Elbow Dysplasia

Prevalence: 7.8% Severity: 3/5

Prevalence is moderate; early signs may include reluctance to hunt or exercise, especially in young dogs.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Prevalence is slightly higher than average; intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active dogs is a common early sign.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 4.3% Severity: 3/5

Moderate prevalence; lower than some other large breeds. Mild, intermittent lameness may be overlooked in stoic working dogs.

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Appenzeller Sennenhunds have a moderate risk for elbow dysplasia, similar to other Swiss Mountain breeds. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active dogs is a typical early sign.

Australian Cattle Dog

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present in the breed at a moderate rate; early detection and management are important for long-term mobility.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among medium breeds.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

Prevalence: 3.8% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common in ASTCDs than in many other medium breeds, but screening is still advised.

Barbet

Barbets have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among medium-sized breeds.

Basset Hound

Prevalence: 15.2% Severity: 3/5

Basset Hounds have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia, leading to early-onset arthritis.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Prevalence: 2.8% Severity: 3/5

Prevalence is average compared to other medium-sized working breeds. Subtle forelimb lameness, especially after exercise, may be an early sign.

Beauceron

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common in Beaucerons than in some other large breeds, but still present. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs is an early sign.

Belgian Laekenois

Prevalence is low to moderate. Early signs may include reluctance to play or exercise, especially in young, active dogs.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia compared to all breeds. Early detection and management are important for maintaining mobility and working ability.

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdogs have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among medium and large breeds. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs is a typical early sign.

Belgian Tervuren

Slightly higher than average risk; intermittent forelimb lameness in growing dogs is a common early sign.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 3/5

Lower prevalence than in many other large breeds; still recommended to screen breeding dogs.

Berger Picard

Elbow dysplasia is less common than hip dysplasia in Berger Picards but present. Mild, intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs may be an early sign.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Prevalence: 13.5% Severity: 4/5

Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the top 10 breeds for elbow dysplasia prevalence, with both FMCP and UAP forms observed.

Black Russian Terrier

Prevalence: 13.6% Severity: 3/5

Black Russian Terriers have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia, which can lead to significant forelimb lameness and arthritis.

Bloodhound

Bloodhounds have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia, which can cause chronic forelimb lameness.

Boerboel

Prevalence: 10.7% Severity: 3/5

Boerboels have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia, with clinical signs often appearing during rapid growth.

Bohemian Shepherd

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 2/5

Less common than hip dysplasia but still screened for; mild, intermittent forelimb lameness may be seen in young dogs.

Bouvier des Flandres

Prevalence: 6.2% Severity: 3/5

Bouviers have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia, with intermittent forelimb lameness that worsens with activity.

Boykin Spaniel

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is slightly more common in Boykin Spaniels than in other sporting breeds.

Bracco Italiano

Prevalence: 3.7% Severity: 3/5

Bracco Italiano have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia. Intermittent forelimb lameness, especially after exercise, may be an early sign.

Braque du Bourbonnais

Prevalence: 3.6% Severity: 3/5

Present but less common than in some other sporting breeds. Intermittent front leg lameness in young, active dogs is a typical early sign.

Braque Francais Pyrenean

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Documented in the breed but less common than hip dysplasia. Slightly higher risk than average for sporting breeds.

Briard

Prevalence: 5.7% Severity: 3/5

Briards have a slightly higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia compared to other breeds.

Brittany

Prevalence: 2.2% Severity: 2/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common than hip dysplasia in Brittanys but still present, with a prevalence of 2.2%.

Broholmer

Prevalence: 10.5% Severity: 3/5

Broholmers have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among large breeds; screening is required for breeding in Denmark.

Bullmastiff

Prevalence: 13.7% Severity: 3/5

Bullmastiffs have a higher prevalence of elbow dysplasia than the all-breed average, likely due to their size and genetics.

Canaan Dog

Prevalence: 1.2% Severity: 2/5

Elbow dysplasia is rare in Canaan Dogs compared to high-risk breeds, but screening is still recommended for breeding stock.

Cane Corso

Prevalence: 15.1% Severity: 3/5

Cane Corsos have a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia compared to all breeds.

Carolina Dog

Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is rare in Carolina Dogs, but screening is recommended for breeding stock.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

Prevalence: 2.6% Severity: 2/5

Prevalence of elbow dysplasia in Catahoulas is similar to the general dog population.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 10.3% Severity: 3/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among large breeds, with early-onset lameness often observed.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 10.8% Severity: 3/5

Slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia compared to other large breeds.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Prevalence is higher than the all-breed average; intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active dogs is a common early sign.

