Understanding the health tests that matter, what to ask a breeder, and how genetics influence the long-term health of your German Shepherd.
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint where the ball and socket do not fit together properly. It is the most common serious health issue in German Shepherds and is influenced by both genetics and environment. Symptoms range from mild stiffness to severe, debilitating arthritis. Responsible breeders test every breeding dog's hips before breeding. Look for OFA ratings of Excellent, Good, or Fair — or PennHip scores in the top 50th percentile for the breed.
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) evaluates hip radiographs taken at 24 months and rates them Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe. PennHip (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) can be performed as early as 16 weeks and measures the degree of hip laxity using a distraction index (DI). A lower DI indicates tighter hips and lower risk of dysplasia. Both are valid testing methods. We use OFA for our breeding program and require Excellent or Good ratings for all breeding dogs.
Elbow dysplasia is a group of developmental conditions affecting the elbow joint, including fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), and ununited anconeal process (UAP). Like hip dysplasia, it is influenced by genetics and can cause significant pain and lameness. OFA elbow ratings of Normal are required for all of our breeding dogs.
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, typically beginning in dogs 8 years or older. It causes progressive weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs. DM is caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Dogs can be tested as At Risk (two copies of the mutation), Carrier (one copy), or Clear (no copies). We test all breeding dogs and will not breed two Carriers or two At Risk dogs together.
Before purchasing a German Shepherd puppy, ask to see the OFA or PennHip results for both parents — not just one. Ask for the actual OFA registration numbers so you can verify them on the OFA website (ofa.org). Ask about DM testing results. Ask about any health issues in previous litters. A responsible breeder will be transparent and happy to share this information. If a breeder cannot provide health testing documentation, walk away.
Even with excellent genetics, environmental factors play a significant role in joint health. Large breed puppies should not be over-exercised — no forced running, jumping, or stairs until at least 12–18 months. Feed a high-quality large breed puppy food that is not too high in calories. Keep puppies lean. Consider joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil) starting at 6 months. These simple steps can dramatically reduce the risk of joint problems even in genetically predisposed dogs.