The best tool for breeders in the fight against canine hip dysplasia (CHD), to come along in years, is the SV's HD Zuchtwert, or Breed value assessment number (HD ZW). The HD ZW number is an estimation of the probability that a dog will produce progeny with CHD.
Dogs can suffer from a whole host of diseases and other serious health problems. Some of these conditions are inherited, while others are caused by viruses; still others are related to lifestyle and environmental influences.
Before a dog is ever entered for a competitive show, there is a lot of work that must be accomplished in order to be able to present the dog properly. There is nothing like having a quality dog that is unprepared for a show. A dog that hasn’t been well trained and conditioned just won’t be a competitive dog.
