog’s joint health from a young age.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) provides guidelines for scoring, ranging from 0 (no signs of dysplasia) to 53 per hip, amounting to a total possible score of 106.

It is recommended that breeders choose breeding stock with hips scores around, and ideally below, the 5-year breed median score.*

Labrador Hip Score Chart - Example of Hip Scores and Assessment for Labrador Retriever Based on 5-Year Breed Median Score (9)**

BVA Hip Score	Assessment
0 - 6	Hips Excellent - Well Below Median Score for Breed
7 - 9	Hips Good - Below Median Score for Breed
10 - 18	Hips Slightly Above Median Score for Breed
19 - 24	Mild Hip Dysplasia
25 - 35	Moderate Hip Dysplasia
Above 35	Severe Hip Dysplasia

Hip Score Breed Averages

Your breed's average hip score (also referred to as the median score) is calculated from all dogs of the same breed who have been screened for Hip Dysplasia, and their scores submitted to the BVA.

The individual breed's average hip score provides an important benchmark for us to assess the hip health of the dog. i.e. better or worse than the average score for their breed.

You can check the Hip Score Breed Averages (Median Scores) via the BVA website.

Understanding the Dog Elbow Score

Elbow scoring is scored quite differently. A score of 0 on each elbow is considered normal and ideally what we want for breeding animals.

The scores range from 0 to 3 on each elbow with 0 being ideal and 3 being marked elbow dysplasia changes.

We hope that you found this article helpful, but if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us or alternatively you can book your dog's hip and elbow tests online below :)

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*Source: BVA - Hip Breed Statistics 2022 - https://www.bva.co.uk/media/4891/hip-breed-specific-statistics-2022.pdf