Frequency of canine hip and elbow dysplasia decreasing in Finland

ARTICLE: Frequency of canine hip and elbow dysplasia decreasing in Finland

Original source: The Finnish Kennel Club

http://www.kennelliitto.fi/en/news/frequency-of-canine-hip-and-elbow-dysplasia-decreasing-in-finland

Excerpt: "Genetic trends for hip and elbow dysplasia were assessed for the dogs born during the years 1993-2012. In hip dysplasia, the largest improvement can be seen in the Saint Bernard, the Smooth Collie, the Newfoundlander, the Beauceron and the Bordercollie. In elbow dysplasia, the Rottweiler and the St.Bernard have improved the most.
Genetic trends for hip and elbow dysplasia were assessed from the mean EBVs of the dogs born during the years 1993-2012. EBVs are being estimated for about 55 breeds in the Finnish Kennel Club, and these breeds were included in the assessment. Improvement in the mean EBVs was proportioned to the phenotypic screening results (Tables 1 and 3). A change of one point means that the breed average has moved one letter (hip dysplasia) or number (elbow dysplasia) to either a better or a worse direction."