Most Common Health Issues Among Different Dog Breeds

Most Common Health Issues Among Different Dog Breeds

Most Common Health Issues Among Different Dog Breeds

You may be amazed to know that there are more than 500 dog breeds! Each one of them is unique in terms of their personality as well as appearance. Unfortunately, as special and lovable each breed is, there are some health issues many of the popular breeds are especially susceptible to. The following are details one can bear in mind when deciding to adopt a dog. Being knowledgeable about some common health issues among different dog breeds will help you implement proactive preventative health routines. For example, if you know that Golden Retrievers suffer a high rate of joint issues, you may consider starting him/her on a joint-support supplement at a younger age (under veterinary discretion); or if you know that smaller breeds develop tartar faster than larger dogs, you may especially train your small breed puppy to tolerate you brushing his/her teeth daily! Providing preventative care such as with joint-health supplements, or complying with routine care such as with regular dental-cleaning procedures, requires some financial preparation. We suggest that in order to avoid financial stress, you may want to consider investing in pet insurance and/or starting a savings account reserved for your pet’s preventative and old-age health care.

In the words of Dr. Karen Becker: “Most dogs are predisposed to certain disorders, including some of the most popular breeds. For example, Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity, Dachshunds to disc disease and brachycephalic Bulldogs are known to overheat. Also, most Collies have multidrug sensitivity; Golden Retrievers often develop hip dysplasia; and Chihuahuas are prone to luxating patellas (floating kneecaps).” 

Genetics are the number one cause of health problems in purebred dogs. Centuries of selective breeding has caused certain breeds to have more genetic disorders and physical ailments than others. Additional health problems may be caused by your dog’s body type. Large dog breeds like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds are more prone to developing hip dysplasia due to their size. Similarly, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas are at risk for physical injury from falls or rough play.

Here are details on some of the most common health issues among varying dog breeds:

Large dogs’ most common health issues

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a large sight-hound with a very long, silky coat. This breed’s original function was to hunt and he may well give chase to any small animal if given the chance.

Some of their most common health issues are:
- Obesity: Causing or worsening joint problems
- Skin & Eye problems: The hair will obscure the dogs’ vision and collect dirt and debris which in turn could cause eye and skin irritations
- Medial Canthal Pocket Syndrome is a common eye condition for them​​: veterinary general practitioners and ophthalmic consultants say it’s common in breeds with deep orbits and narrow skulls. It’s because this anatomy naturally creates a fold in which moisture and bacteria can harbor. 

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a Canadian breed and is currently one of the most popular all around the world. Its life expectancy is between 10-12 years. According to Dr. Karen Becker, these dogs have a high probability of suffering from obesity. This doesn’t mean that your lab is destined to become obese, but you should be very careful in controlling his/her diet.

Boxer

Boxers are one of the best companion dogs ever. They are a German breed whose life expectancy is between 10-12 years. At a higher rate, they tend to suffer from Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), which means that their stomach expands to several times its normal size due to trapped gas, air and fluid. Without treatment, this condition can lead to death in a matter of hours. GDV can occur from various causes, one being the ingestion of a lot of kibble at once when a kibble bag is accidentally left unattended. This is one reason we suggest for pet food to be stored away in a manner that it is not reachable by your pet.

Collie

Collies and many other herding breeds can suffer from a gene mutation called “Multi-drug Sensitivity”. Its effect can cause serious adverse reactions to some common and uncommon medications. Almost 75% of collies suffer from MDR1. The good news is that there is at least one commercially-available test that assesses blood samples or a cheek swab for the presence of the MDR1 mutation.

Veterinarians at VCA Pets Are People Too remark “Ivermectin and other related drugs (milbemycin, selamectin) are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of parasites. They are common components of most canine heartworm preventives. At low doses, such as those used in heartworm prevention, ivermectin is safe even for dogs with the MDR1 mutation. At high doses, however, such as those used in treating parasites such as demodectic mange, ivermectin can cause neurologic effects in dogs with the MDR1 mutation.

Loperamide (Imodium®) is another drug with potential neurologic effects in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. This drug does not affect the brain in most dogs, due to p-glycoprotein’s ability to pump the drug out of the brain. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation, however, can experience neurologic effects from loperamide.”

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very popular for their intelligence and work ethic but unfortunately often suffer from some genetic issues, such as spinal cord diseases. Also, these dogs commonly develop vision problems and have various neurological disorders. However, if you treat them well and take care of them, their life expectancy is 10-12 years.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a beautiful, big dog with a wide head, floppy ears and long coat. They are one of the most popular breeds. Unfortunately, they are highly likely to develop benign and malignant cancers. Common types of cancers for the breed include lipoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma and carcinoma. Golden Retrievers also have a high rate of suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia. Their life expectancy is 10-13 years.

