When you picture your favorite breed of dog, a healthy and ideal conformation probably comes to mind. However, whether you are researching dogs to find the right breed for your lifestyle or learning about the dog you currently have it is important to know, recognize and be able to understand the genetic predisposition that some breeds have to both potentially major and insignificant health issues.
Small Breeds
From purse pets to pest control workers, the small breeds are loved as well. In many of the breeds, breeders are choosing to get smaller and smaller as the public’s interest in them continues to get larger every year. The smaller the dog, the more people want them as unique and loving best friends. But with small size comes great health concerns.
Yorkshire Terriers were originally created to help eradicate mice and rats that would infest mines. Today, they are kept as loving family companions and furry best friends, but they still suffer from their own breed-related health conditions. Bronchitis, eye infections, early tooth decay, and a slipped stifle are only the tip of the iceberg. Yearly wellness exams will help ensure a healthier Yorkie.
Still, even with the most careful breeding anomalies and problems still arise. Malformed skulls, hindquarter paralysis, and difficult births are all well-known among fanciers of the toy-sized breed.
Medium Breeds
Perhaps often thought of as the ideal dog, not too big or too small, the medium-sized dog can fit the needs of many. Pets, hunting companions, herding dogs, and more the medium-sized dog tends to fit right between the problems of the little dog, such as tooth issues, and of the big dog like early onset arthritis. Still, every medium-sized purebred dog has the possibility of breed-specific health conditions that can occur.
Border Collies are one of man’s greatest working partners. They can herd a flock of sheep, win titles in obedience and provide a life-saving task as a service dog for a disabled individual. While they rank as one of the most intelligent breeds, a few genetic flaws can plague them. Prone to deafness, epilepsy, and Collie Eye Anomaly they are still a long-lived and mostly healthy breed when care is taken.
Like most herding breeds, a genetic mutation called MDR1 can make the Border Collie highly sensitive to certain drugs, including heartworm and flea preventatives that are typically given to most dogs on a monthly basis. Along with a list of other drugs, Ivermectin can cause seizures, blindness and even death in the breed.
Large Breeds
Larger-sized dogs range from 60 pounds to over 200! They range in all types of fields from herders and live stock protectors to guard dogs and hunters. Larger dogs can be just as friendly and loveable as any other size, but their sheer mass can allow some powerful and heartbreaking health problems to seep in.
Rottweilers, descendants of ancient Mastiffs, had been used in nearly all fields of work during the breed’s creation. You name it, they have done it, including herding, cart pulling, and guard work. Today they’re known as friendly gentle giants that take their family’s safety to heart. Unfortunately, this large breed does come with his own set of health issues including proneness to ligament rupture in the hindquarter, arthritis, hip dysplasia and easily over heating.
Flea and Tick Prevention Across Breeds
Regardless of the breed size – small, medium, or large – an essential aspect of maintaining your dog’s health is consistent flea and tick prevention. These pests not only cause discomfort and itching but can also transmit diseases and lead to skin infections. While some breeds may have a genetic sensitivity to certain flea and tick preventatives, as mentioned in the case of Border Collies, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian to identify a safe and effective prevention method suitable for your specific breed. A tailored approach to flea and tick prevention can help protect your dog from these parasites, contributing to their overall health and well-being. Remember, it’s not just about treating an infestation; proactive prevention plays a key role in ensuring your dog’s comfort and health, regardless of their breed or size.
Every Breed Has Problems
No matter the breed, all dogs have the possibility of health issues. Almost every breed is prone to it’s own health concerns in which his genetics, physiology or simply his size has made him susceptible. That is why we encourage to adopt a mix breed they tend to be healthier than pure breeds. Most vets tend to side with the mix breeds being healthier than pure breeds and hyrbids. Mutts win out for their sheer hardiness, thriftiness and longevity, due to their lower incidence of genetic disease.
Since they are likely to have a lower risk of receiving a high dose of specific purebred genetic material that can lead to inherited disease. Most mixed breeds have a lower rate of hip dysplasia, common knee problems, among many other health issues. Meanwhile, any sign, however small should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention.