I understand no one wants to see their pet being labelled as unhealthy, and you may be upset to see your beloved pooch on the list below, writes small-animal vet Graham Lewis from Paragon Veterinary Group.
However, by unhealthiest breeds I mean the breeds that are most likely to have genetically-linked health problems and are therefore going to be frequent visitors at your local vet.
Some of these breeds may have significant health problems, but they also have incredible personalities and can still make excellent pets! You will just be far more likely to be on first name terms with your vet and I would strongly recommend considering pet insurance, and looking at whether your veterinary practice offers health plans that include consultations.
Knowing this before getting one of the breeds below and understanding what problems they are likely to face is valuable information for pet owners.
10 unhealthiest dog breeds
French bulldog
These have become a very popular breed in the last few years and part of that popularity is their fun personalities. They are often very happy to see people and their bum wiggle of joy is infectious, however breathing issues among the breed are very common due to the conformation of their upper airways.
These breathing problems can range from mild issues such as reverse sneezing, to severe problems that can lead to collapse and require surgery to correct.
As well as these issues, they are also more prone to certain eye conditions and problems with the spine.
Any breed with dramatically shortened snouts (brachycephalic breeds) such as British bulldogs and pugs can also suffer from similar issues with breathing.
Bassett hound
Most dog breeds that have been bred for extreme physical changes unfortunately tend to have a few issues associated with these changes. Bassetts have incredible ears, however this does make them very prone to chronic ear problems with bacterial and yeast infections regularly occurring.
They also get skin infections in their skin folds as these areas are very difficult to keep clean and dry. Their droopy eyelids can also cause problems which sometimes require surgery.
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
These are some of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet, they wouldn’t harm a fly and make excellent pets. However, they may suffer from a heart condition called mitral valve disease at some point in their life which can lead to heart failure and long term medications. They can also suffer from neurological conditions such as syringomyelia that can be treated with long-term medication – or in some cases, very specialised surgery.
West Highland white terrier
Westies are generally pretty healthy and can live to a ripe old age, however they are genetically predisposed to skin allergies (Atopic Dermatitis). Skin allergies can be quite severe and a lot of animals need lifelong treatment for this as there is no cure. It is very common for them to get skin infections and ear infections because of the allergies as well, so regular vet trips are very likely I’m afraid.
Bernese mountain dog
Bigger dog breeds as a general rule of thumb don’t live as long as the smaller breeds for many reasons. They generally suffer more with problems like hip or elbow dysplasia, or in later life osteoarthritis. All these conditions can affect the Bernese mountain dog, however these lovable, gentle giants are also particularly prone to certain types of cancer including blood cancers (e.g. lymphoma) and bone cancer. Rottweilers are another breed that seems particulary affected by bone cancer.
Boxer
Boxers seem to come in two flavours: they are either pretty laid back placid dogs, or incredible bundles of energy who fire drool in all directions! They can make lovely family pets, however they are prone to a few genetic issues that can cause problems. Eye issues such as non-healing corneal ulcers can lead to frequent trips to the vets, but bigger issues like being prone to multiple types of cancer and heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy can be life-limiting in the breed.
Miniature dachshund
These may be small but they have a mighty personality and despite their short legs can do surprisingly long walks! However, due to their physical shape they are very prone to a spinal condition known as Intervertebral Disc Disease which in extreme cases can cause paralysis. Treatment often involves expensive, specialist surgery and many weeks of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
German shepherd
These incredibly loyal animals were unfortunately the go-to choice when I didn’t know the answer in vet school. They are predisposed to osteoarthritis, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Degenerative Myelopathy (a condition that leads to weakness in their back end), pancreatic insufficiency, heart problems and certain types of cancer, to name a few. Sorry GSDs! Some of these are luckily fairly uncommon but are genetically-linked.
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei originated in China as a guard dog and as such are also very loyal animals. They almost disappeared as a breed in the 20th century, so they have a fairly small gene pool which causes problems. Their distinctive wrinkles can lead to problems with the skin folds getting infected, but they are also predisposed to problems with their eyes, atopic dermatitis and they even have a specific disease called Shar Pei Fever which can cause painful swollen joints and can lead to amyloidosis (a problem that affects multiple organs).
Labrador
A very controversial choice as this lovable, loyal family favourite is also a favourite of many vets as a pet and also tend to live to early to mid teens. However, it is rare for older labradors to not need treatment for osteoarthritis – and with many treatment options now available, pet owners who want to do everything for their beloved pet can spend a lot of time and money at the vets with their elderly labrador. This is a good reason to maintain pet insurance throughout their lives!
- Looking after the elderly: how to keep an old dog mobile, happy and healthy from the experts at PDSA
Labradors were initially bred for retrieving and as such are quite prone to putting things in their mouth. This has two potential consequences from a veterinary point of view.
It makes them prone to eating things they shouldn’t and they are probably the most common breed we have to do surgery on for intestinal foreign bodies. The other consequence is obesity which is common in labradors and can lead to a whole host of other health problems.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a lab and would have one in a heartbeat, but they do have a few issues to contend with.