Dog Breeds With The Biggest Health Risks

Irish Setters are usually healthy dogs with few inherent medical issues overall. However, within the breed, the Irish Setter has a higher-than-average chance of suffering from epilepsy, writes Terrificpets.com. The neurological condition is inherited and is a result of breeding.

An owner can usually spot a seizure from a behavioral change before it happens, and the condition can be regulated with medication.

This handsome breed is beloved for their alertness, fearlessness, and loyalty. In fact, it’s the 14^th most popular dog, according to the American Kennel club.

But they unfortunately suffer from “dilated cardiomyopathy.” It is a heart condition in which “the muscle wall of the heart becomes thin which results in a bigger but weaker heart that is not efficient at pumping blood,” according to Pet Health Network.

According to WebMD, hip dysplasia happens when the joint's ball and socket don't quite fit together, causing pain, problems walking, and arthritis. Lots of large dogs have this issue, but German shepherds tend to have it often.

Yet, if a puppy’s parents didn’t have the problem, it’s likely they won’t either. That’s why it’s always important to ask a breeder if a pup’s ma and pa had hip dysplasia.

They are also prone to certain types of cancers like melanoma and heart disease, according to The Official German Shepherd Resource Guide.

Right behind the Doberman in popularity is the gigantic Great Dane, being the 15^th most popular breed.

Although these gentle giants are beloved for their friendliness, patience, and massive size, that hugeness comes at a cost — which you may see reflected in your vet bills. Due to the breeding involved in keeping the Great Dane greatly large, it is riddled with health issues.

Great Danes have a very high risk of bloat due to its size and deep chest. Bloat can make it harder for a dog to breathe, tears the stomach wall, and prevents blood from flowing to the dog’s heart and stomach lining, according to WebMD.

Great Danes can also develop cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and cataracts, claims the Great Dane Club of America.

Think hip dysplasia sounds bad? Add elbow dysplasia and arthritis and you’ve got the multiple joint problems of a Rottweiler.

The confident, loving breed also suffers from another bad joint condition, osteochondrosis dissecans — a condition that develops “in large, fast-growing puppies in which the cartilage in a joint doesn't form properly,” according to WebMD.

A balanced diet may help your pup grow healthy joints, but many of this breed need to undergo surgery to remove the abnormal cartilage.

Click "Page 2" for more dog breeds and their health issues!

This cute breed with its sweet droopy face and long floppy ears is great with kids, but not so much with health.

Its biggest problem is canine thrombopathia, a blood blotting disorder like hemophilia in humans. The problem is a recessive gene present in their breed and if one has the problem, they are “more vulnerable to bruising and hemorrhage,” according to Pedigree Dog Health.

It can also cause nosebleeds, bloody urine or feces, and bruising in the eye, gums, and ears.

Many love this dignified breed because they know that beneath their tough exterior beats the heart of a good-natured pup.

But their gas? It can clear a room.

However, the strong odor it produces — which may turn into bloat — isn’t its only health flaw. Sit back, because this breed has a laundry list of issues including (but not limited to) cataract, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer, and heart disease — and that's not even scratching the surface, according to the Mastiff Club of America.

What this dog provides its owners in love, however, can be worth more than any medical bill.

This attractive dog known for its signature spotted coat isn’t just a beauty; it’s also got brains, according to the American Kennel Club.

Yet, according to Purina Pro Club, “Dalmatians are one of about 92 breeds that suffer from congenital deafness. The incidence of deafness in Dalmatians is highest of all breeds, with as many as 29.9 percent of Dalmatians born deaf in one or both ears.”

That means about only 70 percent of dogs of this breed have normal hearing.

Love those adorable smashed-in faces? Unfortunately, their cutest quality is their unhealthiest one, as well.

According to WebMD, a combination of a bulldog's tiny nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea causes the cute little guys to not only snore but to also develop respiratory or breathing problems.

Yet, the health risks don’t end there. According to Caesar Milan.com, bulldogs also suffer from cherry eye, hip dysplasia, and require daily cleaning of their skin folds to avoid other health problems. They are also extremely susceptible to heat stroke.

The Golden Retriever is an American family favorite. According to the American Kennel Club, they’re the third most popular breed adored for devoted, friendly, and intelligent personalities.

But have you ever noticed that sometimes they seem to lick themselves a little too much?

“Unlike people, dogs don't sneeze when they're allergic to something,” writes WebMD. “Instead, they tend to get itchy skin. And frequent licking, scratching, and chewing can lead to hot spots (red, oozing sores).”

To combat and soothe their itchiness, give a golden dog baths with oatmeal shampoo. It’s also wise to add an omega-3 supplement to its diet. Regular flea treatment doesn’t hurt either.

Do you have one of these breeds? Please let us know your experiences in the comments below.

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