Whether a Great Dane Breeder Should Show Hip Scores
When you’re choosing a Great Dane puppy, a breeder’s reassuring words about “good hips” are not a substitute for records. Hip scores help you judge whether the parents were properly evaluated, what the results mean, and what follow-up questions to ask before paying a deposit. This guide explains what to request, how to read the paperwork, and when a missing score should give you pause.
Why Great Dane hip scores matter
Great Danes are at risk of hip problems
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition in which the hip joint does not fit or function as it should. It can range from changes visible on imaging without obvious symptoms to painful arthritis and difficulty moving. Because Great Danes are large, heavy dogs, mobility problems can have a substantial effect on daily life. Still, a dog’s size alone does not tell you whether it has dysplasia, and a puppy’s appearance cannot rule it out.
Hip scores are one part of assessing risk before breeding. They give breeders and prospective owners documented information about a dog’s hips, rather than relying on a parent’s gait, activity level, or reputation. A dog can appear comfortable and energetic while still having changes on an X-ray, so “she runs fine” is not a replacement for screening.
A score also isn’t a promise that every puppy in a litter will have healthy hips. Inherited risk is complex, and a puppy’s growth, body condition, exercise, and other factors matter too. Think of parent results as useful evidence for making a more informed choice—not a guarantee. For more background on the condition, see Great Dane Hips, Elbows and Growing Joints.
What a responsible breeder should be willing to share
A responsible breeder should be able to tell you which screening method was used, when each parent was evaluated, and what the results were. Ideally, they will show you official documentation or explain how you can verify the results through the issuing organization. A verbal summary can be a starting point, but you should not have to rely on “the vet said they were fine” with no records to review.
Ask about both the sire and the dam. A breeder who shares one parent’s result but avoids discussing the other has left you with an incomplete picture. If a parent is owned by someone else, the breeder should still be able to provide or help you verify the relevant documentation before you commit.
It’s reasonable to ask about close relatives, too. The parents’ scores are central, but results from siblings or other relatives can add context about how hip health appears in the family. That broader discussion is particularly useful when a breeder explains both favorable results and any known concerns honestly. The wider health-screening picture is covered in The Health Testing a Great Dane Breeder Owes You.
How to understand the records you receive
OFA and PennHIP are different screening approaches
OFA and PennHIP are two commonly discussed hip evaluation approaches, and their results are not expressed in the same way. OFA evaluates hip radiographs and issues categories such as Excellent, Good, or Fair for normal hips, with other categories describing varying degrees of dysplasia or uncertainty. A final OFA hip certification is generally based on an evaluation once a dog is old enough for that final assessment; younger dogs may have preliminary evaluations that should not be confused with final certification.
PennHIP uses a different radiographic method and reports a distraction index along with an assessment of joint laxity. Its results should be interpreted within that system, rather than compared directly to an OFA category. A breeder may use one program or another, but should clearly identify which one produced the record and provide enough detail for you to understand what you’re looking at.
Don’t assume that a number from one method translates neatly into a letter or category from another. If a breeder gives you a score without naming the program, ask for clarification. For a closer explanation of the terminology and what a grade can—and cannot—tell you, read What a Great Dane Hip Grade Actually Means and Great Dane Hip and Elbow Screening.
Check that the paperwork belongs to the breeding dogs
Before relying on a record, match the dog’s registered name or identification details to the parent named in the litter information. Ask for the date of evaluation and whether the result is preliminary or final. A screenshot with a cropped name or missing details may be genuine, but it can be difficult to verify; ask politely for a complete record or a way to look it up.
Also check whether the document reports hips specifically. A dog may have screening results for other conditions, but those do not answer your question about hip health. Similarly, a general veterinary exam, a puppy checkup, or an X-ray taken for another reason is not automatically an official hip evaluation through a recognized screening program.
If the breeder sends a stack of documents, take time to read them instead of feeling pressured to decide during a phone call. Keep the records with your notes and compare them with the litter’s health information. Reading a Great Dane Puppy's Health Papers can help you make sense of the paperwork as a whole.
| What to check | Why it matters | Useful follow-up question |
|---|---|---|
| Screening program | OFA and PennHIP report results differently | “Which program evaluated each parent?” |
| Parent identification | Confirms the record belongs to the sire or dam | “Can I see the full record with the dog’s identifying details?” |
| Evaluation date | Helps distinguish a preliminary result from a later evaluation | “Was this a preliminary or final assessment?” |
| Results for both parents | One parent’s record does not tell the full story | “May I review the hip results for the sire and dam?” |
| Family history | Relatives can add context to the parents’ results | “Have close relatives had hip problems or screening results?” |
What to ask a Great Dane breeder before choosing a puppy
Ask direct questions without apologizing
It can feel awkward to ask a breeder for records, especially when you’ve already fallen for a particular puppy. But a careful breeder should understand why you’re asking. You are not accusing them of anything; you are trying to understand the health decisions behind the litter. Be straightforward and calm.
You might ask: “What hip screening was completed on the sire and dam, and may I see the results?” Then follow with: “Are these preliminary or final results?” and “Are there hip concerns in close relatives that I should know about?” Listen not only to the answers but also to how they are given. Clear explanations and complete records are reassuring. Irritation, evasiveness, or pressure to send a deposit before you can review basic health information are reasons to slow down.
Ask how the breeder uses the results in making breeding decisions. A score is most useful when it informs a thoughtful plan, rather than being presented as a badge that ends the conversation. A breeder should be able to discuss why the pairing was chosen, what other health information was considered, and what they know about the family line. For a broader list of screening topics, see What a Great Dane Breeder Should Be Screening For.
Consider the whole family history, not one attractive score
A favorable result for both parents is helpful, but it should not be the only thing you consider. Ask about relatives with diagnosed hip dysplasia, early arthritis, mobility problems, or orthopedic surgery. A breeder may not know every detail about every dog in the extended pedigree, but they should be willing to share what they do know rather than presenting a single score as proof that the litter has no risk.
It can also help to ask whether the breeder has produced previous litters from the same parents or related pairings, and whether they have received any reports of joint problems as those dogs matured. This information is not a guarantee either way, but it can show whether the breeder stays in contact with puppy owners and takes health feedback seriously.
Look at the dam and, where possible, learn about the sire beyond a photo or a short description. Ask about their movement, comfort, temperament, and overall health. Seeing a parent in person cannot replace formal screening, but it can help you understand the dogs behind the paperwork. Seeing the Dam Before Buying a Great Dane offers more questions to consider when you meet her.
When missing or unclear hip scores should change your plans
Understand the difference between a gap and a warning sign
There may be a practical explanation for a missing record. A dog may be too young for a final assessment, the breeder may be waiting for documentation, or the result may be available through a registry rather than already printed in the puppy packet. In those situations, ask what screening has been completed and when the remaining information will be available. Make your decision after you have a clear answer, not on the assumption that the paperwork will appear later.
A more serious concern is a breeder who says screening is unnecessary, refuses to identify the method used, or tells you that visible health and athletic ability prove the parents have good hips. Another warning sign is being asked for money immediately while reasonable health questions are brushed aside. You do not have to label the breeder dishonest to decide that the information is not sufficient for you.
If a parent has a result that raises concerns, ask what it means and how it affected the breeding decision. There may be context worth understanding, but you are not obligated to accept a pairing simply because the breeder has an explanation. Take time to review the records and, if needed, discuss the information with your veterinarian before proceeding.
Keep the puppy’s future care in perspective
Even when both parents have documented screening, you’ll still need to support your puppy’s healthy development. Keep your Great Dane lean, follow a suitable feeding plan, and discuss exercise with your veterinarian. Rapid growth, excess weight, and unsuitable activity can place additional strain on developing joints. Avoid adding calcium or other supplements unless your veterinarian specifically recommends them; “more support” is not automatically better for a growing giant-breed puppy.
Ask the breeder what food the puppy is eating and how they recommend managing the transition home. If you’re arranging the practical basics, a retailer such as Chewy may be one place to compare puppy food and appropriately sized bedding, but shopping choices do not replace veterinary guidance or parental screening. If the breeder suggests joint supplements, ask your veterinarian before buying them from Chewy or anywhere else; a product listing is not evidence that a supplement is appropriate for your puppy.
After bringing your puppy home, keep copies of the breeder’s records and share them with your veterinarian. If you notice persistent limping, reluctance to rise, or changes in how your puppy moves, arrange a veterinary assessment rather than assuming it is ordinary clumsiness. For additional questions to bring to the breeder conversation, see Questions to Ask Before Taking a Great Dane.
The practical standard is simple: ask for identifiable hip-screening records for both parents, learn which method was used, and make sure you understand what the results do and do not establish. A breeder’s openness matters just as much as the paperwork. If the answers remain vague, you can pause, keep looking, and choose a breeder whose health information you can review with confidence.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
