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.
Is there such a thing as the perfect puppy? In all likelihood there is not. There is always something one might change in any dog (or person really), but the goal should be to always strive towards raising a puppy to be its most perfect self. This is hard work, to be sure, but it is not only possible, it is necessary.
Historically, dog shows and other related events were developed with a very specific purpose in mind – to select and recognize those dogs with the best breeding characteristics, in order to guarantee the future health, stability and vitality of individual breeds. The practice of dog breeding is dedicated to this purpose, and dog breeders have a responsibility to do what is best for the breeds with which they choose to work.
