The Top 10 Dog Breeds with the Most Health Issues

As a veterinarian with years of experience, I have seen my fair share of dog breeds and their health issues. While all dogs are prone to certain health problems, some breeds are more susceptible than others. In this article, I will discuss the top 10 dog breeds that have the most health issues, according to various studies and analyses.

The Cocker Spaniel

At the top of the list is the friendly Cocker Spaniel, who has the most health problems. This breed is known to have a variety of orthopedic problems, as well as being prone to epilepsy, heart disease, and liver disease.

Despite these health concerns, Cocker Spaniels are still a popular choice among dog owners due to their loving and loyal nature.

Choosing the Perfect Puppy

With 221 different pedigree dog breeds to choose from, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing the perfect puppy. Whether you want a large dog, a family-friendly breed, or a mixed breed, it's important to do your research and seek guidance from experts. One helpful resource is psychologist Stanley Coren's book “The Intelligence of Dogs”, which classifies breeds according to their instincts, obedience, and ability to adapt.

The Kennel Club's List

The Kennel Club is a well-respected organization that sets standards for purebred dogs in the UK. According to their list of breeds with the worst health problems, here are the top 10:

• Cocker Spaniel
• Bulldog
• Pug
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• English Springer Spaniel
• German Shepherd
• West Highland White Terrier
• Boxer
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Most Expensive Breeds

During the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for puppies skyrocketed and so did their prices. According to a study by the Kennel Club, these are the 10 most expensive breeds of dogs:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Bulldog
• Pug
• Golden Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• English Springer Spaniel
• German Shepherd
• West Highland White Terrier
• Boxer

Nationwide's Analysis of Heart Problems

Nationwide is a pet insurance company that has analyzed data from over 69 dog breeds to determine which ones are most prone to heart problems.

According to their findings, the top three breeds with the highest risk of heart problems are:

• Labrador Retriever
• English Bulldog
• Pug

This does not mean that all dogs of these breeds will develop heart problems, but rather that they are more likely to do so compared to other breeds.

Nationwide's Analysis of Osteoarthritis

In addition to heart problems, Nationwide also analyzed data on osteoarthritis in dogs. This condition is characterized by joint pain and stiffness and is more common in older dogs. According to their findings, the top three breeds with the highest risk of osteoarthritis are:

• English Bulldog
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever

This is not surprising, as these breeds are known to have a larger body size and are more prone to joint problems.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds, or dogs with short snouts and skull shapes, are also at a higher risk for certain health problems. According to Nationwide, owners of these breeds are nearly four times more likely to file pet insurance claims for eye diseases compared to non-brachycephalic breeds. Some of the most common health problems in brachycephalic breeds include:

• Pregnancy complications
• Heat stroke
• Allergic reactions

The Importance of Pet Insurance

Regardless of the breed of dog you have, pet insurance can be a lifesaver when it comes to expensive veterinary procedures.

From chemotherapy to surgery and hospitalizations, pet insurance can help you cover the costs and ensure that your furry friend receives the best care possible. Nationwide's Study on Dog HealthThe Nationwide Pet Insurance veterinary analysis team studied dogs insured by Nationwide's pet insurance policies to determine relative rates of health problems between breeds. They used a claim risk scale, with 6.0 being the highest risk. This means that a dog with a claim risk of 6.0 is six times more likely to develop a certain health condition compared to the average dog.

The Controversy Surrounding Certain Breeds

In recent years, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding certain breeds of dogs and their health problems. For example, Norway recently announced a ban on the breeding of English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels due to concerns about their health. Golden Retrievers, another popular breed, are also known to have a variety of health issues.

According to the Golden Retriever Society, these dogs are prone to cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, patella dislocation, chest and skin problems, eye problems, ear infections, swelling, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

The Shetland Sheepdog

Finally, according to a Nationwide study of pet insurance claims, Shetland Sheepdogs have the highest chance of developing kidney disease in old age. This is just one of the many health issues that this breed is prone to.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a dog breed. While some breeds may be more prone to certain health problems, it's important to remember that every dog is unique and may not necessarily develop these issues. As a responsible dog owner, it's important to do your research and seek guidance from experts before bringing home a new furry friend.