Breed Health Guides

MDR1 Gene Mutation (Multi-Drug Sensitivity)

MDR1

The MDR1 gene mutation is a specific genetic abnormality common in Australian Shepherds and related herding breeds that causes life-threatening reactions to certain commonly prescribed medications.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy — recurrent seizures with no identifiable structural cause — is one of the most concerning neurologic issues in Border Collies.

Cancer

Boxers have one of the highest cancer rates in the dog world — by some surveys nearly 40% of Boxers die of cancer.

Mast Cell Tumor

MCT

Boxers have one of the highest documented breed risks for mast cell tumors — a common skin cancer that ranges from easily curable to aggressive.

Heart Disease (MMVD)

MMVD

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in dogs and the leading cause of death in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD)

MMVD

Mitral valve disease — degeneration of the heart's mitral valve causing blood to leak backward — is the single most common health issue in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Chronic Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

Chronic Otitis

If you have a Cocker Spaniel, you already know: their ears are gorgeous, and they get infections.

Back Problems (IVDD)

IVDD

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the leading cause of back and neurological problems in Dachshunds.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD

Intervertebral Disc Disease is the iconic Dachshund health problem — and the single most common cause of acute paralysis in dogs of this breed.

Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of death in Doberman Pinschers — by some studies more than 50% of Dobermans develop DCM in their lifetime.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM

Dilated Cardiomyopathy is the most concerning health issue in Doberman Pinschers.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

BOAS

English Bulldogs may be the single most brachycephalic-affected breed in the modern dog population.

Breathing Problems (BOAS)

BOAS

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the umbrella term for breathing trouble in flat-faced breeds.

Allergies

French Bulldogs are one of the most allergy-prone breeds — environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis), food allergies, and contact sensitivities are extremely common.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

BOAS

French Bulldogs are America's most popular dog — and they live every day with the airway compromise that comes with a flat face.

Bloat (GDV)

GDV

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) — bloat — is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off blood supply.

Degenerative Myelopathy

DM

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disease of the spinal cord, similar in many ways to ALS in humans.

Elbow Dysplasia

ED

Elbow dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic problems in German Shepherds — and the leading cause of forelimb lameness in young large-breed dogs.

Cancer

Golden Retrievers have one of the highest lifetime cancer rates of any breed — Morris Animal Foundation's ongoing Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and other large surveys put it around 60% of Goldens dying of cancer, vs roughly 25% across all dogs.

Lymphoma

Golden Retrievers carry the highest cancer risk of any breed — Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study estimates that more than half of Goldens are diagnosed with cancer at some point, and lymphoma is the most common type.

Bloat (GDV)

GDV

Great Danes have the highest lifetime risk of GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, aka bloat) of any breed — some studies put it at over 40% lifetime risk.

Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

GDV

Bloat — gastric dilatation-volvulus — is the single most life-threatening condition every Great Dane owner needs to know.

Hip Dysplasia

CHD

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is an inherited malformation of the hip joint where the ball of the femur and the socket of the pelvis don't fit together correctly.

Obesity

Labrador Retrievers are the most overweight breed in America — multiple studies put obesity rates over 60%.

Breathing Problems (BOAS)

BOAS

Pugs are among the most severely brachycephalic breeds, with extremely flat faces and compressed airways.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

BOAS

Pugs are among the most affected breeds for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma — bone cancer — is the most concerning oncologic risk in Rottweilers.

Eye Problems

Shih Tzus are predisposed to a constellation of eye conditions because of their facial conformation — protruding eyes, shallow eye sockets, and facial hair that contacts the cornea.

Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Addison's

Addison's disease — hypoadrenocorticism — is the inability of the adrenal glands to produce adequate cortisol and aldosterone.

Dental Problems

Yorkshire Terriers have one of the highest rates of dental disease in dogs.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in toy breeds, and Yorkies sit at the top of the at-risk list.