Rottweiler

As majestic as they are, Rottweilers are vulnerable to suffering from Osteochondrosis, a bone disorder. This condition causes weakness in the bones as they age. They are also likely to develop cancer, vision difficulties and cardiac problems. Their life expectancy is 8-11 years; they statistically live a shorter life compared to Labradors and other larger dog breeds.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are likely to suffer from autoimmune disorders, many of which affect their skin and eyes. This condition can also lead to eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts. Their life expectancy is 12-15 years.

Poodle

Poodles have a higher likelihood of experiencing vision problems, ranging from cataracts to total blindness. Those problems are more likely to develop as they age so prevention using a great diet and supplements (under veterinary discretion) are encouraged. Sadly, the earlier onset also occurs with their joint issues.

Medium & Small dogs’ Most Common Health Issues

Basset Hound

Similar to boxers, Basset Hounds can often experience bloat. In addition, due to their size, they may also suffer from glaucoma, kneecap dislocation and elbow dysplasia. Basset Hounds are prone to obesity. 

The Bulldog: also known as English Bulldog or British Bulldog

Bulldogs are definitely an adorable breed! They are known for their short snout, wide shoulders, barrel chest and narrow hips. Their most common health issues are associated with respiratory problems due to the anatomy of the snout area. Additionally, they also have difficultly with birthing puppies naturally. Did you know that most Bulldogs birth puppies via caesarean section due to disproportions of their body?

Dachshund

Dachshunds are an adorable dog breed that’s suitable in a smaller or larger home environment, despite their strong and larger-than-life personalities! Unfortunately, their short legs combined with longer bodies commonly cause intervertebral disc disease, which normally causes moderate to severe back pain in those affected. Even though not all dachshunds end up having back issues, it is important to assess dachshunds’ movements to ensure they aren’t jumping too high, or too much. Cautionary physical activities could prevent the early onset of back issues, especially when we help them be careful starting at a younger age. 

Pug

A Pug is a muscular, small to medium sized hefty dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. Pugs are interesting; in spite of all their common health issues, their life expectancy is one of the longest. They live between 12-15 years on average! Similar to bulldogs, pugs often suffer from eye problems, respiratory problems, skin infections and have difficult births. Their nasal conformation is not proportional to their bodies and a pushed-in snout is simply less than ideal to breathe air in and out. Thankfully, the breathing issues can often be corrected by stenotic nares surgery or similar procedures, as recommended by veterinary professionals.

One of the leaders in animal protection and veterinary medicine called the MSPCA-Angell humane society tells us that "To ease airway issues, veterinary surgeons can shorten an elongated palate in order to prevent blockage of the airway at the back of the throat. In addition to improving the dog's breathing, this can reduce risk of aspiration of food."

Yorkshire Terrier

In the words of Kerri Caughill from thedogtale.com: “Yorkshire Terriers are a healthy dog breed, often enjoying a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But like all breeds, Yorkies are prone to several inherited diseases, as well as health issues that commonly plague small breeds.” 

Some of the most common health issues Yorkies suffer from are:

- Hypoglycemia, Periodontal disease, Legg-Perthes disease, Retinal dysplasia, Luxating patella, Collapsed trachea, Liver shunt, and Pancreatitis.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest of the dog breeds. Pet owners often feel the freedom of taking them anywhere because of their conveniently smaller size. People often allow Chihuahuas to become lap dogs; and most Chihuahuas love this constant and close attention from their human counterparts! However, this behavior may contribute largely to some chihuahuas’ health issues which include poor muscle definition, and skeletal fragility due to extreme miniaturization. Hydrocephalus is also one of the common conditions seen in newborn and older Chihuahuas. The condition is recognized by observing a swollen head, delayed motor control, confusion, dullness, sleepiness, aggression, altered gait, and circling or falling over. Generally, chihuahuas’ average life expectancy is 10-12 years; but it is not uncommon for many of them live past 16 years of age!

Some recommendations to prevent these common health issues:

Taking care of a dog is similar to caring for a baby; they both demand your full attention and they cannot be responsible for themselves. Just like babies, dogs offer unconditional love; their sweetness and love makes our shared companionship truly worth it. It is just important to note some potential and common issues associated with each breed so that you can get to know some dog breeds’ needs better. This knowledge may help you financially prepare for your dog's preventative care and corrective procedures. It may even assist you in deciding the type of dog that may be most compatible with your lifestyle.

Even though some health issues are inevitable and a part of the normal aging process, a healthy and happy dog-life should consist of the following, as suggested by veterinary experts:

- A healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Socialization with other pets and humans (although pet aggression may affect this)
- Quality sleep
- Training
- Discipline
- Preventative & routine health check-ups

[Please note that this article does not replace or surpass in importance any intervention and advice from trained veterinary experts such as a veterinarian. It's crucial to bear in mind that new scientific findings are revealed often; because of this, this article cannot provide all encompassing information about all of the common health issues certain dog breeds are prone to.]

References:

[Published: September 27th 2021
Edited: October 20th 2021]

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