The popular golden retriever breed is known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. A minor health concern is allergies.
At the top of the list is the friendly cocker spaniel, which has the highest number of health concerns. While known to have a variety of orthopaedic issues, the cocker spaniel is also prone to epilepsy, heart diseases and liver disease.
The team at PetBreeds saved you some research and identified the 25 breeds with the most health issues. The data doesn’t say that a given dog will definitely develop the corresponding diseases, only that these concerns are closely associated with the breed. We identified dogs with the highest total of health issues, according to Animal Planet. We then ranked these breeds according to the approximate number of major and minor health concerns and bucketed the total of health issues into tier labels including “Medium,” “High” and “Very High.” Any ties are broken by the dog with the greater number of major health concerns. This list of breeds is ranked from least to most specific concerns.
Weimaraners can have a variety of minor health issues, including Von Willebrand disease. Von Willebrand, also found in humans, results in decreased blood clotting ability.
The German shepherd is noted as being particularly prone to hip dysplasia, which can be prevented through careful breeding and screening efforts.
Scientists, animal welfare advocates, and some breeders have long been trying to bring attention to the plight of these less-healthy dogs. And while there are many in these communities who believe that it’s still possible to steer breeding practices in a positive direction, at least some countries have recently taken action to heavily regulate or effectively ban the breeding of certain dogs. Some organizations have also launched public outreach efforts to discourage the buying and selling of specific breeds as well.
Dogs have been humanity’s stalwart companions for tens of thousands of years. Unfortunately, not every dog is as genetically healthy as they deserve to be, thanks largely to our meddling influence. Over the past few centuries, human-guided breeding has split dogs into hundreds of distinct breeds, based on specifically desired physical characteristics. And sometimes, these characteristics, or the inbreeding needed to create them, can lead to a high risk of health problems.
Their health risks: At first glance, Cavalier King Charles spaniels may not look as recognizably unhealthy as some other breeds, such as a constantly panting bulldog. But they’re also brachycephalic, and they have their own laundry list of elevated health risks. In particular, most spaniels will inevitably develop mitral valve disease, which causes the valve to not close properly, allowing blood moving through the heart to sometimes flow backwards. The condition often leads to other heart problems, including heart failure, and it’s considered to be the breed’s leading cause of death. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was the other breed beside the English bulldog that Norway decided to ban this year.Advertisement
Of course, every dog alive today is a good boy or girl worthy of being part of a family. But for people who are or might one day be interested in letting a dog occupy their home and heart, here are some breeds known to be less healthier than others .Advertisement
Their health risks: Like their French counterparts, English bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed with more than their fair share of issues. Aside from a shorter lifespan and breathing problems, a recent study found that they’re much more likely to develop so-called “cherry eyes”—a condition that causes a protruding red mass to form in the corner of the eye, which then raises the risk of infections. This February, a court decision in Norway ended the breeding of English bulldogs within the country.Advertisement
The Bernese Mountain dog is known as one of the most docile and intelligent dog breeds. They are also considered a social and calm dog breed. They are also currently one of the most popular family dog breeds. Unfortunately, they however have a predisposition to canine meningitis, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, histiocytosis, ataxia, shaking puppy syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy.
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog breed that is considered one of the most unhealthiest dog breeds. Unfortunately, their health problems mean they have one of the shortest life expectancies or any dog breed. Some of the hereditary pathologies of Irish Wolfhounds include dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs (heart disease), hip dysplasia and portosystemic shunt (associated with liver failure in dogs).
You may wonder why are mutts supposedly healthier than purebred dog breeds. The dog breeds that meet breed standards have been bred in such a way that their genetic lineage is limited. This is because breeders want to encourage certain physical or behavioral traits which are also controlled by genetics. By encouraging these traits, they also propagate the genes which are associated with hereditary disease.
French bulldogs are another very popular dog breed. Although they are considered very friendly dogs, French Bulldogs are also unfortunately listed as one of the unhealthiest dog breeds. As with boxers, these cute dogs suffer from brachycephalic dog syndrome. This is a collection of issues which includes cleft palates, entropion, canine ulcerative colitis and intervertebral disc disease.
