New Study Finds Environmental Factors Can Affect The Incidence of Hip Dysplasia

By Claudia Bensimoun | Updated Jan 2026 (Originally published by USDAA, 2013)

A landmark study about hip dysplasia in dogs by Norwegian researcher Dr. Randi Krontveit at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science indicates that conditions in early puppyhood can significantly affect the appearance and severity of hip dysplasia (HD) in genetically predisposed dogs.

While genetics provides the blueprint, the first three months of life act as the “environmental contractor” that determines the joint’s ultimate stability.

At a Glance: Preventing Hip Dysplasia Research shows that the first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are critical for joint development. To reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, avoid daily stair use and prioritize low-impact exercise on natural, hilly terrain. These environmental adjustments can significantly improve joint stability in genetically predisposed large breeds.

 Image Credit: Claudia Bensimoun

The Birth-to-Three-Month Window

The research indicates that the environment in which puppies develop—specifically during the period from birth to three months—shapes disease development more than previously believed.

Because hip dysplasia is a heritable developmental disease (meaning dogs are not born with it but develop it), these early environmental factors are key to prevention.

While hip dysplasia is a heritable developmental disease in which the hip joint fails to develop properly, environmental factors during the first three months of life ultimately determine the quality of life for the dog.

The Role of Genetics and Environment in Puppy Development

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic disease that occurs across various species, yet dogs are not born with it. Instead, genetically predisposed puppies develop varying degrees of joint laxity over time. The severity of this dysplasia directly affects when the dog will exhibit symptoms and its overall longevity.

Any dog can develop the condition, but it is most prevalent in large breeds such as Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, and German Shepherds. Previous studies suggested that rapid growth and high body weight were the primary culprits, but Dr. Krontveit’s research has introduced a new perspective.

Breed-Specific Growth and Incident Rates

It turns out that rapid growth and high body weight in the first year of a pup’s life did not necessarily result in an increased risk. The research followed four specific breeds to observe these differences.

• The Newfoundland: This breed had the slowest growth rate yet the highest incidence of hip dysplasia (36%).
• The Irish Wolfhound: This breed had the highest growth rate yet the lowest incidence of hip dysplasia (10%).

Environmental Factors and Exercise Early in Life

The living conditions at the breeder’s facility during the first eight weeks significantly influence the dog’s future joint health. Puppies born in spring or summer at breeders located on farms or smallholdings had a lower risk of developing the condition.

Once the puppy moves to a new home after eight weeks, the owner-provided exercise regimen becomes the determining factor.

1. Undulating Terrain: Daily outdoor exercise in gently hilly or uneven terrain up to 3 months of age is associated with the best prognosis for preventing severe dysplasia.
2. The Danger of Steps: Daily stair use within the same three-month period significantly increased the risk of disease.
3. Forced Exercise: While low-impact exercise is beneficial, veterinarians recommend avoiding forced exercise, jumping, or high-impact agility until the puppy is physically mature.

Best Exercises to Prevent Hip Dysplasia

To optimize joint stability, veterinarians now emphasize the importance of specific types of movement, particularly exercise on undulating or hilly terrain. Unlike flat concrete or asphalt, which provide repetitive, high-impact stress, soft, uneven surfaces such as grass-covered hills encourage the development of the stabilizing muscles and ligaments surrounding the hip.

Navigating gentle slopes requires the puppy to use a wider range of motion and engage secondary support muscles, which helps “seat” the femoral head deeply into the acetabulum (hip socket). This natural, self-regulated play on varied terrain is considered a protective factor that builds a foundation for lifelong mobility.

The Danger of Stairs and Puppy Hip Dysplasia Risk Factors

One of the most significant environmental risks identified in recent orthopedic research is the frequent use of stairs by young puppies. Navigating steps creates a unique mechanical strain on the immature pelvic girdle, as the puppy must shift its entire weight onto the hindquarters while ascending or descending.

In a dog under three months of age, this repetitive, high-impact force can cause microtrauma to the developing hip socket. The Krontveit study specifically noted that puppies allowed to use stairs daily during the critical three-month window had a significantly higher incidence of dysplasia than those who were carried or restricted from using steps.

Understanding Hip Dysplasia as a Hereditary Developmental Disease

Despite these environmental influences, it is essential to remember that hip dysplasia remains a hereditary developmental disease. Dogs are not born with dysplastic hips; rather, they inherit the genetic instructions for joint laxity, which then unfold as the puppy grows.

This distinction is vital for breeders and owners to understand, as it means the disease is a “process” rather than a fixed state at birth. By recognizing that the disease is both genetic and developmental, the veterinary community can more effectively use tools such as DNA testing and early orthopedic screening, alongside environmental management, to improve the quality of life for at-risk large breeds.

Final Thoughts

The most empowering takeaway from Dr. Krontveit’s research is that a genetic predisposition to Hereditary Developmental Disease in dogs does not have to be a definitive sentence for a life of pain. By shifting our focus to the Puppy Hip Health Window—the first 12 weeks of life—we move from a reactive approach to a proactive one.

We now know that the Canine Hip Dysplasia Environment—the daily choices made by breeders and owners—can fundamentally change the trajectory of a dog’s skeletal development.

Preventing Hip Dysplasia is not just about choosing the right breeder; it is about managing physical stressors. Choosing a park’s rolling hills over the living room steps effectively mitigates the Puppy Stairs Risk, which is a primary trigger for joint laxity. By encouraging movement on undulating terrain, we promote Canine Joint Stability through natural muscle development rather than repetitive impact.

As we bridge the gap between veterinary science and daily dog care, it is clear that prevention is multifaceted. It isn’t just about “good genes”; it is about the intersection of responsible breeding, lean weight management, and functional movement.

By providing our puppies with the right terrain during their most vulnerable stage, we are doing more than just protecting their joints—we are ensuring they remain our active companions for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Newfoundlands have the highest rates despite slow growth?

The research suggests that breed-specific genetic factors and the severity of early-life symptoms make this breed particularly vulnerable, regardless of the rate of weight gain.

Does exercise help dogs who already have symptoms?

Yes. Dr. Krontveit confirmed that varied exercise, including daily leashed walks and free-running on different terrains, allowed dogs to remain symptom-free longer than sedentary dogs.

Is hip dysplasia in dogs a death sentence for my dog?

Not necessarily. While serious cases often lead to earlier euthanasia due to pain, the study showed that the quality of life improves dramatically if preventative environmental measures are introduced in early puppyhood.

By providing the appropriate physical environment during this critical developmental window, you can fundamentally alter disease progression, ensuring that even genetically predisposed dogs maintain mobility well into their senior years.

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