A: We require our girls and their mates to be tested by PennHIP, which I believe is far superior to OFA.  OFA uses 3 vets to "judge" hip quality, based on fewer x-rays.  In my opinion, OFA has no predictive value whatsoever.  The PennHIP method costs more and is done by fewer vets.  It requires putting the dog under general anesthesia.  PennHIP actually measures hip laxity, which is the #1 factor in HD.  Almost no HD is present in dogs with scores over .30.  The average for the breed is .35 (and still good).  We will not breed to anyone under .35 and prefer .30 or tighter.

Some of Dove's pups have been evaluated and some are pending evaluations.  All look very good.

Q: What happens in the event my pup has HD?
A: State law requires I pay 50% of reasonable veterinary cost up to 50% of the purchcase price.  I feel this is unfair to you, but they also require me to put no time limit for you to get some testing done.  If you PennHIP screen your pup between six and 12 months of age and then develop hip dysplasia, I will replace the pup.  I will stick with the state law if you do not.  The chances of pups from Marshfield Kennel developing HD are extremely remote.

Q: Another breeder, who seems like a good one to me, doesn’t do hip screening because she hasn’t ever had a problem.  Is she a good breeder?
A: NO.  She hasn’t had a problem YET.  In this case the breeder in question didn’t know what OFA stood for, did not know the rating system, neither the sire or dam were tested.  The person who contacted me bought the excuses, even though it seemed like a bad idea.  The other breeder may or may not be breeding dysplasia time-bombs.  Even if she is not, she’s an irresponsible breeder because she doesn’t know for sure.

Q:  Another breeder is breeding PennHIP scores of .42 should I be nervous?

A:  Yes.  Some pups have been as many as .30 looser than their parents.  When you are starting with very tight hips that isn't really a problem.  Add .42 and .30 and you get over .70, which could render hips as loose as .72 or a 50/50 shot at HD.

Q: Would you trust OFA "excellent"?

A:  Maybe, if the dog was 10 years old and still "excellent."  OFA should be repeated annually, or at least immediatly prior to each breeding.