Penn Hip Interpretation
Penn Hip is a closed database, meaning that PH does not publish results. Results are sent to the dog owners only. Dogue de Bordeaux owners are encouraged to pass on their results to the DDBSA to be listed on this page. Please contact Kris Munday at spoiltdogues@sbcglobal.net  for further information.

BUYER BEWARE: It has been brought to our attention that the phrase "PH tested" is often misunderstood by the general public who is often not well versed in the various testing methods used for hip evaluation. The DDBSA remains committed to the preservation and future of the breed and has deemed it necessary to educate the public on how to interpret the written meaning of this phrase.

In the simplest terms a phrase such as "PH tested" would be the equivalent of saying "I had a blood test done". Doesn't tell you much does it? "PH tested" alone only indicates that the dog has been tested using the Penn Hip method. Contrary to popular belief Penn Hip is not a method of testing that results in a pass or fail rating.  Instead, the Penn Hip method "assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity". The phrase "PH tested" does not necessarily mean that there is an absence of DJD (degenerative joint disease) nor should it be misunderstood to be an indication that the dogue has "passed" with any type of official rating; be sure to not confuse the Penn Hip method of testing with OFA hip evaluations, which does provide pass or fail ratings.

Below are the verified results that our DDBSA members have sent in for their dogues who have been tested using the Penn Hip method. The current high, low and mean scores (which change with each new dogue tested) can be found the Stars for Healthy Dogues page.  As a means of recognition, the DDBSA offers stars for dogs that fall within the top 25% of the breed scores for Penn Hip without DJD (as of 1/1/01), and also to those who receive a Excellent, Good, or Fair rating from OFA.

The DDBSA strongly recommends that you obtain a copy of and review the Penn Hip certifications prior to signing an agreement or contract with a breeder. If the breeder is unwilling or unable to provide this information, there is a good chance that they may be deliberately using the phrase "PH tested" to mislead the consumer. Don't be afraid to ask for this information. An ethical and well educated breeder should be able to intelligently explain the differences between the various methods used for hip testing. Additionally, they should also be willing to explain the scores and openly discuss what the intended outcome of the breeding was if the results were higher than the mean score.

** It has come to our attention that there are breeders claiming that their dogues Penn Hip score is in the 100th percentile, there is no such thing! Dogs that score above 90% of the breed are considered in the 90th percentile, not 100th percentile.

Comments and questions regarding the Penn Hip method or any other health related matter can be directed to Kris Munday at spoiltdogues@sbcglobal.net
Results are listed by Left and Right hip order in numerical order. For more information on Penn Hip, go to the Penn Hip Site

** Results in Blue are current DDBSA Members

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