Purebred Dog Health Issues

There are a number of reasons why you might have a specific dog breed in mind, including dog allergies, the home you have to offer, or the work you may require the dog to do. However, it’s important to do your research beforehand, as some dog breeds can be prone to a number of health issues that can take a toll both emotionally and financially. 

In this guide, we take a look at some of the common health conditions that affect certain breeds so you can be prepared when it comes to welcoming a four-legged friend into your home.

Contents:

• Health problems with giant breeds
• Health problems with flat-faced breeds
• Health problems with short-legged breeds
• Health problems with wrinkled dog breeds
• Choosing a purebred puppy

Please note that while the health concerns mentioned below are a possibility for these breeds, there’s no guarantee the dog you choose will develop them. By choosing a responsible breeder and providing your dog with the best possible care, there’s no reason for them not to live a healthy and happy life.

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to dog breeds, whether it’s because of a physical attribute, temperament, or stamina. Throughout history, we have bred dogs to specifically produce puppies with these chosen traits in the hopes we might make the perfect dog, be it for beauty, work, or a family companion. 

Unfortunately, this kind of selective breeding practice has led to complications due to inbreeding and overbreeding in dogs that are particularly popular at a certain time. This can lead to a number of genetically inherited issues as well as a number of health conditions that certain dog breeds may be more prone to developing in their life.

Many pedigree dog breeds have been selectively bred for physical characteristics, such as:

• A large head
• Wrinkled or folded skin
• Little to no fur
• Short, flat faces
• Extreme size
• And more. 

These physical attributes can lead to a number of health concerns, and that’s without taking into account the genetic illnesses that might also be passed down their line. Nowadays, most breeders are much more conscious of the ramifications these features can have on a dog and instead prioritise health and well-being over physical characteristics. 

While it may sound like purebred dogs are the unhealthier option, this isn’t strictly true. Even cross-breed dogs can inherit the health conditions of their parent breeds. Besides that, dogs can develop health problems due to a number of reasons beyond genetics, including environmental factors, inadequate care, and more. 

A designer dog breed is a breed of dog that has been bred from two purebred dogs of different breeds, such as the Cockapoo (a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross), Puggle (Pug and Beagle Cross), and Pomchi (Pomeranian and Chihuahua cross).

While it may seem like a designer dog breed is a healthier choice, as it eliminates the risk of inbreeding, there is still a chance that the offspring could develop the health issues of its parents.

Giant Dog Breeds

Large dogs have been a popular choice for a companion for years due to their size. Not only is there much more dog for you to love, but they also make for a noble protector or a powerful worker to have by your side. 

A giant dog breed is typically defined by a dog that weights above 45kg, such as: 

• Great Danes
• Great Pyrenees
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• St Bernards
• Irish Wolfhounds
• And more

While these breeds offer a love of a dog to love, they are also prone to a number of health issues throughout their lives, which we discuss below.

With a body that large, it can be easier for things to go wrong. Some of the key problems associated with larger dog breeds are related to their size and the strain that puts on their bones, joints, and organs. Some of the most common health issues in giant dogs include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia - which can lead to arthritis
• Bloat or Gastric torsions - This is a sudden and life-threatening condition where your dog’s stomach stretches, then twists or rotates 
• Heart conditions - This can include dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis. 
• Entropion - A painful eye condition where the eyelids roll inward.

It’s important to note that many giant dog breeds have a shorter life expectancy than smaller breeds, with the Great Dane typically living 7-10 years. While this may differ depending on the specific breed and individual circumstances, it’s something to bear in mind should you decide a large dog is the one for you.

There are a few key things to remember when caring for a giant breed dog to ensure they remain healthy for as long as possible. This includes:  

• Sticking to low-moderate levels of low-impact exercise
• Feeding them an appropriate giant dog breed food with a high protein content 2-3 times a day to reduce chances of bloat. 
• Increasing their intake of glucosamine with dog joint supplements to promote healthy bones and joints
• Proper training and socialisation with people and other dogs from an early age to ensure they don’t hurt another dog or person with their size. 
• Take out an appropriate pet insurance policy so you’re covered should anything go wrong.

