Understanding the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme for Dogs
Hip dysplasia is a common and serious condition that affects many dogs, leading to pain and mobility issues. To help address this problem, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and The Kennel Club (KC) have developed a hip scoring scheme. This system is designed to assess and grade the hip joints of dogs, particularly those used for breeding. It is an essential tool in helping to identifying dogs that are believed to be more likely to develop hip dysplasia and promoting responsible breeding practices.. In this article, we will explore what the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme is, how it works, and why it is important for dog owners and breeders in the UK.

What is the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme?
The BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme is a joint initiative by the British Veterinary Association and The Kennel Club aimed at reducing the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain and arthritis. This scheme helps breeders make informed decisions to breed healthier dogs by evaluating the hip joints through X-rays.
Established in the 1960s, the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme has evolved over the decades to become a cornerstone of canine health assessment in the UK. Initially developed to combat the growing issue of hip dysplasia in pedigree dogs, the scheme has expanded its reach, promoting better breeding practices and improving the overall health of numerous dog breeds. Today, it remains a vital tool for veterinarians and breeders, helping to ensure the health and well-being of future generations of dogs.
How do I get my dog Scored?
Getting your dog scored under the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme is a straightforward process. Once your dog is over 12 months old, the first step is to start by discussing the hip scoring process with your veterinarian. The majority of vets are able to take the necessary radiographs (X-rays), but if your vet doesn’t they may be able to refer you to a vet that does. They can provide detailed information about the procedure, costs, and what to expect. Your vet can also help you determine the best age and timing for your dog to be scored.
Make an appointment for the x-rays to be done. On the day of the appointment, your dog may need to undergo sedation or general anesthesia to ensure they remain still during the X-rays. Follow your vet’s instructions regarding feeding and preparation prior to the procedure.
The veterinarian will take X-rays of your dog’s hips, positioning them correctly to get clear images. These X-rays are crucial for an accurate assessment and must meet the specific criteria set by the BVA & KC. Your vet will then send the x-rays to the BVA for evaluation.
Once the X-rays have been assessed, you will receive a certificate with your dog’s hip scores. This document provides a detailed breakdown of the scores for each anatomical feature, as well as the total hip score.
Use the hip scores to make informed decisions about your dog’s health and breeding potential. If you are a breeder, these scores will be essential in selecting breeding pairs to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in future generations. For pet owners, understanding your dog’s hip health can help in managing their care and preventing potential issues.
How is it Scored?
The Hip Scoring Scheme involves taking radiographs (X-rays) of a dog’s hips, which are then evaluated by a panel of experts. These radiographs are carefully examined for various anatomical features, including the shape and fit of the femoral head in the acetabulum, the presence of any abnormalities or signs of degeneration, and the overall condition of the joint.
Each hip is scored separately, with points assigned based on the degree of abnormality observed. The scores for both hips are then combined to give a total score, which can range from 0 (perfectly healthy hips) to 106 (severely dysplastic hips). Lower scores indicate better hip health, and dogs with lower scores are preferred for breeding to help reduce the prevalence of hip dysplasia in future generations.
The radiologists assess several key anatomical features of the hip joint, including:
- Norberg Angle: (0-6) Measures the depth of the hip socket.
- Subluxation: (0-6) Indicates how much the femoral head (the ball) is displaced from the acetabulum (the socket).
- Cranial Acetabular Edge: (0-6) Assesses the edge of the socket’s front rim.
- Dorsal Acetabular Edge: (0-6) Looks at the top edge of the socket.
- Cranial Effective Acetabular Rim: (0-6) Evaluates the functional rim of the socket.
- Acetabular Fossa: (0-6) Examines the central part of the socket.
- Caudal Acetabular Edge: (0-5) Reviews the back edge of the socket.
- Femoral Head/Neck Exostosis: (0-6) Checks for bone growth on the femoral head and neck.
Each of these features is scored separately, with points assigned based on the degree of abnormality observed.

Diagram shows scores of 0
AF – Acetabular fossa
AN – Acetabular notch
FH – Femoral head
FV – Foveal defect
DAE – Dorsal Acetabular edge
CaAE – Caudal acetabular edge
CrAE – Cranial acetabular edge
CrEAR – Cranial effective acetabular rim
Scoring Criteria
Score | Norberg Angle | Subluxation | Cranial Acetabular Edge | Dorsal Acetabular Edge | Cranial Effective Acetabular Rim | Acetabular Fossa | Caudal Acetabular Edge | Femoral Head/Neck Exostosis | Femoral Head Recontouring |
0 | +15 & over | Femoral head well centred in acetabulum | Even curve, parallel to femoral head throughout | DAE has slight curve | Sharp, clear-cut junction of DAE & CrAE | A fine bone line curves medial and caudal from caudal end of CrAE | Clean line | Smooth rounded profile | Nil |
1 | +10 to +14 | Femoral head centre lies medial to DAE. Lateral or medial joint space increases slightly. | Lateral or medial 1/4 CrAE flat. Lateral or medial joint space diverges slightly | Loss of S-curve only in the presence of other dysplastic change | Indistinct junction of DAE and CrAE | Slight increase in bone desnity medial to AF. ‘Fine line’ hazy or lost | Small exostosis at lateral CaAE | Slight exostosis in ‘ring form’ and/or dense vertical bony line adjacent to trchanteric fossa (‘Morgan line’) | Femoral head does not fit in circle due to exostosis or bone loss |
2 | =5 to +9 | Femoral head centre superimposed on DAE. Medial joint space increase obvious | CrAE flat throughout most of its length | Very small exostosis on cranial DAE | Very small exostosis or very small facet | Fine line lost in AF and ventral AE hazy due to new bone. Notch at CaAE clear | Small exostosis at lateral and medial CaAE | Slight exostosis visible on skyline and/or density on medial femoral head | Some bone loss and/or femoral head/neck ring of exostosis |
