Glossary

Hip dysplasia

An inherited, developmental malformation of the hip joint in which the ball and socket fit loosely, leading to wear and arthritis.

Also called: canine hip dysplasia, CHD, hip laxity, loose hips

In hip dysplasia the ball of the thigh bone does not sit snugly in the hip socket. The looseness lets the joint rub abnormally as the puppy grows, and the cartilage wears down, so arthritis follows. Genes play the main part, while rapid growth, excess weight and exercise on slippery floors can influence how severe it becomes.

It is most common in large and giant breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog, Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard, though small dogs can have it too. Signs include bunny-hopping, difficulty rising, a swaying gait and reluctance to climb stairs. Some dogs show nothing until they are older.

A vet confirms it with a hands-on exam and X-rays. Breeders screen parents with hip X-rays, but a good score lowers risk and does not remove it.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Elbow dysplasia A group of developmental problems in the elbow joint that cause front-leg lameness, usually starting in young, fast-growing large-breed dogs. Osteoarthritis A long-term, painful wearing down of joint cartilage that causes stiffness and reluctance to move, common in older and overweight dogs. X-ray An imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to show a dog's bones, chest and belly organs. Obesity Excess body fat that shortens lives and raises the risk of arthritis, diabetes and other disease; it is the most common nutrition problem in pet dogs.