Trendy Breeds and their Trending Needs

Thinking of adopting a new dog? There are plenty of questions to consider, and one question cuts straight to the front of the line: what breed should you get? The American Kennel Club now recognizes 200 different dog breeds, all with their own unique personalities, quirks, needs, and health concerns. You could spend your entire life becoming an expert on just one dog breed, which makes researching and comparing every breed a herculean task.
Personal bias will always have a hand in your decision making (it’s okay to play favorites, we won’t tell!), as will living, finance, and family situations. But in favor of these factors, breed health is often overlooked. Every dog breed has their own unique health needs and concerns, and different breeds are more predisposed to different medical issues. Knowing the trends and the health issues associated with certain breeds can help you and your family make more informed decisions and can help you prepare now for eventualities that may not come to pass for many years. 
If your family is getting excited about a new dog then we know talking about health concerns is a bit of a downer, but you’ll thank yourself later for having these conversations now. And hey, we promise to sprinkle in plenty of cute photos to lighten the mood!

---

Big Dogs!
From the Great Dane to the Saint Bernard to the Greater Dane, there’s no sight quite as majestic as a truly huge dog.
Some health concerns are common across most large breeds; carrying around extra weight and size makes these breeds more susceptible to mobility issues such as arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament tears (the dog version of an ACL tear). Large, deep-chested dogs such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes, and Weimaraners are also more at risk for bloat, though this risk can be mitigated via gastropexy, a surgical procedure that fastens the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting. This can even be done laparoscopically at CAH!

---

Small Dogs!
Napoleon Complexes have yet to be recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, but in the meantime there are still plenty of conditions common to smaller dogs.
​Many small breeds experience higher risks of dental disease and mitral valve disease (a weakening of the valves around the heart), and are also uniquely vulnerable to tracheal collapse, which can inhibit their breathing. Small breeds also have their own mobility issues distinct from large breeds, such as patellar luxation (common in Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and some small terrier breeds), in which the kneecap becomes displaced and causes a “skipping” as the patient walks.
​Small dog breeds have their own nutritional needs as well, thanks to their smaller stomachs and lower food intake. Because of this it’s easier to end up overfeeding or with a nutritional imbalance (a single treat represents a far greater portion of a Yorkie’s diet than a Great Dane’s), which may be tied to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis in smaller breeds.

---

Brachycephalic Breeds!
Brachycephalic is the medical term for short-nose breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs. These breeds have seen a big surge in popularity thanks to their adorable, smushed-up faces, but irresponsible breeding has made this cute feature into a major health concern.
​Shortened faces require shortened airways, which in turn can cause breathing issues throughout the dog’s life- so much so, in fact, that the condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS can increase the risk and severity of upper respiratory infections, and can also make it harder to exercise a dog and keep them in good shape.
​In addition to airways, brachycephalic breeds’ shorter faces can also create problems with their eyes. Bracychepallic Ocular Syndrome occurs thanks to shallow eye sockets pushing or bulging a pet’s eyes forward, and can result in eye trauma, eye protrusions, abnormal tear production, and even the inability to fully close the eyelids.

---

Lightning Round
There are a few breeds and conditions that don’t fit into our other categories, but still warrant a mention.
​While cancer is unfortunately common in all dogs, it is particularly prevalent in Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. The linked National Canine Cancer Foundation article also contains a table breaking down the most common type of cancer by dog breed.
​Poodles and doodles don’t shed, which can be great for your carpets, but also means they require grooming more regularly (up to every four weeks) to prevent matting and overheating. Poodles are also at a higher risk of glaucoma.
​Epilepsy is far more common in dogs than in cats, and is observed most in certain breeds such as Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Border Collies.

Shopping and Adopting Responsibly
Nothing in veterinary medicine is ever a guarantee; despite being a cancer-prone breed, an individual golden retriever could still live a long cancer-free life, and a French Bulldog could still develop osteoarthritis common in larger breeds. If you’re still interested in one of the breeds we’ve singled out here, don’t despair! Responsible breeders are aware of the same issues we’ve been talking about, and will take steps to screen and eliminate these conditions from their lines wherever possible. For assistance finding a reputable breeder, the Humane Society of the United States has put together a helpful handout featuring questions to ask and points to watch out for.
​If you’re looking for more information on the prevalence of health conditions across different breeds, Forbes has compiled an article that uses insurance claim information to track the prevalence of numerous health conditions across many breeds. And as always, if you still have unanswered questions about dog breeds, health concerns, or anything else we’ve covered, drop us a line! We’re always happy to chat, and we can’t wait to meet the newest member of your fuzzy family. :)

---