The UK's top 10 dog breeds and their common health issues
The latest figures report the UK canine population is at 12 million. It is clear to see the more popular breeds while walking down the high street or out at your local dog park. Can you name them all?
When choosing a dog for your family home, it is essential to consider breed, size, personality, needs, and potential ailments or concerns. Read the full guide on each breed for all their most common conditions and treatment options.
1. THE LABRADOR
The loyal Labrador makes the perfect family dog, with their love of everything from people, pets, and especially food!
However, they are prone to several genetic health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which presents with symptoms like lameness, difficulty rising, and reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs.
2. THE FRENCH BULLDOG
The Frenchie has grown in popularity over the past 10 years. It is their short, stocky stature and “smush-nose” that makes them so adorable. However, they are susceptible to several health issues such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) which causes snoring, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.
3. THE COCKER SPANIEL
These high-energy, fun-loving pups are fabulous family dogs. They are always keen to learn and please, which makes them easy to train.
They suffer from several issues including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, with symptoms like lameness and difficulty rising, which can be treated with weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and surgery if severe.
4. THE DACHSHUND
Dachshunds are bright, loyal, and courageous. Don’t be fooled by their size, those little legs have stamina while hunting—a trait that can also translate into a lot of running and barking.
They are susceptible to a few conditions, most notable is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which causes back pain, difficulty walking, and paralysis.
5. THE ENGLISH BULLDOG
The English Bulldog is sociable, laid-back, and prized for their personality over intelligence. Following commands, they tend to weigh up “what’s in it for them” before responding.
Like the French Bulldog they suffer from BOAS but also Skin allergies due to the endearing folds of skin around their face.
6. THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER
The Golden Retriever is intelligent, yet with a soft side, making them very popular family dogs. Their eagerness to please makes them easily trainable, hence often the breed of choice for guide dogs or members of the search and rescue teams.
Like the Labrador they suffer from hip dysplasia but they can also have ocular concerns like night blindness (retinal atrophy) and redness to eyes (glaucoma).
7. THE SPRINGER SPANIEL
Named for the way they “spring” at game, the endlessly energetic, enthusiastic, water-loving Springer Spaniel makes great family pets. Yet, they do need plenty of training and exercise to keep them out of mischief!
They commonly suffer from Hip dysplasia and Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) leads to slow progressive blindness.
8. THE GERMAN SHEPHERD
The German Shepherd dog, also known as the Alsatian, carries itself as the most dignified of dogs and deservedly so. They are incredibly intelligent and fearless, making them great protectors, service dogs, or guardians.
Sadly they are prone to a number of conditions including Degenerative myelopathy which is a genetically inherited neurological disease, that causes the white matter in the spinal cord to break down, leading to progressive hind leg weakness and lameness.
9. THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier sadly can be given a bad reputation, as they are often associated with violence. However, they are in fact gentle, fun-loving, and incredibly loyal family dogs and make great companions.
One of their most common issues is Cruciate ligament disease, which occurs when the ligament slowly frays, getting weaker and worse over time.
10. THE MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
What this breed lacks in size, they certainly make up for in personality with their boundless energy and flair for mischief. Their distinctive “whiskers and beard” give them a wise appearance, and indeed they are a clever and alert breed.
Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to a few conditions including bladder stones which cause abdominal pain, increased urinary accidents and blood in urine.
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