I have been looking for a GSP puppy and noticed that many parents of puppies on website have not been hip scored - I think I should be concerned about this.  I would welcome comments.

Hip scoring is required for all KCAB registered puppies.  Most of the litters on this site are health tested so I would pick a breeder from these.

As you are spending a large amount of money on a puppy and want it to be as fit and healthy as possible, I would certainly only buy from a breeder whose lines have been scored for generations.  One always has to ask why other breeders are not using the tests available?

I would never dream of buying a puppy from parents that were unscored, and preferably want generations of scored ancestry too. 

I would never dream of using unscored dogs for breeding of course either.

The only way to improve breeding standards is to demand high standards, and refuse to buy puppies where thse standards are not met, especially re health and temperament.

I'd expect the minimum of Hip and Eye testing in any breed.

I'm very surprised that this has escaped the notice of the moderators of this site. As has oft been discussed on this forum , the fact that the KC will register puppies whose health status has never been tested is truly shameful. Sadly, the KCABS is no guarantee of good practice. Yet again with my current litter I have met families who have been to view litters of members of the scheme and been horrified by the conditions in which dogs and puppies are kept . I was appalled to learn of one breeder 'boasting' a Merle to Merle mating. Apparently, it was an accident but surely she should have been aware of the risks of such a mating and indeed of Alizin.

Sorry , I've gone off topic ( again) but and am very cross that such practices can be tolerated by the KC. I don't see much point in continuing with ABS membership. It has not addressed or even redressed the iniquities within the breeding world.
So, tidge.courtier  I wish you well in your search for a GSP but be prepared to meet as many breeders as possible and do not be afraid to ask questions. Good breeders like potential owners to have done their homework and  who are not afraid to ask questions. I, for one, like to be challenged.

>Hip scoring is required for all KCAB registered puppies.

Not true. My breed it is recommended not required.

I assumed that the poster was referring to this breed???

Also I would check what the breed club requires as ti is often more than the bare minimum for the ABS.

For example in my breed as the eye disease we are listed for is PRA, we are required to have the prcd-PRA DNA test but only recommended to have annual physical eye test, but quite wisely the breed clubs insist on BVA eye tests as we have also had regular, sporadic, cases Glaucoma in the breed (though we are no longer listed as under investigation due to low numbers), but the Finns are trying to develop a DNA test, so need material for research.

Of course without checking there could be other forms of PRA (it was believed we had in the past more than one type) or any other emerging hereditary issue.

I own breed and judge GSP  and can honestly say GSP's bred by reputable breeders will have minimum of Hip Score completed, and that is the only test required by KCAB.

I also do elbows, hearts, eyes, DNA for very rare genetic issues. There are health tested litters in the pipeline from various breeders to be found up and down Uk, please feel free to PM me if you wish.

> noticed that many parents of puppies on website have not been hip scored

Do you mean on champdogs website?  As I understood it only litters from health tested parents were allowed to be advertised on this site.