Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

Roger Caras

Hip (and Elbow) Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a congenital (inherited) abnormality of the hip joint, while elbow dysplasia is a congenital abnormality of the elbow joint. Fortunately, the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia is not very high in Dobermans, but the disease does occur often enough and the potential consequences of the disease are severe enough that puppy buyers should prefer offspring from Doberman parents that are OFA (Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals) certified free of hip and elbow dysplasia.

Breeders who test their stock will be able to display proof of the OFA certificate. You can also look up the test results for an individual dog on the OFA website if you know the dog's full AKC registered name or AKC registration number. Dogs not having an OFA number have either not been tested did not have a FAIR or better rating. GOOD or better is preferred for breeding stock.

Most foreign countries have similar certification organizations for the parents of dogs born within their borders, so make sure to research the country of birth to find similar information for a foreign-bred puppy.