20 Dog Breeds Prone to Hip Dysplasia: Vet Reviewed Facts & Advice (With Info & Pictures)

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Amanda Charles

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Derm) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Hip dysplasia is a painful and debilitating developmental condition which can have serious effects on a pup’s quality of life. The veterinary community has known of its existence since 1935. Scientists know it has a genetic component, hence, the niche for this article’s topic. However, there are also environmental factors researchers are uncovering.

Ironically, all puppies are born with normal hips, regardless of their genetics. Development, diet, exercise, and health all play a role in hip dysplasia. Some dogs start showing telltale signs such as bunny hopping and stiffness as young as 4 months old. So, what dog breeds are most prone to this health issue? Read on to find out.

The 20 Dog Breeds Prone to Hip Dysplasia

1. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland certainly qualifies as a giant breed, with males weighing up to 150 pounds. You probably won’t find a sweeter dog. The breed is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, making pre-breeding screening vital for this pup. They should also get a cardiac evaluation because of their heightened risk of heart issues, as well as cystinuria or stone formation in the urinary system.

2. Basset Hound

It’s hard to imagine the lovable Basset Hound as a hunting dog, but that was their original job in Belgium and France. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), they have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia among registered animals. Health screenings should also include an eye exam because of their propensity for glaucoma. Luxating patella and elbow dysplasia are also prevalent.

3. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are affectionate, loving dogs and it’s easy to see why they are the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) most popular breed. As well as hip dysplasia they are also prone to elbow dysplasia, which is unfortunate given their greater risk of obesity.  Paying attention to your pet’s diet and weight is imperative with this pooch.

4. American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are loyal, strong and intelligent dogs who need plenty of exercise and training. Generally they are a healthy breed but are prone to both hip and elbow dysplasia.

5. German Shepherd Dog

Few dogs carry themselves in such an elegant and confident way as the German Shepherd Dog. They are one of the smartest pups you’ll meet. That’s why they have found so many jobs in law enforcement and the military. As well as hip and elbow dysplasia they are unfortunately vulnerable to several other health conditions including epilepsy, Canine Degenerative Myelopathy and anal furunculosis.

6. Great Dane

The gentle giant is an accurate description of the Great Dane. Despite its massive size, Great Danes are gentle, loving dogs. Hip dysplasia is a common issue with these dogs. Other concerns are heart disease, hypothyroidism, and bloat. You should keep the latter in mind, considering its playful and sometimes energetic nature.

7. Pug

Seeing the loveable Pug on the OFA’s list of breeds prone to hip dysplasia may be surprising. It’s certainly not a big dog like most of the other breeds on the list. Nevertheless,it is prone to hip dysplasia as well as patellar luxation. It’s a mischievous pup that may garner more treats—and pounds—than it should.

8. Otterhound

You can guess the original job of an Otterhound by its name. As you can see, several hunting breeds or hounds are on this list. Like all large dogs, Otterhounds can also be at risk of bloat.

9. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large and powerful dog, two traits that are desirable in a guard dog. Nevertheless, they are affectionate with their family and a loyal pet. Health screenings for elbow and hip dysplasia are highly recommended for this pup. Heart and eye exams are also on the list because of the breed’s propensity for these health issues.

10. French Bulldog

Another very popular pet, the French Bulldog ranks top on the AKC list. It’s also a brachycephalic breed with its share of eye and respiratory issues. You can add patella luxation to the list of conditions this pup may be more prone to—something not uncommon in small dogs.

11. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is another sweetheart breed despite its large size. It’s also a surprisingly quiet pup. Aside from hip dysplasia, other health concerns to keep on your radar include heart problems, hypothyroidism, and bloat.

12. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon endears itself to just about anyone it meets because of its cute face and adorable personality. It is another one of the few smaller dog breeds at risk of hip dysplasia. They are also a brachycephalic breed with accompanying issues.

13. Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel’s history revolves around bird hunting, where it was a favorite companion among royalty. It’s a stocky dog that may not fit your idea of a sporting dog. It’s an older breed by AKC standards and joined the organization in 1878. Elbow and hip dysplasia are often issues with this dog. Other potential concerns are back problems and intervertebral disc disease.

14. Bloodhound

With the curiosity of a cat, the Bloodhound has one of the best noses around, making them an ideal hunting companion. Aside from hip dysplasia, cardiac issues are common concerns with this pup. Due to the shape of their ears they are also more prone to ear infections .

15. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu was another surprise small breed entry on our list!  Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are common joint issues with this breed, but it’s generally a healthy dog without many significant problems.

16. American Staffordshire Terrier

Despite their tough looks, the American Staffordshire Terrier is a wonderful pet. They are affectionate and loyal, but hip dysplasia is in their genetic background. Prospective buyers should look for puppies that have had an eye evaluation, too.

17. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso has an unmistakable presence. It is an ancient breed, going back hundreds of years. The OFA recommends health screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia. Other concerns are bloat and idiopathic epilepsy. Otherwise, it’s a healthy breed with few significant concerns.

18. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is all about water and the hunt. They are intelligent animals that are easy to train with the energy to boot. Their energetic nature makes elbow and hip evaluations vital when selecting a pup. They are also susceptible to exercise-induced collapse (EIC). Fortunately, the latter is a recessive trait, meaning it has to inherit the allele from both parents.

19. Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is one of the most patient dogs you’ll ever meet. They are affectionate and great family dogs if you have the space! The list of concerns includes many we see with larger breeds, such as bloat and heart issues. Elbow and hip dysplasia are also on the table.

20. Chow Chow

You’d think the Chow Chow is more cat-like than canine with their independent personality. Joint issues can be a problem for these fluffy dogs, including the elbow, knee, and hip. They also have occasional eye problems you should monitor closely.

Reducing the Risk of Hip Dysplasia

As we can see from our breed round-up, hip dysplasia is most common in large or giant breeds, although it can occur in smaller dogs as well. The most important thing a breeder can do to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia is to screen their at-risk dogs for the disease, and only breed from dogs whose hip joints are rated normal grade or higher.

If you are choosing a new puppy from a breed prone to hip dysplasia make sure you do your research and ask your breeder about the parents screening tests.

The genetics of hip dysplasia are complex but researchers are working on pinpointing distinct genes and pathways involved in this hereditary condition.

Environmental factors can’t cause hip dysplasia but they can influence whether a dog will develop a clinical problem so there are important things pet owners can do to reduce their dog’s risk of developing this painful condition.

Exercise and Hip Dysplasia

Exercising your puppy is of course very important, but it is also best to avoid too much high impact or high intensity exercises while their joints are maturing. For example, avoiding repetitive high impact ball games, jumping and skidding on slippery floors can all help put less strain on their developing joints. Most dogs are fully grown by the time they are a year but larger breeds, such as many on this list, can take as long as 18 months- 2 years to reach their full size.

Diet and Hip Dysplasia

It’s imperative to feed growing dogs a complete and balanced high quality diet. Overfeeding can cause rapid growth and this increases the risk of developmental orthopedic disorders including hip dysplasia. This is particularly important for large breed puppies, such as many on this list, and it is advisable to look for a puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds. These special diets have restricted levels of fat and calcium to moderate their growth rate. They will still reach the same fully grown size but over a longer period. This helps healthy bone and joint development.

The other concern is obesity. More than half of America’s dogs are overweight. Those extra pounds put a severe strain on the animal’s joints. Some breeds such as the food-loving Lab have a higher propensity for weight gain.

We strongly urge you to monitor your pup’s body condition and adjust its diet as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

Final Thoughts

Hip dysplasia cannot always be prevented but if your dog is a breed at higher risk there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing this painful condition. Working closely with your vet, ensuring your dog is getting the right kind of exercise and keeping them at a healthy weight will all help.

Featured Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock