Most purebred dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States are susceptible to hereditary health challenges that can impact the breed's well-being over time. These health concerns may stem from genetic mutations or the breed's physical build, which can increase the risk of certain conditions.
One notable orthopedic issue is patellar luxation, where a dog's kneecap dislocates from its normal position, leading to discomfort, limping, and sometimes surgical treatment. Although the AKC does not currently have an official nationwide patella testing program like those for hips and elbows, many breed-specific clubs in the US have implemented their own screening protocols to identify this condition and encourage responsible breeding practices.
This guide breaks down how breed club patella testing schemes operate in the US, which small breeds are most commonly affected, and how owners can have their dogs evaluated.
What Is Patellar Luxation?
Patellar luxation is a joint disorder primarily affecting a dog's kneecap (patella). Under normal conditions, the patella sits snugly within a groove in the femur, held in place by muscles and ligaments. Dogs with conformational abnormalities may experience their kneecap slipping partially or fully outside this groove.
Some dogs may occasionally limp when the kneecap slips but quickly corrects itself, while others endure constant dislocation that usually requires surgical intervention to restore joint stability.
Which Small Breeds Are Most Susceptible in the USA?
While patellar luxation can technically affect any dog, it predominantly arises in smaller breeds due to their anatomical structure. In the US, the breeds with a higher occurrence and for which breed clubs actively promote testing include:
- Pug puppies
- Brussels Griffon puppies
- German Spitz puppies
- Cesky Terrier puppies
- Miniature Pinscher puppies
- Affenpinscher puppies
- French Bulldog puppies
- English Toy Spaniel puppies
Additionally, breeds like the Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, and Miniature Poodle have shown significant patellar luxation rates in the US, with breed clubs increasingly advocating for health screenings.
How Breed Club Patella Testing Works
Breed clubs in the US typically organize patellar evaluations, which are conducted by veterinarians familiar with the condition. This examination is performed physically without sedation, assessing the dog's kneecap stability and movement.
The testing follows a grading system similar to the Putnam Patellar Luxation Grading System, which ranges from 0 to 4:
- Grade 0: Normal, stable patella with no slipping
- Grade 1: Patella can be luxated but returns to place spontaneously
- Grade 2: Patella luxates and stays out until manually set back
- Grade 3: Patella slides out easily and is difficult to reposition
- Grade 4: Patella permanently dislocated and unable to be manually corrected
Some owners and clubs may also opt for radiographic evaluation (X-rays) to get a more detailed view of joint anatomy and any secondary damage.
Getting Your Dog Tested for Patellar Luxation
Any dog owner in the US can request patella testing from a qualified veterinarian. However, for official inclusion of test results in breed club registries, membership in the respective breed club is often required.
Joining a breed club not only helps contribute valuable data for breed health management but also supplies breeders with critical information to avoid pairing dogs that are more likely to pass on patellar luxation.
Testing costs in the US usually range from $60 to $100, depending on the veterinary clinic and location, with separate fees for any additional imaging if needed.
Having documented excellent patella scores can boost buyer confidence and demonstrate that breeders are committed to managing hereditary health issues proactively.
Promoting Responsible Breeding Through Patella Testing
Since patellar luxation is considered mostly inherited, breeding animals scoring Grade 2 or higher is typically discouraged. This practice helps reduce the prevalence of this painful condition in future generations.
American breed clubs play a critical role by educating breeders and encouraging routine testing to select healthier dogs, which contributes to enhancing overall breed welfare.
Being active in breed club patella screening programs is a forward-thinking move towards ethical breeding and minimizing hereditary orthopedic disorders in puppies.
Summary and Key Points
- Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal place, affecting a dog's mobility and comfort.
- In the US, breed clubs manage patella testing since no official AKC scheme currently exists for patellar scoring.
- The grading system used goes from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe luxation), determined through a physical veterinary exam.
- Dogs with patellar luxation above Grade 1 are generally recommended against breeding to avoid passing the condition to offspring.
- Breed club membership usually is required for official test result registration to enhance breed health knowledge.
- Patella testing supports breeders in making informed mating choices, reassures puppy buyers, and promotes sustainable, ethical breeding.
For further details on responsible dog breeding and health testing protocols, visit the American Kennel Club Health Testing page.