The HD Zuchtwert and the Breed Value Number

At Gunbil German shepherd dogs, we follow "Responsible German Shepherd Dog Breeders Preventive Measures" set by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany (SV) since 1966. Our obligatory breeding program for the fight against hip dysplasia with the method of the “Breed Value Assessment”, known as “Zuchtwert- Breed Value (HDZW)”. The limit is expressed through the average ZW (Score) of both dogs (parents) in the breeding pair.  A limit for the average "Breed Value Score" is accetptable up to 100. But, a LOWER ZW number is much better in producing healthy hips for generation to come. An (HD) ZW value of 100 has been set as the breed average. So ZW values less than 100 are the most desirable. HD ZW values less than 100 mean the dog produces fewer progeny with (HD - Hip Problems) than the breed average. A number greater than 100 means a dog produces (HD - Hip Problems) more often that the breed average. A responsible breeder should strive in lowering the ZW score for lower values not only in their current select litter but future generations to follow.  Recomended Breed Value Score Ranking (ZW) below:

ZW: 60/79 Super Healthy Hip Value

 ZW: 80/89: Excellent Hip Value

 ZW: 90/100 Very Good Hip Value

If you would like to post this article on your website - please contact us for Copyright permission.

Copyright © 2010 by Izzet Gunbil

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

Gunbil German Shepherd Dogs 14360 Arfsten Road Larkspur, CO. 80118 worldclassgsd.com

FYI - Copyright infringement is the use of works protected by copyright law without permission, infringing certain exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, display or perform the protected work, or to make derivative works.

If you have questions or comments that you would like to share, please contact us..
Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. Günbil German shepherd dogs, worldclassgsd.com and or Günbil German shepherds, accepts no liability related to the veterinary advice and information provided on this site regarding health matters.