Controlling canine hip dysplasia in Finland

The aim of the study was to evaluate the Finnish Kennel Club's hip-dysplasi a screening and control programs. As a retrospective study, records of kip- dysplasia screening of 69,349 dogs in 22 breeds that were born in 1988-1995 were analyzed and compared to data from prior to 1988. In most breeds, no significant changes in dysplasia prevalence could be found. Ln English cock er spaniels, golden and Labrador retrievers and Rottweilers a significant d ecrease - but in boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherd dogs and rough collies a significant increase - in prevalence was detected. In flat-coated retriev ers overall prevalence increased - but the prevalence of severe hip-dysplas ia decreased significantly during the study period. The present control program has not resulted in fast progress. Selecting ag ainst hip-dysplasia cannot be expected to be very effective, when based onl y on mass selection on phenotypic observations, predicted breeding values b ased on progeny testing would probably give better results. Also, breeders' compliance and commitment to programs is not always high and other selecti on criteria in breeding are thought to be more important. Modern society has high demands for animal welfare and consumer issues, and breeders and kennel societies should pay more attention to health issues i n breeding pedigreed dogs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.