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i'm a dog (specifically lab) person (i don't breed) but did a lot of research when choosing my lab. i am well educated in dog issues.
hip dysplasia IS common in standard poodles. along with many other genetic diseases so it's good you do genetic testing, tink.
it is hereditary and can be worsened by a lot of physical activity. it is also believed by experts to be a lot environment. but with puppies, why take a risk.
you have to look back generations to gauge risk, not just the parents. Dogs rated as good to excellent can be carriers and produce pups with dysplasia.
and, running, swimming and exercise develop the hip muscles which help stave off development of hip dysplasia for a time. it's doing it excessively, such as roading~frisbee catching~ and excessive running and the like that can worsen it when it is present.
Xrays can be accurate and can be read accurately at the proper age. there is room for error. Xrays need to be done by a vet with experience so those breeding must find that vet. if more than one reading is done, i'd say take the worst reading. but it's the puppies' health at stake so i think breeders need to try. my lab is 8 years, so Penn Hip was not as widely used so i don't know as much about that.
my lab breeder gave a Lifetime guarantee against hip dysplasia; age 2 is the earliest they can be tested, and symptoms likely wouldn't show up till older, and many pet owners aren't going to Xray or Penn hip...so i'd say Tink consider a longer guarantee?
anyway, i'm about education when i see a chance. Tink, i really would add xrays or Penn Hip to your breeding program seeing the breeds you use. and as i said, the gentic testing is right on. good luck with the pups.
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