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 nearly eight percent – and demand for four-legged friends remains high after the lockdown.
There are an incredible 221 different breeds of pedigree dogs to choose from, as well as numerous crossbreeds.
There are even scientific guides to take advantage of, with the book “The Intelligence of Dogs” by psychologist Stanley Coren, which ranks races based on instinct, obedience, and adaptability.
Another thing to consider is that some breeds are prone to particular health problems.
A common canine condition is hip dysplasia – when the dog’s hip ball joint does not fit properly or does not develop properly, causing it to rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly.
The condition causes the hip to deteriorate over time, causing pain and drastically reducing a dog’s quality of life.
Here are the 10 dog breeds with the lowest genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia, according to the American Kennel Club, along with more information about the condition.
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Larger dogs are most likely to develop hip dysplasia, with the German Shepherd being a case in point. They are most likely to develop the disease later in life, around the age of seven.
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Golden Retrievers share the many positive qualities of the Labrador Retriever, but also the tendency to develop hip problems. Some dogs show signs of the problem by the time they are just a few months old, while others show no problems until they are much older.
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A combination of tall physique, genetic makeup, and weight distribution mean that lovable Labrador Retrievers often develop hip dysplasia. Symptoms of the condition include hobbling, lack of interest in exercise, reluctance to climb stairs, and a clicking sound when walking.
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Due to its enormous size, the Saint Bernard is prone to a number of degenerative joint diseases. Keeping a dog at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of such problems.
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