Any Breeders use PennHip for their stud dogs? - Page 1

The more I learn about PennHip the more I think it is superior to the SV (which can be submitted when the dog is only 12 months old) and OFA method of hip evaluation for DJD.  It seems FAR more accurate as OFA Excellent and Good dogs have been known to develop DJD but low scoring PennHip dogs do not. I have yet to hear of a single case where a Pennhip evaluation was wrong. Very interesting. The proof is there in research! PennHip is objective and scientific, whereas,  OFA is subjective and not a good indicator of a dog's true future potential for developing DJD. I know it is expensive and experienced vets are hard to find.

**But, can anyone list stud dogs that are: SG or V rated WL studs with IPO titles or SG or V rated SL that have IPO titles with high in trial protection scores AND have a PennHip score?** 

Thanks,
Sarah

I find it a very awkward tool to use when looking for a stud dog. However, I agree it could be used to breed toward better hips. I totally distrust its use to select breeding prospects at very young ages.

One breeder I know of that uses it is http://sequoyah-german-shepherds.com/

Christine

Christine, I agree on both your points.  I would not trust any hip evaluation method for a young dog!

I also agree that PennHip can help improve hips in the breed. PennHip and OFA look for two different things, from my research. OFA looks for how the hips look and PennHip looks for how tight the hips are screwed on. Thus, a dog with perfect looking hips that gets OFA Excellent or Good could have the loosest hips on the face of the earth and later develop DJD. Likewise, a dog whose hips do not look perfect could have them screwed on so tight that they never take a bad step- even into a mature age. Apparently, it is this hip laxity (looseness) that is the greatest determinant of developing DJD.

I remember scanning the internet and finding a website from a lab breeder. She decided to ditch OFA and solely use PennHip. After multiple generations, she has been able to develop a program where her dogs are in like the top 1% of their breed for DJD in hips. She said she had to pay the stud dog owners to do the PennHip so she could breed to them. But, I don't have that kind of money!

Of course, hip health is not the sole criteria for breeding but just another piece of the puzzle.

Thanks for the lead on the breeder!


Sarah

Sarah - A very important piece of the puzzle! I may be interested in the Lab breeder
on her criteria and research methodology (and yours too) of H/E. You can PM me.
 

I use PennHip on my dogs, in addition to OFFA.

I also x-ray quite early, to screen out issues.

Bone and joint problems do NOT get "better" with age..  they worsen.  I agree that there IS merit to the concept of laxity leading to degeneration..
I personally believe that this is affected by genetics of the dog, nutrition of the animal (especially pre-natal nutrition) and to some extent, environment.

It is very important to utilize ALL of the resources one has at there disposal..  it's only money.. the quality of life of the dog is priceless.

 

I also know of a Labrador breeder who uses PennHip to screen all of his breeding stock, and I believe he has achieved significant progress in lowering the scores of his animals.. 



 

I've done PennHip on a few of mine, but usually do OFAs.  PennHips are about twice the price as OFA's, but is seems like more breeders/buyers want/understand OFAs.  JMO

Denwolf - See reply to Sarah, likewise to you.

I just noticed your screen name. See Ibrahim's
video post... .

DDR......not sure I can find it again!! I was reading through so much stuff on the internet. So, please don't be offended if I cannot find it! I think it was on some lab forum but not certain...sorry!

Sarah

Not a problem at all, but you may be on to
something with all your researching. You
answer 1 question, and than another question
pops up after answering a question. Geez,
it never gets boring, does it? Good eve

Ddr...exactly!!!! 

Sarah