FAQ’s – Frequent asked questions

Assessment of the hip joint to determine the degree of laxity and the shape of the femoral head and acetabulum or early arthrosis to assign a score for hip dysplasia, which can help in predicting the future development of osteoarthritis and to assure smooth movement for the dog throughout his whole life in an optimal case. The knees are usually visible on the hip pictures and can be rated additionally. Because most kennel clubs allow it, breeders often breed B or C scores next to A.  We only breed dogs with clear HD-A result (good or excellent). We may consider breeding a mild B score occasionally, only if all other traits of that dog are exceptional and by only breeding him to a higher score A rank partner. We do not breed any C score or lower. In our x-ray examination usually also the Norberg-Angle is measured.

The examination usually involves taking multiple views, including mediolateral, flexed lateral, and craniocaudal projections. These views help in assessing the joint space, condyles, and other anatomical structures within the elbow joint. We see breeders breeding dogs with Grade 1 ED on one or both sides, however we strictly breed only clear ED 0/0 dogs. While hips can be tricky to fore spell, even with perfectly healthy parents, ED 1 grade very often passes on to the next generation. For that reason we breed only clear dogs.

Elbow or Shoulder Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a condition where a piece of cartilage becomes loose or separates from the underlying bone in a joint, causing inflammation and pain. While the German Shepherd is not very often affected by it, we choose to add it to our standard x-ray examination.

The spine pictures give an indication about the backline development and assess if the number of vertebrae is correct, which should be 7. Additionally, it displays the permeability of the marrow canal between lower back and tail.

LÜW or TLV in dogs refers to Lumbosacral Transition Vertebrae, which occur between the lumbar spine and sacrum, classified into four types based on their formation and configuration. The types include Type 0 (normal anatomy), Type I (behave as in the normal lumbosacral junction, but there is an isolated spinous process), Type 2 (symmetrical forms), and Type 3 (asymmetrical forms).

Currently there are no restrictions in breeding based on LTV-Type, but this topic is understandably getting more attention lately. Kennel Clubs allow breeding Type 1 dogs. We generally breed Type 0 only. Though we had a dog in our breeding program that showed a borderline/mild Type 1, we allowed him only in combinations with a Type 0 partner. He also hasn’t produced any puppies with issues so far. His extraordinary traits and personality on any level are the only reason we make an exception on Type 0 here. The sad thing is that barely any breeder is testing their breeding dogs for it. That way anomalies are being spread without noticing and in German Shepherds the chance can be up to 30% in the population. What you know, you can guide in the right way or prevent in future generations.