3 | 0 to +4 | Femoral head centre just lateral to DAE. 1/2 femoral head within acetabulum | CrAE shows slight bilabiation | Obvious exostosis on DAE (especially cranially) and/or minor ‘loss of edge’ | Facet and/or small exostosis and/or slight bilabiation | Incomplete remodelling of acetabulum with medial face lateral to AF. Ventral AE lost. AF hazy. Notch irregular | Large exostosis and narrow notch at CaAE | Distinct exostosis in ‘ring formation’ | Obvious loss and distinct exostosis giving slight conical appearance |
4 | -1 to -5 | Femoral head centre clearly lateral to DAE | 1/4 femoral head within acetabulum | CrAE shows moderate bilabiation | Exostosis well lateral to DAE and/or moderate ‘loss of edge’ | Obvious facet and/or obvious exostosis and/or moderate bilabiation | Marked exostosis and ‘hooking’ of lateral end of CaAE | Obvious complete collar of exostosis | Gross remodelling. Obvious bone loss and exostoosis gives mushroom appearance |
5 | -6 to -10 | Femoral head centre well lateral to DAE. Femoral head just touches DAE | CrAE shows gross bilabiation | Marked exostosis all along DAE and/or gross ‘loss of edge’ | Gross exostosis and/or facet and/or gross bilabiation | Gross remodelling. Dense new bone throughout acetabulum. CaAE notch lost and AF obscurred | Gross distortion due to mass of new bone in acetabulum. Notch lost completely | Massive exostosis giving mushroom appearance | Very gross remodelling with marked bone loss and much new bone |
6 | -11 and over | Complete pathological dislocation | Entire CrAE slopes cranially | Massive exostosis from cranial to caudal DAE | Complete remodelling of CrEAR. Massive exostosis and/or gross facet | Complete remodelling and new articular surface, well lateral to AF. Notch lost | Void | Massive exostosis and infill of trochanteric fossa and below femoral head | Femoral head imporperly shaped due to maldevelopment or femoral head centre |
References: BVA/KC scoring scheme for control of hip dysplasia: interpretation of criteria; Christine Gibbs, BVSc, PhD, DVR, MRCVS
Scoring Range
The scoring range for each hip is from 0 to 53, with 0 indicating perfect hips and 53 indicating severe dysplasia. The total score for both hips combined ranges from 0 to 106. Lower scores represent better hip health. For example:
- 0-4: Excellent hips, minimal risk of dysplasia.
- 5-10: Good hips, low risk of dysplasia.
- 11-20: Fair hips, moderate risk of dysplasia.
- 21 and above: Poor hips, high risk of dysplasia and likely to develop arthritis.
By understanding these scores, breeders and dog owners can make informed decisions about breeding and managing their dogs’ health.
Why Screen Your Dog?
For breeders, hip scoring is an essential tool in making informed breeding decisions. By selecting dogs with low hip scores for breeding, breeders can significantly reduce the risk of passing on hip dysplasia to future generations. This selective breeding helps improve the overall health of the breed, contributing to a population of dogs with stronger, healthier hips. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to hip scoring can enhance a breeder’s reputation, as potential puppy buyers often seek breeders who prioritize health testing.
Screening your dog for hip dysplasia has significant health benefits. Early detection of hip issues allows for timely intervention, which can help manage pain and prevent the condition from worsening. Dogs with known hip scores can receive tailored care plans, including weight management, physical therapy, and, if necessary, surgical options. This proactive approach can greatly enhance your dog’s quality of life and mobility.
Knowing your dog’s hip score can directly impact their quality of life. With this information, you can make informed decisions about their activities, diet, and overall care. For example, dogs with higher hip scores might benefit from low-impact exercises to maintain muscle strength without overloading their joints. Understanding your dog’s hip health helps you provide the best possible care, ensuring they lead a happy and active life.
Are the Results Published?
The results of the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme are made publicly available, promoting transparency and helping prospective dog owners and breeders make informed decisions. This open access ensures that anyone interested in a particular dog’s hip health can easily obtain the information, fostering trust and accountability within the breeding community.
The hip scores are typically published in the next Breed Records Supplement and an online health testing database, both managed by The Kennel Club. These records can be accessed online, allowing potential puppy buyers and other interested parties to check the hip scores of both parents before purchasing a puppy. This access helps buyers choose puppies from breeders who prioritise health testing and responsible breeding practices.
For breeders, the publication of hip scores has several implications. It encourages them to participate in the scheme and strive for better scores, knowing that their results will be visible to the public. Good hip scores can enhance a breeder’s reputation, attract more informed buyers, and justify higher prices for puppies. Conversely, poor scores might deter potential buyers and necessitate changes in breeding strategies to improve future outcomes. The transparency of the hip scoring results ultimately drives a higher standard of breeding practices, benefiting the overall health of the breed.
Conclusion
In summary, the BVA & KC Hip Scoring Scheme is a vital tool in the fight against hip dysplasia in dogs. By understanding what the scheme is, how it is scored, and why it is important to screen your dog, owners and breeders can make informed decisions that significantly impact the health and well-being of their dogs. The transparency and publication of hip scores further encourage responsible breeding practices, ensuring that future generations of dogs have a lower risk of developing hip dysplasia.
We encourage all dog owners, especially breeders, of those breeds known to be at risk, to consider hip scoring. Not only does it provide valuable information about your dog’s current hip health, but it also contributes to the broader goal of improving the genetic health of dog breeds across the UK. By working together and prioritizing health screening, we can help our beloved canine companions lead longer, healthier, and happier lives.