I say it is. but since my Hammie most likely has elbow dysplasia, I emailed the 'former' breeder. ok..my own fault for being someone that didn't know what to all look for, I went on her 'reputation'. she has since stopped breeding...but I thought I'd just mention it to her, because I feel it is an inherited disease. (in case she decides to breed again with the same parents) an email back...she says, 'no..dysplasia can happen at any time. or it could be 5 or 6 generations back, which you could not know'. I'm not going to argue.....that wasn't my intention with the email to begin with. my dog is only 4 yrs. old...and at 'best' is arthritic in his front left leg. he is going to xrays on Wed., but I'd bet the ranch it's dysplasia. anyway...just wondered what was correct. not to pursue it, for my own curiosity. thanks.