Many Border Collie owners assume that a limp or stiffness is just a normal part of aging or a minor sprain. However, hip dysplasia is a common inherited condition in this breed that can start showing signs as early as puppyhood, not just in senior dogs.
Our editorial team wants to help you recognize the early signs of hip dysplasia in your Border Collie so you can seek appropriate care. Border Collies are active, intelligent dogs bred for endurance, so subtle changes in movement or behavior can be easy to miss. Knowing what to look for is key to managing this condition.
Early Gait Changes in Border Collies
One of the first signs of hip dysplasia in a Border Collie is a change in their gait. You might notice a ‘bunny hopping’ motion when they run, where both hind legs move together instead of alternating. This is a classic sign of hip discomfort.
Border Collies are known for their smooth, ground-covering trot. If you see a swaying or rolling motion in the rear end, or if your dog seems to ‘waddle’ when walking, this could indicate hip joint laxity. Pay attention after exercise: a Border Collie with early hip dysplasia may show a stiffer gait or seem reluctant to move freely.
Difficulty with Stairs and Jumping
Border Collies love to jump onto furniture, into cars, or over obstacles. If your dog starts hesitating before jumping or shows a visible struggle to climb stairs, hip dysplasia could be the cause. They may pause at the bottom of stairs or take them one step at a time instead of bounding up.
Another common sign is a refusal to perform high-impact activities they once enjoyed, like catching a Frisbee or agility jumps. This change is not laziness; it is a sign of pain or instability in the hip joints. Watch for a ‘sit test’: a Border Collie with hip dysplasia may sit with one leg out to the side (a ‘lazy sit’) to relieve pressure.
Stiffness and Lameness After Rest
Hip dysplasia often causes stiffness after periods of rest, especially in the morning or after a nap. Your Border Collie may appear stiff in the hind legs for a few minutes before ‘warming out’ of it. This is different from a temporary muscle soreness after heavy exercise.
Lameness that shifts from one hind leg to the other is also common. Border Collies are stoic and may not yelp, but they might limp intermittently. You may notice they avoid putting full weight on a leg when standing still. Over time, the lameness can become more consistent as the joint deteriorates.
Loss of Hind Limb Muscle Mass
As hip dysplasia progresses, Border Collies often develop muscle atrophy in the hind legs. The muscles of the thighs and rear may appear thinner compared to the well-developed forequarters. This happens because the dog is using its front legs more to compensate for rear end weakness.
You might also see an enlarged shoulder and chest area from overcompensation. Running your hand along your dog’s back legs can help you feel if one side has less muscle mass. This asymmetry is a clear sign that the hips are not functioning normally.
Behavioral Changes and Pain Indicators
Border Collies are highly driven and will often push through pain to work or play. So behavioral changes can be subtle. You might notice your dog becomes less enthusiastic about walks, or seems ‘tired’ more quickly. They may also become irritable when touched near the hips or rear end.
Other signs include decreased appetite, reluctance to play with other dogs, or a change in sleeping position. Some Border Collies with hip dysplasia will lie down more often during activities. Vocalizing such as whimpering during movement or when getting up is a clear indicator of pain.