Hip dysplasia is a painful malformation of the hip joint. The joint is a ball and socket: the top of the thigh bone (the femoral head) sits inside a socket in the pelvis. In a healthy dog, these parts fit together smoothly. In hip dysplasia, they do not.
What causes it
Hip dysplasia is caused by a mix of inherited traits, not by a single gene. The shape of the joint, the depth of the socket, and the amount of muscle holding everything in place all play a part. A dog can be born with normal hips and still develop problems as it grows, especially if it grows too fast or carries too much weight .
The result is looseness in the joint. Over time, the body responds with inflammation, bone changes and arthritis. This is what causes the pain.
Is it common in Cotons?
Hip dysplasia is seen most often in large and giant breeds. In the Coton de Tulear, it is not a common problem, and most Cotons have healthy hips. Still, it does occur, and the club encourages breeders to screen for it .
In a study of 68 Cotons screened by x-ray, only a small number showed signs of hip dysplasia. That is good news for the breed, but it does not mean the condition can be ignored .
Signs to watch for
Signs can appear in puppies as young as a few months, or later in life as arthritis sets in. Common signs include:
- Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs.
- Stiffness after rest, especially in the morning.
- A bunny-hopping gait when running.
- Swaying of the back legs.
- Limping after exercise.
- Muscle loss in the back legs.
These signs can have many other causes, so a vet visit and an x-ray are needed to confirm what is happening.
How it is graded
The OFA evaluates hip x-rays and gives each dog one of seven grades: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe . Dogs with Excellent, Good or Fair hips are considered normal for breeding purposes. Borderline dogs need a second look. Mild, Moderate and Severe dogs are considered dysplastic.
The OFA will not certify a dog until it is two years old. Preliminary x-rays can be taken earlier, but the final evaluation waits until the dog is mature.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how severe the problem is. For mild cases, the focus is on managing arthritis: keeping the dog at a healthy weight, gentle regular exercise, and pain relief when needed. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can help keep the muscles strong.
For more severe cases, surgery may be an option. This can range from reshaping the socket to a full hip replacement. The right choice depends on the dog's age, size and overall health, and it is a decision to make with your vet.
Breeding advice
Because hip dysplasia is inherited, a dog with a poor grade should not be bred. The OFA recommends that breeding dogs have their hips evaluated before a litter is planned. A dog that is clear can still be bred, but it is best to pair it with another clear dog.
If you are buying a puppy, ask whether the parents were screened and whether you can see the results. A breeder who tests openly will be glad to share them.
What the club recommends in 2026
As of 2026, hip evaluation is part of the health testing the club encourages for breeding Cotons, alongside elbows, patella, eyes and the DNA tests. If you have questions about a result, or you are not sure what a grade means, please write to us, call us, or come and visit us at a club event.
Sources: OFA, North American Coton Association, and the 2011 study of hip and elbow screening in the Coton de Tulear.
