PennHip X-rays for our breeding dogs. 

"The PennHIP method can be performed on dogs as young as sixteen weeks of age compared with two years using the standard technique. The data generated by PennHIP allows breeders to confidently identify the members of their breeding stock with the tightest hips and the best breeding potential" 

We choose the PennHip method because it is an objective and consistent scientific measurement that has been shown to have stronger predictive value even in young dogs of the future potential for Osteoarthritis as they age. This is important to us because we want to be able to evaluate our females as they age to ensure that the extra weight of pregnancy is not detrimental to their hip health. We want to produce dogs with the least chance of major joint issues. All dogs can incur osteoarthritis (OA) due to injury or age in their environments; our goal is to reduce the impact to only a moderate chance dogs may develop any symptoms of mild OA.

 
There is still debate among the breeding community regarding the benefits of orthopedic testing for parent dogs. While it is generally accepted that hip and/or elbow dysplasia has a genetic component the physical environment the puppy/dog is introduced into will always play a part in their joint health as they grow and age. It may not be possible to predict the future joint health of your puppy without x-rays. As owners what we can control is the environment we allow our puppies and dogs to interact. Proper exercise on secure footing with varied terrain is important to developing joints. Please follow your veterinarian's recommendations for nutrition and environmental management to help avoid OA.