This is one of the "nasties" which can plague some dogs. You can get your Mutt Hip scored at one year. (another job for the vet!)

Whatever the outcome you and Mutt will be "best buddies" by then so you are not going to "divorce" Its one you always hear about, so its worth reading up and getting clued up about just in case. Hopefully your Mutt will be immune!

GSD's along with a few other breeds can suffer from Hip Dysplasia - a condition, which is reckoned to be inherited - hence the importance in knowing the history of both parents and past generations. It should be remembered that even puppies from a long line of certified parents and ancestors can still have the condition, however they are thought to be less likely to have HD. Diet and exercise are thought to also have a role. Care should be taken with GSD puppies up to at least one year in connection with jumping and excessive exercise. Don't enter you Mutt in a Grand National type dog event!