08/13/2025
A Topic that causes controversy ! Hip and Elbow Dysplasia !!☀️👍🏻
When people who are not well informed talk about dysplasia, they often speak as if it’s purely genetic — as if a single gene can be blamed for every case. This is simply not true.
After decades of breeding, studying, and following scientific research, I can tell you that hip and elbow dysplasia are polygenic conditions, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. And here’s an important fact: in all these years of research, no single gene responsible for dysplasia has been identified.
Yes, genetics can predispose a dog, but the environment in which a puppy grows can play a decisive role in whether that predisposition ever becomes a reality. Two of the biggest environmental factors are the type of surface they live and play on and the amount and type of exercise they do.
1. The type of surface
Where puppies live and play matters. Ideally, surfaces should be non-slip and not too hard. Unfortunately, common household floors like tile, laminate, or parquet have the two worst characteristics: slippery and hard. These surfaces are not necessarily the direct cause of dysplasia, but they can contribute to joint stress and injury during a critical growth stage.
When I have puppies, I place rugs or carpet runners in high-traffic areas or corners where they turn quickly. And I absolutely avoid letting them make sharp turns or sudden stops on slippery floors. The best surface for joint development? Grass — soft, even, and shock-absorbing. Loose sand, like at the beach, is also excellent.
2. The amount and type of exercise
Puppies should never be forced into intense or high-impact activities, especially jumping. Exercise should be self-directed — let them play naturally, but don’t push them beyond their limits. They should never be made to run alongside a bicycle, chase balls endlessly, or catch frisbees.
Why? Because of their growth plates — those delicate areas at the ends of bones made of cartilage-like tissue during the first months of life. These plates can be easily damaged by one wrong jump or a bad fall. Even repetitive, moderate-impact exercises can cause micro-damage that leads to long-term issues.
If a puppy looks a bit chubby, adjust the diet — don’t force more exercise. Protecting those joints during growth is far more important than burning calories through risky activity.
When is a puppy less vulnerable?
Not before one year of age — and ideally, wait until 18 months before introducing high-impact activities like jumping. By then, the growth plates have closed, and the risk of permanent injury drops significantly.
The takeaway? Hip and elbow dysplasia are not simply inherited defects you can “breed out” overnight — they are complex conditions shaped by both genetics and environment. Protect your puppy’s joints early, and you may prevent a lifetime of pain.
Southernwind
