Studies are currently being done to determine the genetic DNA markers for carrier dogs and affected dogs, and we are praying that the researchers will be able to develop a testing method to take the guess work out of this aspect of choosing healthy breeding dogs. Responsible breeders will hip score all of their breeding stock, and the majority of their progeny, and are quite happy to have these results published - whether the results are good, bad or ugly. Hip dysplasia is not a bad problem in Belgians, but it can occur, and ethically all stock should be hip scored prior to breeding from it. Ensure you see the original hip score certificate too. Ask for a photocopy of the score sheets, and take them to your local Belgian Breed Club or local vet for advice if you are unsure of how to interpret the results.
Healthy hips are just as important for a show dog, a breeding dog and even more so - a pet dog.
Because of the multi gene facet of the hip dysplasia disease, poor hips may still occur in litters from hip scored dogs, but at least you will know that the breeder has done everything possible to breed healthy dogs. Eye problems are not epidemic in our Australian Belgians, but to keep it that way, the more responsible breeders are testing for problems. There are breeders with exceptional quality dogs that are never shown, but they may have circumstantial reasons for choosing not to show their dogs. Construction, temperament and quality HAVE to be high on your list of priorities when selecting a puppy to spend the next 14 or so years with you - even if you only want a pet puppy. You want to have a fit, happy, healthy dog, that you can take anywhere, with very minimal visits to the vet.