If you are considering getting a dog, it’s always worth doing your research first. For the most part, you need to know what dog breed would suit you and your lifestyle. Different breeds have different requirements and as an owner, you need to be able to meet those needs. For example, if you lead an active lifestyle you could get a dog who requires a lot of exercise. If you know you’ll be around your dog most of the time, you could get one that might be clingier.
Today, information for each breed of dog is essential for knowing the health issues that they can present. Over the years, certain trends have led to pedigree breeding to create the most desirable dog breeds. As a result, many have been left with significant health issues that potential owners are not aware of.
The following list outlines the dog breeds with the most prevalent issues. This list doesn’t insinuate that these dog breeds shouldn’t be given permanent, loving homes. Quite simply, potential owners should be completely aware of what issues can arise. Although a squashed face may be cute, it could be a painful and expensive problem in the long term.
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French Bulldogs
Due to the progressive shortening of their skulls due to years of breeding, French Bulldogs are likely to have breathing problems, ear infections and conjunctivitis. Their distinctive flat-faced, short-nosed appearance has compacted their sinuses therefore they’re more likely to experience breathing problems. Additionally, their face folds may be endearing but they are sites for skin infections.
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German Shepherds
For years now, German Shepherds that compete in dog shows have been rewarded for having “sloped” spines. This essentially means that their bodies droop at the back, which causes serious leg and hip problems. Fortunately, breeding for dog shows seems to be heading in the right direction in trying to make the spine in German Shepherds straight again.
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Shar-Peis
Although they are wonderful dogs, excessive breeding to achieve heavily folded skin has led to various health problems. Many Shar-Peis get infections when bacteria get into their skin folds. They also require surgery to correct their rolled eye-lids to try and avoid eye infections. Ear infections are also common due to their small ear canals. There is even a condition known as “Shar-Pei fever”, which is an auto-immune condition that this breed is prone to that causes inflammation of the joints.
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Pugs
Pugs face the same health issues as French Bulldogs, in that they can experience breathing and skin problems due to their shortened muzzles. More pugs are now being bred with longer muzzles, thus promoting healthier breeding.
There is still a potentially fatal issue that pugs still face. Pug dog encephalitis is a brain infection which exclusively occurs in pugs. It is fatal in 1.2% of the breed and is thought to be hereditary.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
This dog breed has various genetic health issues. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can develop a hart condition known as mitral valve disease, which is fatal to 50% of spaniels. They are also rather prone to syringohydromyelia, where fluid pockets push into the spinal cord because the brain is too big for the small skull. 70% of spaniels will develop this condition and it can be unbearable for them.
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Traditional Bulldogs
Bulldogs have been bred over two centuries to be short, squat with a large head and a flat face. Not only is the bulldog amongst the other breeds that have breathing problems, there are also other significant issues. The bulldog’s head and hips don’t support natural insemination and birth. As a result, female bulldogs can rarely bear the weight of a male this artificial insemination is relied upon. Because the heads of bulldog puppies are so large, they are often born via Caesarean section. Essentially, without human involvement it would be impossible for bulldogs to breed on their own.
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Basset Hounds
Basset hounds used to be taller, with shorter ears and less droopy faces. Due to selective breeding, eye inflammation and ear infections are very common. Hip dysplasia and other joint disorders are also common because the basset hound has to carry a lot of weight on its shortened legs.