When buying a German shepherd how important is their hip score?

When buying a German shepherd or any other breed of dog that is prone to hip dysplasia, the hip score of the parents particularly the sire and dam (male and female) is of great importance. Hip dysplasia is a common inherited condition that affects the hip joints and can lead to pain, lameness, and even arthritis. The severity of hip dysplasia can vary, and it can range from mild to severe.

The German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) recommends that breeders should only use dogs with a hip score of OFA Good or better for breeding. The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip score is a numeric evaluation of the hip joints, and it is based on X-rays that are taken when the dog is between 2 and 4 years old. The higher the hip score, the less likely the dog is to develop hip dysplasia.

For German Shepherds, the hip score is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the best possible score. A score of 25 or below is considered to be normal and would be an OFA "good" or better. A score between 26 and 50 is considered to be borderline, and a score above 50 is considered to be dysplastic.

When choosing a German Shepherd, it is important to consider the hip scores of the parents and even grandparents to ensure that you are getting a puppy that is less likely to develop hip dysplasia. It is also important to have the puppy evaluated by a veterinarian who can assess the puppy's gait, range of motion, and other factors to determine if there are any signs of hip dysplasia.