Genetic & Orthopedic Health Testing in Female GSD

Timing, Heat Cycles, and Best Practices for Responsible Breeding

One of the most common and important questions we receive from followers and prospective breeders is: “Should hip and elbow testing be done during a female’s heat cycle—or should it be avoided?”

This is an excellent question, and the answer requires understanding how orthopedic evaluations work, how female hormones influence joint laxity, and how responsible breeding programs plan testing well in advance.

Why Orthopedic Testing Matters in German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) are a breed with a known predisposition to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, both of which can significantly affect quality of life and working ability.

For that reason, reputable breeders worldwide require orthopedic screening before breeding, regardless of whether the dog is male or female.

Core Orthopedic Screenings for German Shepherds

• Hip Dysplasia

• Elbow Dysplasia

These evaluations are performed using radiographs (X-rays) and submitted for expert review by an official registry.

Orthopedic Registries: United States vs Germany

United States: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

In the U.S., the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the primary registry used by responsible breeders.

Key OFA rules:

• Preliminary (Prelim) evaluations

  • Accepted before 24 months of age

  • Useful for early decision-making

• Final evaluations

  • Only issued at 24 months or older

  • Considered the permanent, official result

Grades for hips range from Excellent → Good → Fair → Borderline → Dysplastic, while elbows are graded as Normal or Dysplastic.

Germany: SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde)

Germany’s SV system is exclusive to German Shepherd Dogs and is more deeply integrated into breed-specific research and population analysis.

SV characteristics:

• Breed-specific expertise

• Mandatory for German breeding surveys (Körung)

• Uses a pass/fail system (a-normal, fast normal, noch zugelassen)

• Results are permanent and internationally recognized

Many breeders—especially those working with German bloodlines—use both OFA and SV, depending on goals and geographic focus.

Does a Female’s Heat Cycle Affect Hip & Elbow Results?

Short answer: Yes—heat cycles can influence results.

While technically X-rays can be taken at any time, best practice is to avoid orthopedic testing during estrus (heat) whenever possible.

Why heat matters:

During a female’s heat cycle, elevated estrogen and relaxin levels can:

• Increase ligament laxity

• Slightly alter joint positioning

• Create a less stable joint appearance on radiographs

This can result in:

• Lower hip scores

• Borderline findings that may not reflect the dog’s true baseline structure

This is not permanent damage—but it can affect grading.

Recommended Timing for Hip & Elbow Testing in Females

Ideal scenario (best practice):

• Test when the female is NOT in heat

• Avoid:

  • Active heat

  • The immediate hormonal buildup before heat

• Wait at least 30 days after heat ends before taking X-rays

This timing allows hormone levels to stabilize, giving the most accurate representation of joint health.

The 24-Month Challenge in Females

German Shepherd females often cycle around the 18–24 month mark, which coincides with the minimum age for final OFA certification.

This creates a logistical challenge:

• You want final results at 24 months

• She may be in heat—or approaching it

Responsible breeders must plan well in advance.

What If Timing Is Not Ideal?

Life, nature, and breeding programs don’t always align perfectly. There are ethical options:

Option 1: Skip the Heat Cycle

• Delay breeding

• Wait until heat is complete

• Wait 30 days post-heat

• Perform final OFA/SV evaluations

• Breed on the following cycle

This is the gold standard when possible.

Option 2: Preliminary X-Rays Before 24 Months

• Perform OFA prelims at 17–20 months

• Use results to guide decisions

• Submit final evaluation later (OFA or SV)

This approach allows breeders to avoid heat-cycle interference at 24 months.

Option 3: X-Ray During Heat (When Necessary)

If:

• The female is already in heat

• Breeding cannot be delayed

• Hips/elbows have not been evaluated

Then:

• X-rays can be performed

• Results may be slightly less ideal

• Retesting later is always an option

Importantly:

OFA allows retesting, and scores can improve once hormones normalize.

Pregnancy and X-Rays: A Clear Boundary

While X-rays are technically possible at any time:

❌ We do NOT recommend orthopedic X-rays on pregnant females

• Unnecessary fetal radiation exposure

• Ethical breeding prioritizes safety

Testing should be completed before breeding, not after pregnancy begins.

Post-Whelping Myths: Do Hips Always Get Worse?

There is a persistent myth that:

“Once a female has puppies, her hip rating will always be worse.”

This is not supported by evidence.

Many females:

• Are evaluated after whelping

• Receive passing or strong hip grades

• Go on to produce healthy offspring

Joint quality is influenced far more by genetics, structure, and conditioning than by motherhood itself.

Why Testing Before Breeding Still Matters

Orthopedic testing before breeding allows breeders to:

• Make informed mating decisions

• Avoid doubling on risk factors

• Protect the long-term health of the breed

• Maintain transparency with puppy buyers

Even when timing isn’t perfect, testing is always better than guessing.

Final Takeaway

✔ Heat cycles can affect hip and elbow evaluations✔ Best practice is to test outside of heat✔ Waiting 30 days post-heat is ideal✔ Preliminary testing is a valuable planning tool✔ Retesting is always possible✔ Ethical breeders plan, adapt, and prioritize health

Responsible breeding is not about perfection—it’s about knowledge, preparation, and honesty.

Sources & Further Reading

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals https://ofa.org

• SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde) https://www.schaeferhunde.de

• Smith GK et al., Hip Dysplasia Pathophysiology in Dogs, JAVMA

• Hedhammar Å., Canine Joint Laxity and Hormonal Influence, Veterinary Orthopedics