You should also ensure that your giant breed dog is seen by a vet once every six months rather than only once a year to ensure that everything is working as it should and to catch any signs of something wrong early. 

Flat-Faced Dog Breeds

More breeds that have been steadily rising in popularity are a number of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds. Brachycephalic dog breeds are characterised by their shorter snouts and faces, which make them look flat. Some of the most popular breeds of brachycephalic dogs include:

• French Bulldogs
• English Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Boxers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 
• Shih Tzu
• And more!

Brachycephalic dogs have stolen the hearts of dog owners across the world for their squishy-looking faces, but with this physical attribute also comes a number of potential problems.

Perhaps the biggest concern with brachycephalic breeds is that their flat faces typically mean they have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), and condition that means their nostrils are narrower and their airways smaller. This can have a big impact on their ability to breathe and regulate their body temperature through panting, so can be prone to heatstroke as well as the following health conditions: 

• Heart conditions - their difficulty breathing can often lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood, meaning their heart has to work harder. 
• Dental issues - while their jaws are shorter than other breeds, they still contain the same amount of teeth which can lead to overcrowding, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.  
• Breeding problems - Some brachycephalic dogs have large heads in proportion to their bodies which are too big for the mother to give birth naturally. 
• Syringomyelia - A painful condition where cysts form within the spinal cord 

While many flat-faced dogs are able to live a happy life, this is rarely without veterinary intervention or even surgery. Not only can this be incredibly expensive, but it may also be traumatic for your dog. It is likely to be more expensive (or even impossible) for you to insure a brachycephalic dog as well, as the chances of your insurer paying out for treatment are far more than what they earn. 

If you’re looking to own a flat-faced dog breed, looking into local rescues to find one rather than going to a specific breeder is recommended. 

If you have properly researched the breed of your choice and are willing to shoulder the responsibility of caring for a flat-faced dog, you need to keep some other key aspects of their care in mind. 

• Do not over-exercise them - Flat-faced dog breeds can struggle with regulating their body temperature due to breathing issues, and so are more prone to overheating from too much exercise. 
• Monitor their weight - as they can't exercise as much, some flat-faced dogs are more prone to obesity (1 in 5 pugs are formally diagnosed with obesity each year), which can cause more health problems. 
• Have them checked by a vet regularly - Some conditions flat-faced dogs are prone to can be managed better if caught early, so having them checked regularly by a professional vet is a must. 

While there are some flat-faced dogs that live long and happy lives with their owners, it’s important to know you may spend more time and effort dedicated to a brachycephalic dog’s care than other breeds. Please make sure that is a responsibility you’re willing to take on before choosing a flat-faced dog for a pet. 

Short-legged Dogs

Dog breeds that have disproportionately short legs when compared to their body are known as chondrodystrophic dog breeds. This is a genetic trait that has been bred through a number of breeds for years. In these cases, the growth plates in the dog’s bones calcify much earlier in development than in longer-legged breeds resulting in their unique appearance. 

Some of the most popular chondrodystrophic dog breeds include: 

• Dachshunds
• Corgis
• Bassett Hounds
• Shih Tzus
• And more

Because of these dogs have shorter bones in their legs, it can put a lot of strain on their spine. This is why many purebred chondrodystrophic dogs are prone to a number of health concerns, including: 

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - A degenerative condition that occurs when the calcification of the disc material that sits between the bones of the back causes back pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. 
• Limb deformities - This may be what gives these dog breeds their specific looks, but it can also cause pain in the limbs and may require surgery. 
• Various eye disorders including, but not limited to, cataracts, glaucoma and retinal degeneration

While some of these conditions may occur in other breeds, it’s important to be aware of them, especially when it comes to choosing a puppy, as breeders should screen their litters for any genetic abnormalities.  

Most of the care that goes into owning a short-legged dog is ensuring their spines are never put under unnecessary strain or stress, which may mean introducing ramps or small steps into your home to help them get around without injuring themselves. Other key things to remember when caring for a short-legged dog include: 

• Use a harness rather than a collar and lead when walking to distribute your dog’s weight evenly and prevent their spine from curving. 
• Feeding them a high-quality diet to keep their weight and muscle tone to help their backs. 
• Ensure your dog is getting the right amount of exercise depending on their energy levels to provide mental stimulation and keep their joints limber. 

