HD in Genetics - Page 4

first, before the minor grocery list, we must assume all german shepherds carry the genetics for HD unless we finally can identify those believed to be multiple genes and start measure there.

I personally do not OFA anymore and do not recommend to do as I do.  I keep progressive xray files on all dogs and can select who produces what in their offspring.  I have collected this data since 1985 and am very discriminating at this process.   My first female had perfect hips, 5 generations of 0/0 scores and produced the worst case of HD I have ever seen, two breedings, two different stud dogs, and so my quest to learn.  My current HD rate is well below 5%.  I include it up to 5% simply to rule IN those who do not xray and I take into account that those dogs may be suspect.   

1.  parent knowledge is very paramount  The German SV system that attaches a ZW score is a wonderful system that I would like to see adopted everywhere.  It works well.
2.  progeny record and sibling record
3.  hips xrayed at 6 months to 1 year of age I believe is a more useful tool than at 2 years of age.  yes, the European system does seem to outrank ours.
4.  what was produced through crosses.  find common links.
5.  incorporate environmental factors if you can - puppies housed on concrete, too much time in crates, etc.  you get the idea.  Slippery floors for pups is not a good thing. 
6.  nutrition, nutrition, nutrition.  deviation of the optimal Ca/Phosphorus balance for puppies up to 1 year of age can and does produce HD as shown by Cornell U in the 50's.   Deviation from trace minerals can do the same. Puppies that are too heavy just as bad as those that are too thin.  regular good old exercise for growing pups, let them run and develop.  So we have to rule in or out some dogs here.

For those that feed raw - you're going to love me here - there is an increasing number of data that show these diets are not well formulated for bone growth. 

Conformation - YES it does matter very much in development of HD
Looking at the xray - I'll keep this information to my data and research.   There are some less desirable bone conformations that pass more frequently than others. 

And so to the person looking for particular bloodines?  Good start but you have each parent and all the baggage they bring with them unless you find siblings/progeny to give you data. 

Someone mentioned Mink as a good hip producer.  He actually was bred so much his production rate was not so good.  It all depends on 'his other half"  I personally loved Mink as a working dog producer and would bring his lines into breeding for aggression.

I'll continue again.  gotta go back to the salt mines.   

Rhynard
www.westwoodkennels.com
 

 The post on environmental factors we do consider because some people see a dog withHD and automatically assume pure genetics causes all HD.  Prager and Gustov get this and thank you for discussing this.  There are many in this business that don't.  I see an occasional good dog go poorly because the diet and some hard environmental conditions cause breakdown.   Educating dog owners to the good common sense of raising a puppy is one of the most important things we can do for everyone.

decent puppy food please - to one year of age.    Does not have to be expensive, just reliable. Yes, I have corn in my dog's food (gasp!)    No supplements - just dog food.

Nancy Rhynard
www.westwoodkennels.com
 

3. hips xrayed at 6 months to 1 year of age I believe is a more useful tool than at 2 years of age. yes, the European system does seem to outrank ours.