We have been hip scoring since Dr Willis opened the scoring system to breeds other than GSD's - about 1982 I think. We have over the years had very positive outcomes and have improved the overall scores. We have found that when 2 or more dogs from a litter are scored they appear to be in the same 'range' whether good or bad.
Currently 3 from one litter: 3:3, 0:0, 1:2. all with 0:0 elbows. Have in the past also had a litter with 2 with high scores plus 1 with a moderate score (both parents were removed from our breeding programme). So yes although not all puppies in a litter are xrayed it is a good indication of the overall breeding programme.
Unfortunatly HD & ED are polygenetic so unlike simple recesive genes no DNA tests are (and probably never will be) available.
We have to go with the tools we have but always keeping in mind that hips and elbows are are only a part of an overall breeding programme, type and temperament are also important.
