Hi all
We've finally made the big decision to get a lab pup. We've been to see a litter and put a deposit down on one of the boys (don't know which one yet as they all look the same!!) but we did this before we'd fully researched the meaning of hip scores.... We have since done quite a lot of research into the hip scores of the parents (they are both working dogs) and have found that the dam is 4/8 and the sire is 10/7. We don't know what to make of these scores - what do you think??! We have been able to check the dam on the sire's side and she scores 8, the sire on his side doesn't appear to be hip scored. The dam's parents we don't know at the moment. Both parents are working dogs so we are not sure if this has any bearing on the level of the scores?
We appreciate that a good diet, controlled exercise when a pup and other non-genetic factors can contribute to the condition of the hips. Dogs with high scoring parents can have low hip scores and likewise low hip scored parents seem able to produce high scoring pups.
We really like the breeder and trust what he has told us so far completely, however as first time lab owners we would be really grateful for some impartial advice and guidance before we take this any further.
Thanks ever so much!!!!
We've finally made the big decision to get a lab pup. We've been to see a litter and put a deposit down on one of the boys (don't know which one yet as they all look the same!!) but we did this before we'd fully researched the meaning of hip scores.... We have since done quite a lot of research into the hip scores of the parents (they are both working dogs) and have found that the dam is 4/8 and the sire is 10/7. We don't know what to make of these scores - what do you think??! We have been able to check the dam on the sire's side and she scores 8, the sire on his side doesn't appear to be hip scored. The dam's parents we don't know at the moment. Both parents are working dogs so we are not sure if this has any bearing on the level of the scores?
We appreciate that a good diet, controlled exercise when a pup and other non-genetic factors can contribute to the condition of the hips. Dogs with high scoring parents can have low hip scores and likewise low hip scored parents seem able to produce high scoring pups.
We really like the breeder and trust what he has told us so far completely, however as first time lab owners we would be really grateful for some impartial advice and guidance before we take this any further.
Thanks ever so much!!!!