Hip and elbow health is especially important in German Shepherds. Whether you are choosing a puppy, evaluating a potential breeding dog, or checking the health history of an older dog, understanding screening results helps put those records into perspective.
OFA, BVA, and SV are three systems you may encounter. Each uses its own evaluation and grading method, so their results should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
What Do Hip and Elbow Screenings Measure?
Hip and elbow screenings use X-rays to identify structural abnormalities associated with hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Genetics play an important role, although factors such as growth, weight, nutrition, exercise, and injury can also affect joint health.
A screening score describes the dog’s joints at the time of examination. It does not guarantee that the dog will never develop arthritis or other orthopedic problems later in life.
Understanding OFA Scores
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) grades hips as Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe. Excellent, Good, and Fair are considered passing results.
OFA elbows are generally classified as Normal, Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III, with Normal indicating no radiographic evidence of elbow dysplasia.
Understanding BVA Scores
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) uses a numerical system for hip evaluations. Each hip is scored separately and combined into a total. Lower scores indicate better hip results.
BVA elbows are graded from 0 to 3, with Grade 0 indicating no evidence of elbow dysplasia.
Understanding SV Results
The SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde) system is commonly seen in German Shepherd pedigrees, particularly from Germany. Hip classifications include terms such as a-normal, a-fast normal, a-noch zugelassen, a-mässig, and a-schwer. Elbows are also evaluated under the SV system.
What Counts as Breeding Quality?
There is no single score that automatically makes a German Shepherd breeding quality. Responsible breeders consider joint results alongside pedigree, temperament, structure, movement, genetic testing, and the health history of relatives and offspring.
What Does It Mean at Eight Years Old?
A screening result from a young dog tells you about its joints at that time. By eight years old, the dog may have developed age-related arthritis despite having had a favorable screening result.
Watch for stiffness, difficulty getting up, reluctance to use stairs, changes in gait, or reduced activity. If these changes persist, a veterinarian can assess the dog’s current joint health.
Ultimately, a screening score is valuable information—but it is only one part of understanding your German Shepherd’s lifelong orthopedic health.