BVA data shows benefits of dog screening and responsible breeding

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has highlighted figures showing the benefits of health testing to support responsible dog breeding by screening for hereditary conditions.

Jointly run by the BVA and the Kennel Club, the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes screen dogs for certain inherited conditions, with results informing breeding decisions to help produce healthier puppies and eliminate debilitating inherited conditions.

It has led to improvements in the median scores of 20 of the 21 most-scored breeds over the last 15 years, indicating a reduction in the incidence and severity of hip dysplasia in scored dogs.

Meanwhile, data from the Elbow Dysplasia Scheme also shows a clear reduction in the incidence and severity of the condition in the dogs which have been assessed under the scheme.

BVA president Sean Wensley said: "Health considerations are particularly important when it comes to mating, and it is vital that the risk of passing on inherited conditions is continually reduced."

The Canine Health Schemes cover hip and elbow dysplasia as well as hereditary eye disease and Chiari-malformation/Syringomyelia.