8 of the Least Healthy Dog Breeds in 2022

All purebred dog breeds are predisposed to at least one, if not several, health conditions. This is why it’s so important to heavily research various dog breeds before settling on the perfect one for you. You should know what health issues you’re looking at down the line before you put a hefty deposit down on your new puppy. While all dogs are prone to some health related issue, some dog breeds are worse off than others. Today, I’m sharing 8 of the least healthy purebred dog breeds in 2022.

1. Bulldogs

Bulldogs, specifically English and French, are one of the least healthy dog breeds to exist. While this is largely due to bad breeding, their genetics don’t help. The flat face and wrinkles on a bulldog are cute to many, but unfortunately, it causes a lot of harm to the breed. These dogs have an increasingly difficult time breathing and as a result don’t live very long lives.

Bulldogs are also prone to allergies, caused by an unhealthy gut microbiome. Other health conditions that bulldogs are prone to include: hip dysplasia, irregular tear duct production, collapsed nostrils, and cherry eye.

2. German Shepherds

German Shepherds are a popular breed that is unfortunately predisposed to several health conditions. One of the most common conditions we see in GSD’s is hip dysplasia, a skeletal disorder that is often inherited but can be caused by trauma as well. 

German Shepherds are also prone to skin conditions, cardiomyopathy, and perianal fistulas.

3. Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are right up there on the top of the list when it comes to unhealthy dog breeds. These dogs are prone to a long list of health concerns ranging from eye issues such as glaucoma, dry eye, and cataracts to organ problems like liver disease, congestive heart failure, and kidney stones- and that’s only the beginning.

If you dream of owning a Cocker Spaniel, extensive research on the breed is a must. You should also plan to find a good vet who will give you all the tools to keep them healthy from the beginning. A good diet, annual bloodwork, and pet insurance are all recommended for cocker spaniel owners. 

4. Pugs

Pugs experience similar health issues to bulldogs, due to their flat face and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t have a long lifespan because breathing is so difficult. They’re also more prone to heat stroke than most dog breeds.

Because of their bulgy eyes, pugs are likely to experience eye issues such as dry eye, ulcers, and they can even have their eyes pop out of the socket. If you plan to purchase a pug, make sure to find a good breeder who performs genetic testing on their dogs.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are gorgeous dogs who unfortunately experience quite a few health issues. One of the most common health conditions we see in dobermans is cardiomyopathy, which causes an enlarged heart. If you plan to own a doberman, annual heart exams are a must.

Dobermans also suffer from bloat, a condition that is fatal if not caught and treated quickly. Wobbler syndrome, hypothyroidism, and hepatitis are other diseases we often see in dobermans. 

6. Rottweilers

Rotties are huge dogs, that unfortunately experience health issues due to their large size. Because they are so big, but yet so active, they’re prone to bone issues such as osteochondrosis, a degenerative bone disease. 

We also tend to see osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in rottweilers, more so than other breeds. Other health issues that these dogs are predisposed to include epilepsy and lymphoma. 

7. Labrador retrievers

Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds in America due to their friendly and goofy personalities, but these dogs come with a long list of health concerns. Labs are prone to every type of illness and injury in the world it seems. Joint issues, heart disease, cancer, and obesity are just a few of the issues with see with Labrador retrievers. 

If you own a lab, it’s important to feed them a good diet and make sure they receive an appropriate amount of exercise. 

8. Basset Hounds

Basset hounds are awesome dogs, but they definitely come with a long list of health problems.  They are very prone to elbow dysplasia and back problems, due to their long bodies and short legs. Ear infections are another common problem with bassets, which is unsurprising due to the size of their ears compared to their bodies.

Basset hounds also experience skin issues because of their excess skin and are more prone to obesity than other dog breeds.