It’s important that you also have your dog checked up regularly by a vet (at least once a year) to ensure everything is working as it should and that you have a pet insurance policy taken out in case something goes wrong. 

Wrinkled Dog Breeds

Another popular physical attribute that has been bred into dogs is wrinkled skin that seems to fold over. This is commonly seen in multiple purebred dog breeds, such as the English Bulldog and Pugs, but it is most notable in Shar Peis. 

Studies have shown that this wrinkled appearance can be happy by chance in breedings, but in Shar Peis is due to a genetic condition known as Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF). In these cases, Shar Peis have been selectively bred to have an excess of chromosome 13, which is the genetic region responsible for making the gooey molecule, hyaluronic acid, and Shar Peis have a huge build-up of this molecule which makes their skin so loose and wrinkled. 

The excess amount of loose skin can make dogs like the Bulldog and the Shar Pei prone to a number of skin conditions caused by the wrinkling in their skin trapping dirt, oils and debris, making them more prone to bacterial infections and allergies, the symptoms of which can include:

• Frequent scratching
• Red, bumpy skin
• Oozing sores
• Pustules 
• Crusts or scales on the skin
• Hair loss
• Unpleasant odours

This can be incredibly uncomfortable for dogs affected, and by having open wounds on their skin, these dogs can then be more prone to other infections should bacteria make their way to the dog's internal systems. 

Wrinkled dogs can also suffer from a lot of eye problems if their faces are wrinkled, causing dirt and debris to get caught in their eyes.

To prevent infections and irritation, wrinkled dogs require daily cleaning to ensure their skin folds remain free of dust, dirt, and bacteria. Caring for a wrinkled dog breed requires the following: 

• Daily cleaning, particularly around the eyes and ears, to make sure all the folds are free of dirt. 
• Regular bathing with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo. 
• Daily inspection of all folds to ensure there are no sores from rubbing or irritated skin. 
• Suitable diet with added vitamins and minerals to help maintain skin health.

Wrinkled dogs can live a happy and healthy life with the proper care and attention. Always make sure they are checked regularly by a vet and that you try to avoid allergens where possible to protect their sensitive skin.

Choosing a Purebred Puppy

Thankfully, dog breeders are now taking more ethical steps to ensure that the litters produced are screened for a number of genetic problems to prioritise the health and well-being of the breed as well as their temperament over aesthetic value. 

However, as certain breeds gain popularity, there is always the risk of those breeding purebred puppies in unethical conditions, such as puppy mills, where profit is prioritised over the health and happiness of the dog.

If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, please make sure you: 

• Do your research about the breed to make sure they’re the right fit. 
• Find a suitable and ethical breeder who is well-versed in the breed and happy to communicate with you over the phone and in person.
• Visit the breeder beforehand to inspect the living conditions of the dogs and puppies and see how the mother and father live. 
• Verify with the dog’s veterinarian that the health of the parents and puppies is being properly monitored, and learn more about the breed's health concerns. 

Many responsible dog breeders will have a waiting list for their puppies as they only allow their bitches to produce one litter a year to ensure their health and well-being. If you want a purebred dog, you need to be willing to wait for your perfect puppy to become available. 

Many ethical dog breeders will have registered with institutions such as The Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme, through which you can find a reputable breeder for the breed of your choice. 

Purebred dogs have been popular for centuries, which is why the breeding of these dogs has continued. If you have your heart set on a particular breed, make sure you do your research thoroughly to ensure that they’re the right pick for you and that you’re willing to commit to their ongoing care, no matter what health conditions may arise in the future. 

Remember, while these health concerns are possible, the dog you choose is not guaranteed to develop them. So long as you choose a responsible breeder and take all the necessary measures to maintain your dog’s health, you can help reduce the chance of your dog developing breed-related health problems. 

Make sure you’re giving your purebred all the necessary support they need by providing them with a high-quality diet full of all the vitamins and minerals they need for optimum health. You can view our great range of breed-specific dog foods made by some of the top brands in the industry below. 

This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. Before starting any program or treatment, you should thoroughly discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle with your vet.