Well this is one example of info I've been given
Hip score 3:3
Current clear KC/BVA eye certificate
Is that good?
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Hi Jilly,
Liz is correct, Piper does indeed have Hip Dysplasia in both hips
Also, T's Charlie Spud does too - so when it's my turn to get another puppy I would definitely be looking for a breeder that hip scores his/her Cockers. At the moment the recommended health checks for Cocker Spaniel breeding stock is that they have current clear eye certificates and although hip scoring is not currently recommended I know that there are a lot of breeders who do hip score. Obviously you have been busy researching 'hip scores' and the information you posted is correct. So the hip score above would be excellent and off the top of my head I think the breed average for Cockers is 15 as Liz already said.
That said, HD is not solely hereditary, it can also be caused by environmental factors, such as the puppy/dog being overweight or a puppy being over exercised. HD could also be caused by a knock or jumping down from a sofa for example. The reason I say this is that although both parents may have excellent hip scores, it is not unheard of for their puppies to go on and develop HD.
Still, because of what we have been through with Piper, I would feel happier in the knowledge that both parents of my puppy have good hip scores which hopefully in turn would limit the chances of the puppy going on to develop HD.
I hope that this makes sense - it's written in laymans terms I'm afraid - perhaps someone with far more experience than me will be along soon to explain it better
Hope this helps Jilly.
Louise x