Abstract: A method for measuring functional laxity in a dog for determining presence of or absence of canine hip dysplasia is provided by placing the dog in a weight-bearing position; and assessing hip joint subluxation by an imaging technique by estimating a degree of dorsolateral subluxation for each hip joint of the positioned dog, with the degree of dorsolateral subluxation determined by measuring the portion of femoral head medial to the acetabulum. Also provided is an apparatus for placement and positioning of a dog, being evaluated for canine hip dysplasia, in a weight-bearing position.