In the past 18 months, many of us have welcomed a new four-legged friend into our homes as dog ownership at the Kennel Club increased nearly eight percent in 2020.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dogs to choose from, there is a lot of thought to be found before choosing your perfect puppy – whether you want a large dog, family friendly dog, or a crossbreed.
There are even scientific guides in which the psychologist Stanley Coren in his book “The Intelligence of Dogs” classifies the breeds according to instinct, obedience and adaptability.
When looking for a new dog, it should be noted that certain breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions that, in some cases, can shorten their lives.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t great pets – some are even among the most popular and popular dog breeds in the UK – but the important thing to know is that there are potential problems so that you know what symptoms to look out for to make sure that your pooch is getting the best early treatment possible.
Here are 10 of the breeds that are suffering from the worst health problems according to the Kennel Club.
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Basset Hounds are absolutely adorable, but are prone to a range of joint problems, digestive problems including gas, and Willebrand’s severe blood clotting. Getting health insurance for this breed is essential and regular veterinary visits are recommended.
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Owners of friendly and loyal Cocker Spaniels should be aware that their pet is prone to a variety of health problems, including a variety of orthopedic issues, epilepsy, heart disease, and liver disease.
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Hopefully, sourcing a German Shepherd from a good breeder should minimize the risk of developing a dog with hip dysplasia – a painful condition that affects puppies that can be prevented with careful evaluation. German Shepherds are also more likely to develop cataracts, cardiomyopathy, and skin allergies than most other breeds.
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Pugs are brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, which means they can develop health problems that others don’t – especially breathing problems. These bundles of fur can also have problems with dermatitis and eye infections.
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