Remember - always check elbows as well as hips

There is much debate about the various methods of hip scoring and we will only give an overview here.

The salient facts are:

1. The only way to tell whether a dog has good hips is to x-ray them.
2. Any method of hip scoring is better than none.
3. The older the dog is when scored the more accurate the score

When you've scored your dog, please let the Club know the result, either by e-mail or via submission to the UK Boerboel Database.

British Veterinary Association

The BVA scheme is the one most commonly available in the UK. Most large veterinary clinics will have experience x-raying the dogs for the scheme. Do check that this is the case, one only gets one shot at a BVA score and the better quality the x-rays, the better the decision. Dogs must be at least 12 months to be BVA scored, 18 months gives a more reliable result for large breeds. For more information see here: http://www.bva.co.uk/public/chs/hip_scheme.asp

The average BVA score for Boerboels in the UK is currently 20, i.e. averaging 10 per hip. Veterinary opinion seems to indicate that this is about the same as the highest score compatible with normal function.

When evaluating a BVA score, it is important to take into account how the score is made up. Both hips should be more or less symmetrical. A significant difference in the two hips can either be genetic or the result of trauma. Each hip will be scored on 9 different aspects. Scores in the first 3 boxes indicate the conformation of the hip, scores in the remaining 6 indicate secondary changes/arthritis/DJD. Healthy dogs should have 0's in the last 6 boxes.

BVA compared to FCI, OFA & KUSA

This table is accurate to the best of our knowledge, it has not been confirmed by the BVA.

  Pennhip

This scoring methodology originates in the US and seeks to measure passive laxity. It's main advantage is that it has a better predictive record in very young dogs and can be used as early as 4 months. Pennhip produces what is known as a DI (distraction index), which indicates the probability of a dog developing DJD/displasia/arthritis in later life. Assuming that research done on Rottweilers has some correlation for a Boerboel, a dog with a DI of 0.6 in either hip has a 50% chance of developing DJD. Across all breeds a DI of 0.5 gives a 50% chance of developing DJD. Dogs with a DI of 0.3 or lower are very unlikely to develop DJD. For more information on Pennhip, please see: http://www.pennhip.org/ The average score for the Boerboel is currently around 0.57.

There are currently two vets in the UK who offer Pennhip. The club has negotiated a discount for members, please email us for details.