Dog breeds have long been shaped by selective breeding, with humans picking and choosing the puppies from a litter that exemplified the traits they wanted to see. However, these practices have also introduced certain health problems to breed populations. As a dog owner, it is important to learn about health concerns that may be specific to your dog breed – and do your best to provide them with a safe and healthy life despite their predispositions.
Why Different Breeds Have Unique Health Concerns
While all health concerns are not always exclusive to particular breeds, some dogs are more likely to face specific issues due to their inherited traits. This has led to ongoing discussions about whether certain breeds should continue to be bred, whether their drawbacks are worth worrying about, and whether their predispositions to particular issues are even real in the first place.
The reality is that many breeds do have a higher likelihood of developing specific health conditions, and owners must often take this into account when making healthcare, training, or socialization decisions. While it might be tempting to dismiss these concerns as exaggerated, it’s important to recognize that addressing these risks can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life. This does not mean that a breed is inherently unhealthy, but rather that owners must be vigilant and proactive in their care.
At the end of the day, adjusting your dog’s exercise routines to protect joint health or being mindful of dietary needs isn’t too much of a burden. If there are ways that you, as a dog owner, can possibly improve your pup’s life, look further into the topic and take steps to help.
Common Health Concerns in Specific Dog Breeds
Knowing what to watch for can help proactively address issues before they get out of hand. Some examples of breeds with well-documented health concerns include:
Bulldogs: Bulldogs are susceptible to breathing difficulties due to their short snouts, which have been bred almost purely for stylistic purposes. In a hot and humid place like Florida, owners must pay closer attention to their dog’s health to prevent complications.
German Shepherds: German Shepherds are prone to dysplasia, a genetic disorder affecting joints. The most common forms of dysplasia are hip and elbow, meaning that this condition often affects the dog’s ability to safely and easily maneuver. By some estimates, nearly one in four German shepherds deal with this condition. Given how quickly this condition can evolve into serious degenerative issues, early diagnosis and symptom prevention are recommended.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: One of the leading causes of death for dogs of this breed is various heart conditions caused by their genetics. Their rate of heart conditions is more than 20x that of other breeds, and they also suffer from issues stemming from a brain that is physically too large for their skull.
Dachshunds: Due to their elongated spines, Dachshunds are at high risk for intervertebral disc disease. Around one in three eventually deal with some form of the condition throughout their lives. Owners can attempt to prevent these issues by limiting activities and training that strain their dogs’ backs.
Boxers: Boxers have a genetic predisposition to various cancers, including lymphoma. Despite the fact that these risks are well-known and documented, cancer survival rates are not high for most types, with two to three years being the typical maximum amount of time that Boxers can live with many of these cancers.
Again, it’s important not to take this list, or any list you find online, as gospel. Just because you have a specific dog breed doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to deal with these issues. And, just because your dog isn’t a breed at risk of a certain issue doesn’t mean it can’t develop those conditions. Speak to your vet, learn about common risks, and stay vigilant about identifying and addressing issues as they arise.
Not all breed risks, like cancers and breathing problems, can be addressed head-on as an owner; they’re tied to genetics. However, for certain breeds, healthy living and exercise do play a role in minimizing symptoms and reducing issues associated with their common health issues.
One of the best ways to ensure your dog stays active and healthy is through training programs that teach them how to act and play with other dogs and humans, whether outside at parks or on walks around the neighborhood. If you are interested in a dog training program for your dog, regardless of age, contact Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training today.