Have you ever wondered which are the most unhealthy dog breeds? And do you ever wonder why some dog breeds are healthier than others? If you are considering adopting a dog, their general health status needs to be taken into account. When adopting a dog, the breed you decide to adopt is always important. Other than making sure you can offer the dog a comfortable home, you need to make sure you have the financial ability to care for a dog if they have a health problem.
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Watching your best four-legged friend struggle is one of the most painful experiences a pet owner can go through. Despite all your tender, loving care, health issues could plague the life of your dear pet. Such experiences can also take a toll on your wallet, with Americans spending nearly $16 billion on vet care in 2015. Pet owners should expect such medical emergencies, as it is likely each will have to pay $2,000-4,000 at some point for their pets.
When choosing a furry companion, it is useful to know which breeds are known for health issues. While purebred dogs are appealing for their characteristic traits, the selective breeding process also leads to the prevalence of a variety of inherited diseases within breeds. Different breeds are predisposed for ailments, such as cataracts, hip dysplasia and cancer. Reputable breeders often offer health guarantees but some diseases are difficult to predict at young ages.
The team at PetBreeds saved you some research and identified the 25 breeds with the most health issues. The data doesn’t say that a given dog will definitely develop the corresponding diseases, only that these concerns are closely associated with the breed. We identified dogs with the highest total of health issues, according to Animal Planet. We then ranked these breeds according to the approximate number of major and minor health concerns and bucketed the total of health issues into tier labels including “Medium,” “High” and “Very High.” Any ties are broken by the dog with the greater number of major health concerns. This list of breeds is ranked from least to most specific concerns.
The Bernese mountain dog, a relatively large dog breed, is prone to both hip and elbow dysplasia.
The bloodhound can have a variety of eye issues, such as dry eye and eyelid deformities.
Weimaraners can have a variety of minor health issues, including Von Willebrand disease. Von Willebrand, also found in humans, results in decreased blood clotting ability.
The Irish setter is prone to epilepsy, which can potentially be stabilized through medication
The poodle can develop gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, which is frequently fatal without surgery.
Boxers are known for having a high cancer rate. Canine cancer can be treated if the disease is diagnosed in time and not aggressive.
Toy poodles can suffer from bladder stones. These can potentially be dangerous without proper veterinary care.
Goldendoodles, a “designer dog,” are the result of poodle-golden retriever crossbreeds. The breed is prone to subvalvular aortic stenosis, a heart condition.
The Shetland sheepdog can suffer from dermatomyositis, also know as “Sheltie Skin Syndrome.” This manageable disease leads to hair loss issues.
Kerry blue terriers can suffer from eye issues, including cataracts and dry eye.
The Great Dane breed is prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is common among large breeds.
Miniature Australian shepherds can suffer from a variety of major health concerns, including hip dysplasia, cataracts and persistent pupillary membrane.
Chow chows can suffer from a variety of severe orthopedic issues, many of which reputable breeders screen for in order to receive Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) certification.
The miniature poodle, like the standard and toy poodle breeds, can suffer from eye issues such as cataracts.
The large Newfoundland is prone to subvalvular aortic stenosis, a heart issue that can result in sudden death.
The popular Labrador retriever is prone to cancer and exercise-induced collapse (EIC), a screenable genetic syndrome.
Basset hounds can suffer from a range of genetic diseases, such as bloat and Von Willebrand, that can be prevented through responsible breeding.
The Saint Bernard, another large breed, can suffer from bone cancer and cardiac disorders.
The popular golden retriever breed is known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. A minor health concern is allergies.
The bulldog, which can suffer from a variety of health issues, is regarded as “the most extreme example of genetic manipulation in the dog-breeding world that results in congenital and hereditary problems.”
The German shepherd is noted as being particularly prone to hip dysplasia, which can be prevented through careful breeding and screening efforts.
At the top of the list is the friendly cocker spaniel, which has the highest number of health concerns. While known to have a variety of orthopaedic issues, the cocker spaniel is also prone to epilepsy, heart diseases and liver disease.