The Unhealthiest Dog Breeds

Humans have relied on dogs for thousands of years. Not every dog is as healthy as they should be due to our interference. Over the past few centuries, human-guided breeding has split dogs into hundreds of different types. These characteristics can lead to a high risk of health problems if they are inbred.

Scientists, animal welfare advocates, and some breeders have been trying to bring attention to the plight of the less healthy dogs. Some countries have recently taken action to heavily regulate or effectively ban the breeding of certain dogs due to the fact that there are many in these communities who believe that it is still possible to steer breeding practices in a positive direction. The buying and selling of specific breeds has been discouraged by some organizations.

Every dog is deserving of being part of a family. For people who would like to let a dog in their home and heart, here are some breeds that are less healthy.

Frenchies are members of a group of dogs called brachycephalic dogs. The flatter muzzle and skull of these dogs makes them more prone to breathing problems and other health issues. According to a study done in December of last year, Frenchies are more likely to develop 12 of the 32 common disorders than non- Frenchies. Since the lack of hair would likely raise their odds of sunburn or other skin problems, some breeders have gone out of their way to breed hairless French bulldogs.

Bigger dogs have a higher risk of health problems than smaller dogs. These lovable goofs are not exceptions. The Bernese mountain dogs are known to be more vulnerable to canine hip dysplasia, a condition that can lead to chronic arthritis. A 2020 study found that the ancestors of these dogs may live three to four years less than other dogs. Even though size was taken into account, there was still an increased risk of early death.

English bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed with a lot of issues. A recent study found that people with shorter lifespans and breathing problems are more likely to develop a red mass in the corner of the eye called "cherry eyes." The breeding of English bulldogs in Norway was stopped in February.

Great Danes are vulnerable to hip and other bones issues. Danes have a short lifespan, with the average lifespan being between 8 and 10 years. Some vets call them the "heartbreak" breed because of their brief existence and higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

At first glance, the health risks of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel are not as bad as some other breeds. They have their own list of health risks. Most spaniels will inevitably develop mitral valve disease, which causes the valve to not close properly, allowing blood to move backwards. It is considered to be the breed's leading cause of death due to the condition. The English bulldog was one of the breeds that was banned by Norway.

Irish wolfhounds may have the lowest life expectancy of any breed around due to their large size. The average age of death for pet owners is 6 to 7. Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two most common causes of death.

Pugs are some of the most beautiful and tragic creatures in the world. Their wrinkled faces and flattened skulls make them prone to a number of health issues, including labored breathing and skin fold inflammation. pug dog encephalitis is a neurological condition that is so synonymous with the breed that it is called pug dog encephalitis. There has been debate about whether the breeding of these pugs should be banned, but a small community of breeders have started to outcross pugs with other dogs in an effort to create healthier "retropugs" that resemble what they used to look like.