Chow Chow

Prevalence: 18.7% Severity: 4/5

Chow Chows have a significantly higher risk of elbow dysplasia compared to the general canine population, with a prevalence of nearly 19%.

Clumber Spaniel

Prevalence: 17% Severity: 4/5

Clumber Spaniels are at increased risk for elbow dysplasia. Persistent forelimb lameness in young dogs is a common early sign.

Curly-Coated Retriever

Prevalence: 4.6% Severity: 3/5

Curly-Coated Retrievers have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Czechoslovakian Vlcak

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common than hip dysplasia in this breed but still present. Early signs may include mild, intermittent forelimb lameness in juveniles.

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Prevalence: 3.7% Severity: 3/5

Slightly higher than average prevalence for medium sporting breeds; less common than hip dysplasia but still a concern.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Prevalence: 21.6% Severity: 4/5

Dogue de Bordeaux has a much higher prevalence of elbow dysplasia than the average dog breed, with early onset and potential for chronic lameness.

Drentsche Patrijshond

Prevalence: 3.7% Severity: 3/5

Drentsche Patrijshond has a slightly above average risk for elbow dysplasia among medium sporting breeds.

Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherds have a lower prevalence of elbow dysplasia than many other large breeds.

English Setter

Prevalence: 4.1% Severity: 3/5

English Setters have a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia, which can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia compared to the general canine population.

Estrela Mountain Dog

Prevalence: 6.7% Severity: 4/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common than hip dysplasia in Estrela Mountain Dogs but still a concern. Subtle forelimb lameness in young, rapidly growing dogs may be an early sign.

Field Spaniel

Prevalence: 6.3% Severity: 3/5

Field Spaniels have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs is a common early sign.

Finnish Lapphund

Prevalence: 1.2% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common in Finnish Lapphunds than in many other medium or large breeds, with a prevalence of about 2%.

Finnish Spitz

Elbow dysplasia is less common in Finnish Spitz than in many large breeds, but screening is still recommended for breeding dogs.

French Spaniel

Prevalence: 3.3% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present at a slightly higher rate than average in French Spaniels.

German Longhaired Pointer

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 3/5

GLPs have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active dogs is a common early sign.

German Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 19.2% Severity: 4/5

German Shepherd Dogs have one of the highest rates of elbow dysplasia among large breeds, often resulting in lifelong arthritis if not managed.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Prevalence: 2.3% Severity: 3/5

Slightly higher prevalence than the general canine population. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active dogs is a common early sign.

German Wirehaired Pointer

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

GWPs have a slightly higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active GWPs may be an early sign.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Prevalence: 1.1% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is rare in Glen of Imaal Terriers but present; screening is still recommended for breeding dogs.

Gordon Setter

Prevalence: 6.1% Severity: 3/5

Gordon Setters have a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia, with intermittent forelimb lameness often seen in young dogs.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present at a low-to-moderate frequency in GBGVs, slightly higher than average for hounds.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Prevalence: 15.5% Severity: 4/5

GSMDs have a significantly higher prevalence of elbow dysplasia than the all-breed average, with a risk of chronic lameness and arthritis.

Great Pyrenees

Prevalence: 4.8% Severity: 3/5

Great Pyrenees have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia compared to other breeds.

Hanoverian Scenthound

Prevalence: 3.3% Severity: 2/5

Low to moderate prevalence; risk is average to slightly higher compared to similar-sized breeds.

Harrier

Prevalence: 6.7% Severity: 3/5

Harriers have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia compared to other breeds, with a prevalence of 6.7% based on OFA data.

Hovawart

Elbow dysplasia is present in Hovawarts but at a lower rate than in some other large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Prevalence: 2.8% Severity: 2/5

Elbow dysplasia is less common than hip dysplasia in Icelandic Sheepdogs, with a prevalence slightly below average for similar-sized breeds.

Karelian Bear Dog

Elbow dysplasia occurs at an average rate for the breed group. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs may be an early sign.

Kishu Ken

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 4/5

Elbow dysplasia is present in Kishu Ken at a slightly higher rate than in many small breeds, but lower than in large breeds. Early detection and management are important.

Kuvasz

Prevalence: 2.4% Severity: 3/5

Kuvasz have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia. Persistent forelimb lameness in young, large-breed Kuvasz may be an early sign.

Labrador Retriever

Prevalence: 10.7% Severity: 4/5

Labradors are among the breeds most affected by elbow dysplasia, with a higher prevalence than the general dog population.

Lapponian Herder

Prevalence: 17.5% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present in Lapponian Herders at a slightly higher than average rate for a medium-sized breed. Early screening is important for breeding decisions.

