15 Dog Breeds That Are Likely To Have Major Health Complications 

Not all problems are immediately apparent. You might meet a breed and feel an instant connection, but genetics has a quiet influence on how that bond unfolds. Some dogs are more prone to medical challenges than others. Here’s a look at which breeds come with traits that may come at a cost beyond affection.

English Bulldog

Their charmingly squashed faces and lumbering gait win hearts instantly. However, English Bulldogs suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome due to their short skulls. Additionally, their compressed pelvis often leads to reproductive complications, making natural birth nearly impossible. Consequently, they are one of the most C-section-dependent breeds in the world.

German Shepherd

Originally bred for herding, German Shepherds are intelligent and driven. Nevertheless, decades of selective breeding for sloped backs have made them prone to severe hip and elbow dysplasia. Furthermore, they face a higher-than-average risk of degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease with no cure and a heartbreaking progression.

Golden Retriever

Beloved for their loyalty and gentleness, Golden Retrievers conceal a troubling fact: nearly 60% die from cancer. Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma are the most common culprits. They’re also predisposed to elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Meaning? Their golden years often require vigilant veterinary monitoring and costly treatments.

Boxer

Boxers have a genetic shadow looming over their strong frames. They’re particularly susceptible to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a deadly inherited heart condition. Additionally, Boxers are vulnerable to mast cell tumors and epilepsy, which makes regular cardiac evaluations and cancer screenings a non-negotiable for responsible owners.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Despite their royal reputation and silky coats, Cavaliers often carry syringomyelia, a painful condition in which brain tissue presses into the spinal cord. Alarmingly, this disorder can develop early and cause severe neurological pain. Plus, they frequently develop mitral valve disease by age five.

Dachshund

Dachshunds were designed to hunt badgers, but their long backs and short legs now work against them. They are extremely susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), with roughly 25% developing it. Consequently, many face partial paralysis without surgical intervention. Their playful leaps, while cute, often lead to tragic consequences.

Labrador Retriever

As America’s most popular breed, Labradors are praised for their friendliness and work ethic. Still, they commonly inherit hip and elbow dysplasia and suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, which causes irreversible blindness. Many labs even carry the gene for exercise-induced collapse, a sudden and alarming condition that occurs during physical stress.

Shar Pei

Shar Peis look like living wrinkles, but those folds can harbor serious health concerns. Most notably, they face Shar Pei fever. It’s a condition marked by sudden fevers and joint swelling due to inherited amyloidosis. Also, their tight skin contributes to entropion, where eyelashes scrape the eyeballs.

Chow Chow

Chow Chows look like regal lions. However, their genetics often bite back. They’re highly prone to glaucoma and hypothyroidism, two issues that quietly wreak havoc without regular monitoring. So, they require consistent eye pressure checks and blood tests to stay ahead of serious complications.

Great Dane

Great Danes live short but intense lives. Genetically, they’re prone to dilated cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion, which can kill within hours. Due to their rapid growth, they’re also at risk of bone cancer and orthopedic disease. Even minor issues can escalate quickly without care.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans combine loyalty with sleek strength, yet they’re predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy, often causing sudden death. They also frequently carry the gene for Von Willebrand disease, a clotting disorder similar to hemophilia. Therefore, owners must pursue proactive health checks to catch conditions before they become catastrophic.

Boston Terrier

Compact and expressive, Boston Terriers face a host of inherited issues. Their shortened snouts often cause labored breathing and heat sensitivity. Plus, those protruding eyes are prone to injury and susceptible to corneal ulcers. Another common issue is a luxating patella, in which the kneecap slips out of place.

Pug

Pugs have big personalities but tiny nasal passages. Many times, their brachycephalic skulls result in sleep apnea and chronic respiratory strain. The risk of pug dog encephalitis also persists. It’s an inflammatory brain disease that’s both rare and fatal. Although their antics are entertaining, their health history tells a far more serious tale.

Beagle

Beagles are spirited scent hounds, yet many harbor inherited health pitfalls. They frequently develop hypothyroidism, which causes sluggishness and weight gain. Furthermore, epilepsy is more common in Beagles than in most breeds, often emerging between two and five years of age. 

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels wear their silky coats like royalty, but their ears are constant troublemakers. Floppy ear canals can trap moisture, which encourages infections that can become chronic. Genetically, they’re also prone to autoimmune hemolytic anemia and eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. So, their grooming needs go far beyond beauty.