Hip and Elbow dysplasia is a condition where the joints are not perfectly formed. There is several different scoring systems used worldwide but in the UK the preferred system is the BVA scheme run by the British Veterinary Association. All schemes worldwide use an xray (radiograph) to diagnose.

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In the BVA scheme a score is given for each hip and gives a total score too. Ideally we are looking for dogs with total scores below the breed average as well as relatively even scores on each side. "A dog is only as good as it's best hip". the scoring system runs for 0 - 106 for the total score of both sides.

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Elbows are scored 0-3 and ideally only dogs with 0 elbow scores should be bred from.

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Technically anything at all above 0 can be described as "dysplastic" as the joint is not perfect.