A large number of us decided last year to welcome new puppies into our homes – dog ownership has increased nearly eight percent according to the Kennel Club figures – and demand for four-legged friends remains high after the lockdown.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dogs as well as numerous crossbreeds to choose from.
There are even scientific guides that psychologist Stanley Coren uses in his book “The Intelligence of Dogs” to classify breeds based on instinct, obedience and adaptability.
Another thing to consider is that some breeds are prone to particular health problems.
There are a number of canine eye-related disorders – from conjunctivitis to glaucoma – with some breeds being affected much more often than others.
Here are the 10 dog breeds with the lowest genetic predisposition to eye problems.
Labrador Retrievers are genetically more likely than other dogs to develop progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative disease that leads to complete blindness within about two years of diagnosis.
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Like the Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retreivers are prone to PRA. Responsible breeders will not breed a dog that is known to have the hereditary disease.
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Springer Spaniels often develop glaucoma and cataracts, especially in later life. A visit to the veterinarian is needed if your pet’s eyes are cloudy, red, or itchy.
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Siberian Huskies are known for their distinctive eyes, but are unfortunately also predisposed to three genetic eye diseases – cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and PRA. For this reason, huskies should have an eye exam before breeding.
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