Love large-breed dogs, but so many of them seem almost plagued with major size-related health issues (bloat, cardiomypathies, etc.) and short lifespans (6-10 years).
Are there some larger breeds that have, through careful breeding or accident, show a better track record when it comes to such issues? Thanks in advance!
I love standard poodles, but they are prone to juvenile cataracts and hip dysplasia.
All breeds have some problems, you just have to make sure the breeder does genetic testing on all their stock and breeds only to studs that are also tested.
Even cross bred dogs carry the genes from thier ancestors, (pureberd dogs !) and can be prone to problems from all the breeds in their background.
8 Responses
2012 Aug 18
I’d recommend large-size poodles. They are very gentle and affectionate. Poodle is my favorite breed.
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2012 Aug 18
All purebred dogs have (the possibility of) some sort of health issue because they are bred for one certain purpose and therefore lack in other areas.
The only way to avoid most of those issues is to get a cross-bred dog. (:
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2012 Aug 18
I love standard poodles, but they are prone to juvenile cataracts and hip dysplasia.
All breeds have some problems, you just have to make sure the breeder does genetic testing on all their stock and breeds only to studs that are also tested.
Even cross bred dogs carry the genes from thier ancestors, (pureberd dogs !) and can be prone to problems from all the breeds in their background.
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2012 Aug 18
pitbull. they are designed to be hardy dogs. And if raised correctly they are one of the best dogs to have around.
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2012 Aug 18
here are some websites
http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/10-healthiest-dog-breeds-77105
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Non-Sporting-Group/Poodle/Overview.aspx
but to tell you the truth all dogs have health problems. The dogs that have health problems less are mutts to tell you the truth.
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2012 Aug 18
Crossbred dogs are generally hardier, have less likelihood of being prone to genetic diseases, but sometimes a disease will show up (like hip dysplasia) even in a crossbred.
The only purebred large dog with few genetic diseases is the greyhound.
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http://drmark1961.hubpages.com/
articles on dog selection
2012 Aug 19
No. The bigger the dog, the shorter the lifespan.
Good breeders can find genetic health issues quickly, or can limit the chances of a dog developing the problem through good breeding. For example, dalmations have an issue with deafness, but responsible dalmation owners will not breed a deaf dog so the puppies will have less of a chance of being deaf. Puppy mills, of course, don’t bother doing health checks, so be careful where you get your dog from.
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2012 Aug 19
all breeds have their list of health issues
if you are looking at giant breeds.. like greatdanes, bullmastiffs, etc they are more prone to health issues and shorter lifespans simply because dogs were not really meant to be that large, and the large size takes a toll on their body.
you can minimalize the odds of health issues tho by taking your time to find a reputable breeder.. one who does health tests, studies the pedigree, and offers guarantees.
it is a MYTH that mutts are hardier. Truth is, because mutts are often free.. people are less inclined to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. When money is spent on an animal, people tend to take better care of it, and are quicker to provide vet care.. thus health isses are more likely to be diagnosed in a purebred than in a mixed breed dog. Mixes also do not have a specific set of health issues they are prone to like purebreds do.. that does not make them hardier or healthier tho, it just means more of a crapshot at the genetics. We had a lab mix when I was a kid who had terrible hip displasia, and a poor temperment to boot. my purebred dog, from a reputable breeder, has been healthy and has a good temperment.
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