Let's Talk About Hip Scores

Let’s Talk About Hip Scores (and Why They Matter)

At KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs, we’re all about doing things properly—and that includes making sure our breeding dogs are not only beautiful and kind-natured, but also structurally sound and genetically healthy. From the beginning, we made a commitment to x-ray the hips and elbows of all our potential breeding dogs, alongside thorough DNA testing for genetic conditions and coat traits. This helps us continuously improve the health of our lines and gives our puppies the best possible start.

What are Hip Scores and Why Do They Matter?
You might’ve heard of hip dysplasia—it’s when the ball and socket of the hip don’t fit together properly. This poor fit can lead to joint stress, pain, and eventually arthritis. Hip scoring gives us a clear picture of the joint structure and helps assess any risk of future problems, including conditions like CDH (canine hip dysplasia).

How Do We Get Hip Scores?
Our dogs have their hips and elbows x-rayed under general anaesthetic and the images are sent to Lavelle’s Diagnostic Imaging for assessment. If the results don’t meet the standard we require, that dog is retired from our program and simply enjoys life as a desexed pet with their guardian family. This process is time-consuming and expensive—especially considering our girls usually only have two or three litters—but we believe it’s absolutely worth it.

Is Hip Dysplasia Just a Big Dog Problem?
Not at all! While we often associate it with breeds like Labradors and Shepherds, small breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs can be high-risk too. Interestingly, Greyhounds typically have great hips. So it’s not just about size—it’s a mix of genetics, nutrition, exercise, and overall lifestyle.

Our Responsibility as Breeders
We take this seriously. By only breeding dogs that pass strict health screening, we help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in future generations. You can view the hip scores and genetic test results of all our breeding dogs on our website. Of course, even with great genetics, how you raise your puppy plays a huge part in protecting those developing joints.

Your Role as a Puppy Parent
Your puppy’s joints are still developing right up until around 18–24 months, so it’s important to support their growth with good habits from the start. Here are a few key tips:

• Don’t overfeed. An overweight puppy is at higher risk of joint problems. If you’re unsure about your pup’s diet, chat with your vet.

• Feed for growth. A high-quality, balanced diet supports healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Check out our Feeding for Health page for guidance.

• Skip the long walks. Puppies don’t need forced or excessive exercise—just short bursts of play and plenty of rest. Let them explore new places at their own pace.

• Avoid joint strain at home. No jumping on or off furniture, no stairs, no slippery floors, and no intense games of fetch or long runs on soft sand. Children should never pick up or drop the puppy.

• Keep those paw pads tidy. Trimmed paw pads help reduce slipping and sliding indoors, which protects the joints.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll be giving your KooeeKeis pup the best chance to grow into a strong, healthy adult without joint issues. You can find more detailed info on our website.

Thinking of Adopting from Us?
Before applying, please read through Our Process – from our arms to yours page. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re always happy to chat.

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