Mastiff

Mastiffs have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia, with a significant percentage affected. Early detection and weight management are important for long-term joint health.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Prevalence: 39.1% Severity: 4/5

Neapolitan Mastiffs have a much higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia, with early, persistent forelimb lameness often seen in puppies.

Newfoundland

Prevalence: 14.2% Severity: 3/5

Newfoundlands have a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia, with early-onset lameness and risk of chronic arthritis.

Otterhound

Prevalence: 7.1% Severity: 3/5

Otterhounds have a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia, leading to chronic forelimb lameness and discomfort.

Perro de Presa Canario

Prevalence: 13.2% Severity: 3/5

Presa Canarios have a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia, which can lead to early-onset arthritis if not addressed.

Plott Hound

Elbow dysplasia is present in the breed at a lower prevalence than hip dysplasia. Intermittent forelimb lameness in young, active dogs is an early sign.

Pointer

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 2/5

Pointers have a slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among medium and large breeds. Early detection and management are important to prevent chronic pain.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Elbow dysplasia is rare in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, with a lower prevalence than in many other breeds.

Portuguese Pointer

0 Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is rare in Portuguese Pointers, but breed clubs recommend screening due to sporadic reports. Early signs may include mild, intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs.

Pudelpointer

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present in Pudelpointers at a moderate rate for sporting breeds. Early signs may include reluctance to retrieve or subtle lameness during field work.

Pyrenean Mastiff

Prevalence: 5.2% Severity: 3/5

Pyrenean Mastiffs have a moderate risk for elbow dysplasia compared to other giant breeds. Subtle, intermittent forelimb lameness may be seen in young, rapidly growing dogs.

Rafeiro do Alentejo

Prevalence: 8.3% Severity: 3/5

Moderate prevalence in the breed; slightly higher than average for large breeds.

Redbone Coonhound

Prevalence: 1.2% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present but less common than hip dysplasia in Redbone Coonhounds.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Prevalence: 3.8% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is slightly more common in Rhodesian Ridgebacks than in the general canine population.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 10% Severity: 3/5

Considered at average to above average risk for elbow dysplasia among large livestock guardian breeds.

Rottweiler

Prevalence: 39.6% Severity: 4/5

Rottweilers have one of the highest rates of elbow dysplasia among all breeds, with nearly 40% prevalence in OFA data.

Saint Bernard

Prevalence: 15.5% Severity: 3/5

Saint Bernards are among the breeds at highest risk for elbow dysplasia, with a significant impact on mobility if not managed.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Prevalence: 6.7% Severity: 3/5

Moderate prevalence; slightly higher than average for pointing breeds.

Slovensky Cuvac

Prevalence: 6.7% Severity: 3/5

Slightly higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia among large breeds. Early signs may include reluctance to guard or herd and subtle forelimb lameness.

Small Munsterlander Pointer

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 2/5

Present at a slightly higher rate than average for medium sporting breeds. Early reluctance to retrieve or jump may be a warning sign.

Spanish Mastiff

Prevalence: 15.7% Severity: 3/5

Spanish Mastiffs have a higher than average risk of elbow dysplasia among large and giant breeds, with clinical signs often appearing in young, rapidly growing dogs.

Spinone Italiano

Prevalence: 7.4% Severity: 3/5

Spinone Italiano has a higher than average prevalence of elbow dysplasia compared to other breeds.

Stabyhoun

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 3/5

Stabyhouns have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia. Persistent forelimb lameness in young dogs is a common early sign.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Prevalence: 5.1% Severity: 3/5

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a higher-than-average risk of elbow dysplasia compared to many breeds.

Thai Ridgeback

Prevalence: 10.5% Severity: 3/5

Elbow dysplasia is present in Thai Ridgebacks but at a lower frequency than in many large breeds. Screening is still recommended for breeding stock.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia, with intermittent forelimb lameness in young dogs as a common early sign.

Tornjak

0 Severity: 3/5

Documented cases are rare in Tornjaks, but screening is advised due to their large breed status.

Tosa

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 3/5

Tosas have a higher than average risk for elbow dysplasia compared to all breeds, similar to other giant breeds. Mild, intermittent forelimb lameness in young, rapidly growing dogs is a common early sign.

Transylvanian Hound

Severity: 2/5

Rare in Transylvanian Hounds; only sporadic cases reported in breed club health surveys.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Present but less common than in some other breeds; slightly higher than average compared to all breeds.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Lower than large breeds, but present in the breed.

Wetterhoun

Wetterhoun are at increased risk compared to the general population. Intermittent forelimb lameness, especially after exercise, may be an early sign.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon