A large number of us made the decision last year to welcome new puppies into our homes – according to the Kennel Club figures, dog ownership has increased by almost eight percent – 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 to look for with psychologist Stanley Coren’s book “The Intelligence of Dogs,” which evaluates breeds 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 frequently 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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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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Like the Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retreivers are prone to PRA. Responsible breeders will not breed a dog that is known to have the hereditary disorder.
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All three sizes of poodle – toy, miniature, and standard – are genetically predisposed to glaucoma. This buildup of fluid in the eye can be painful and blind, but treatment can be managed if a veterinarian detects it early enough.
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