10 Popular Dog Breeds and Their Common Health Problems
There is a popular myth that states mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. While owners of well bred purebred dogs will quickly tell you that statement isn’t true, the myth came about for a reason. The fact is, the majority of purebred dog breeds are predisposed to a health problem (or two or three), and even the most well bred pups are at risk. Today, I’m sharing 10 of the most popular dog breeds and their common health problems.
Why Is It Important to Know Your Dogs Breed Health Problems?
If you’re looking into getting a specific dog breed, you need to be well aware of the health concerns that may come with it. For starters, the health problems that a dog breed is known for could influence your decision to buy a dog of that breed. While some dog breeds are known for less severe or more manageable issues such as obesity, others may have more serious problems such as cancer.
Knowing what health problems your dog is prone to will help you stay on top of it from the very beginning. This means you’ll hopefully be able to catch any symptoms early and get treatment before the problem becomes too severe. You’ll also have a better opportunity to prepare financially whether that be through pet insurance or a hefty savings account. The more prepared you are before getting your dog, the less stress you’ll experience down the road.
When researching the perfect dog breed to suit your wants and needs, health concerns should be at the top of your list. If you aren’t going to be able to mentally or financially care for a cancer dog, a dog with cardiac issues, or a dog with a herniated disc, you need to rule those breeds out ASAP.
Note: it’s important to remember that mixed breed dogs can still experience the health problems of the breeds they are made up of. Your boxer mix will still be at risk for cancer and your poodle mix is still prone to ear infections. Mixing dog breeds does not automatically make them healthier.
10 Popular Dog Breeds and Their Health Problems
Every dog breed is prone to some sort of health condition whether it’s an ear infection or heart failure. These are 10 of the most popular dog breeds and the health problems that come with them:
Beagles
Beagles are prone to epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes seizures. In most cases of beagles with epilepsy, they’ll experience their first seizure between 6 months and 3 years old. Although there have been cases where seizures did not start until much later in the dogs life. Epilepsy cannot be cured but can be managed with anti-seizure medication.
Boxers
Boxers are extremely prone to cancer. In fact, the UK Kennel Club estimates that almost 40% of boxers will get cancer in their lifetime. There are many types of cancer that we see in dogs, but boxers are most prone to mast cell tumors and lymphoma. Both of these cancers can be treatable if caught early, but they can also be fatal. If you own a boxer, it’s important to check them frequently for lumps and bumps and have bloodwork done annually to rule out any concerns.
Dachshund
Unsurprisingly, dachshunds are prone to back problems, specifically intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). IVDD, also known as a “slipped disc”, occurs in about 1 in 5 dachshunds. Their long bodies have a hard time being supported by their short legs, causing back problems in many of them between the ages of 3 and 8 years old. If you own a dachshund, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight and keep their jumping to a minimum to prevent back issues in the future.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are prone to a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This is a serious condition where the heart’s chambers become stretched out and don’t pump blood effectively. A study done showed that 58% of dobermans of all ages and gender had symptoms of DCM. If you own a doberman your vet will likely suggest regular cardiac screenings to watch for any abnormalities. In many cases, doberman owners did not even know their dog had a cardiac issue until the dog collapsed and it was too late. DCM can be regulated with medications but it is not curable.
English Bulldog
Based on their short muzzles and squishy faces, it should come as no surprise that English bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues. The small nostrils and narrow tracheas on an English bulldog makes it incredibly difficult for them to breathe, and as a result they are at major risk of becoming overheated and overtired. The breathing problems of these dogs is often life threatening and so it is incredibly important for bulldog owners to be monitoring their body temperature and exercise level at all times.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are prone to a joint problem known as hip dysplasia. This is when the joints ball and socket do not fit together properly and can cause pain, arthritis, and problems walking. Hip dysplasia in GSD’s can be prevented by choosing a reputable breeder that screens their breeding dogs for this joint problem. Since it is genetic, dogs with hip dysplasia are much more likely to produce puppies with hip dysplasia. You can also keep your dog healthy by feeding a good diet, exercising them appropriately, and starting on supplements such as glucosamine early. Hip dysplasia can be treated with physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture or in more severe cases surgery may be necessary.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are prone to skin allergies that cause severe itching and can lead to hot spots if untreated. Luckily, skin conditions in dogs are pretty treatable and manageable. Baths in specific shampoos, omega-3 oils, and a diet change can often help treat itchy skin.
Labrador Retriever
Any dog can become overweight but Labrador retrievers are specifically prone to obesity. Like in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health issues. A fat dog is not a cute dog!!
Obesity in labs can be prevented with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Labs are known to eat anything and everything, so you shouldn’t have much trouble replacing your dogs unhealthy treats with foods such as carrots or apples to help keep them at a healthy weight. With obesity, preventing weight gain is easier than losing the weight, so it’s important to put measures in place to keep them fit from the beginning.
Poodles
Any dog with long, floppy ears, is prone to ear infections and poodles are no exception. The lack of air flow to a poodles ear canal can cause a buildup of bacteria, ear mites, wax, or yeast, all of which can cause ear infections. Reoccurring ear infections in poodles is incredibly common and in some cases, the dog can build up a tolerance to medications, making treatment almost impossible. To prevent ear infections in your poodle, feed a less carb heavy food, clean them frequently (but not too frequently), and pluck the excess hair from their ears.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are prone to a variety of autoimmune diseases that can effect the skin, eyes, or even both. These diseases can cause hair loss, sores on the skin, and cataracts or glaucoma in the eyes. My Siberian Husky suffers from dry eye, also known as KCS, an autoimmune disease that stops the tear ducts from producing tears. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, but in most cases they can be managed with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
What health problems is your dog breed prone to?