I'm looking at hip scoring my dogs and was wondering when the best age to do so was? Do the majority of people do it when they reach 12 months of age or do you tend to leave it longer? Would you be able to give me some examples of the ages at which you had your dogs hip scored and also if they were a dog or a bitch (as I am wondering if people leave it later with one sex).

Thank you for your responses.

Hi Guest

In the UK any time after 12 months - midway between seasons for bitches.  The youngest I have had one done was about 14 months and the oldest was nearly 8

Hips xrays cannot submitted under The Kennel Club/BVA scheme for scoring until the dog has turned 12 months, this is why most people get their dogs done just after their first birthday.  I have had all my dogs done at around this time, varying between 12mths and 14 and half mths.  I tend to have my dogs eyes tested first.  If they fail the eye test, they won't be bred from.  The hips therefore won't need to be scored which also then saves on an unneccsary anesthetic for the dog.