Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, but not all breeds were created with their well-being in mind. Many popular breeds suffer from severe health issues due to selective breeding practices that prioritize appearance over function. Because of this, many dog breeds suffer from breathing difficulties and painful joint disorders. These are twelve dog breeds that shouldn’t exist but somehow do.
1. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs suffer from many health issues because of their strange physical features. They have flat faces, which causes them to suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which causes severe breathing difficulties. However, English bulldogs can also suffer from many other health issues, including skin fold dermatitis, cherry eye, and a protruding lower jaw.
2. Pug
Pugs suffer from similar respiratory issues because of their brachycephalic structure. They are said to be 1.9 times more likely to have health problems than other dogs. These dogs also suffer from BOAS, and they are prone to eye problems, obesity, and skin fold infections.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs suffer from respiratory difficulties and an inability to regulate their own body temperature effectively. They are also prone to environmental and skin-related allergies. French Bulldogs often suffer from conjunctivitis, food allergies, and digestive problems like colitis and chronic diarrhea.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds are adorable dogs that are unfortunately susceptible to intervertebral disc disease because of their elongated spines. Because of this, they often struggle with severe back problems, pain, and in some cases, paralysis.
5. German Shepherd
Show line German Shepherds have exaggerated sloping backs that often lead to hip dysplasia and other orthopedic issues. They often struggle with skin and fur problems, ear infections, and hypothyroidism.
6. Shar Pei
Shar Peis have excessive skin folds that can cause chronic skin infections and eye problems. They are also prone to in-turned eyelids and ear infections. They also suffer from Shar Pei fever, which is an inherited auto-inflammatory disease specific to the breed.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are prone to mitral valve disease, a serious heart condition. They also frequently suffer from syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition that affects 70% of the breed by the time they reach six years old. Other common issues include ear infections, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
8. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to various health issues due to their large size and loose skin. They are susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening heart condition. Other common problems include skin infections, joint issues, and eye problems.
9. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds struggle with ear and eye infections due to their long ears and droopy eyes. They are also at risk of gastric torsion because of their deep chests. Other common health issues include joint issues, especially elbow dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease.
10. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas often suffer from dental problems due to their small jaws. They are prone to luxating patellas, which is also known as slipping kneecaps, and hip dysplasia. Some Chihuahuas may develop hydrocephalus or syringomyelia due to their small skull size.
11. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia, and skin issues because of their thick coats. They may also suffer from entropion and elbow dysplasia. Responsible breeders should focus on health testing to avoid these issues.
12. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are known for their egg-shaped heads, but this feature comes with serious health concerns. Due to selective breeding, they are prone to skull malformations that lead to severe dental issues and breathing difficulties. They also suffer from genetic disorders like deafness, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and heart problems.
