This is a scheme, set up by the German Shepherd Dog Council of Aus. Inc., where dogs and bitches are X-Rayed by a Veterinary Surgeon to assess their hips & elbows. They must have an ear tattoo for identification to ensure it is the correct animal being X-Rayed and their registered Kennel Name and Tattoo Number put on the x-ray plates. These are then sent to an expert radiologyst, either in Melbourne or Perth, for reading of the plates and assessment. To pass this scheme, the dog or bitch must display excellent hips and elbows, with no major changes or arthritis. ONLY then will the dog or bitch be given a pass and be approved to go on to Breed Survey and breeding.

The Hips are scored and measured on 9 different areas on each hip, and must score no more than 3 in any one area to pass. They are then given an "A" Stamp
The elbows are measured in mm and scored accordingly, they must have no sign of arthritis and not over a 2mm gap, to pass the scheme. There must also be no sign of UAP (Ununited Anconeal Process) UAP : Not Present. They are then given a "Z" Stamp.

THE LOWER THE SCORE, THE BETTER THE HIPS AND ELBOWS.