e the breed. One such program started in January 1971 was tattooing the right ear of every dog, and to have that number imprinted on the hip x-ray, insuring that no switches can be made. (**Note: the AKC in the United States has recently begun the same program, allowing either a tattoo, microchip or DNA Profile**) In August 1968, Germany began their Hip Dysplasia Program, x-raying and recording thousands of dogs, rating their hip phenotype, and either allowing or disallowing breeding of that animal. All German Shepherd Dogs competing for the Sieger or Siegerin title must have an "a" stamp hip rating, a SchH II title, and both parents must have at least a SchH I title. Today they have gone one step further, and instituted a "Zuchtwert", or Hip Dysplasia Breed Value Assessment based on x-ray results from the parents, siblings and progeny. Only time will tell if this program helps in the constant battle against the crippling disease.
