Breed-Related Health Issues: What Every Dog Owner Should Know
Different dog breeds are predisposed to specific health conditions. Learn what health issues are common in your dog’s breed and how to prevent or catch problems early.
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Introduction
Every dog breed has its own set of health strengths and weaknesses.1 Just like humans, certain dog breeds are more prone to developing specific health conditions than others. Understanding the health risks for your dog’s breed is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and catch problems early.
This guide covers the most common breed-related health issues and what you can do to prevent them or detect them early. By knowing what to watch for, you can work with your veterinarian to give your dog the best possible health outcomes.
Understanding Breed-Specific Health Conditions
Different dog breeds face different health challenges because of selective breeding for specific physical traits. Size, facial structure, coat type, and temperament were all selected for through breeding, and these traits carry genetic predispositions to certain health conditions.
The good news is that understanding these risks allows you to:
- Make informed decisions when selecting a breed
- Screen for health problems before they develop
- Catch early signs before they become serious
- Support breeders who health-test their dogs
- Work with your veterinarian on prevention strategies
Large Breed Health Issues
Large breed dogs (50+ pounds) and giant breed dogs (100+ pounds) are prone to several serious health conditions. Their larger body size puts extra stress on bones, joints, and the heart.2
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is abnormal development of the hip joint.3 The ball and socket don’t fit together properly, leading to arthritis and pain over time. Dogs most commonly affected include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
Important note: Although genetics often play a role in this disorder, young dogs that grow or gain weight too quickly or get too much high-impact exercise are also at risk.2 Being overweight can aggravate hip dysplasia.
Signs:
- Limping or lameness in hind legs
- Difficulty rising from resting position
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Arthritis pain, especially in older dogs
- Bunny-hopping gait (both back legs moving together)
Prevention:2
- Maintain healthy weight — Excess weight puts stress on developing joints
- Appropriate exercise — Avoid excessive jumping and high-impact exercise in puppies
- Proper nutrition — Use large-breed puppy food and avoid over-supplementing with calcium and vitamin D
- Health screening of parents — Ask breeders for OFA or PennHIP screening results
Screening methods:4
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): Dogs must be at least 24 months old. Board-certified radiologists evaluate and grade hips on a seven-point scale. No sedation required. Lower cost but less sensitive at detecting early disease
- PennHIP: Can be performed on dogs as young as 16 weeks old. Requires sedation and certified veterinarian. More objective measurement and more predictive of future arthritis. Identifies at-risk dogs earlier when preventive surgery may help
Management:
- Weight management and regular moderate exercise
- Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Anti-inflammatory medication as recommended by your vet
- Physical therapy
- Surgery in severe cases (hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy)
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV)
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.5 This cuts off blood flow and can kill a dog in hours. Large breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Weimaraners are at highest risk.
Signs (Emergency):5
- Sudden swollen abdomen that’s hard and distended
- Restlessness and pacing
- Dry heaving or unproductive vomiting
- Pale gums
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
Emergency action: Go to the vet immediately. This is life-threatening and requires emergency surgery.
Prevention:5
- Feed smaller, frequent meals — Multiple smaller meals reduce risk more than one large meal
- Avoid exercise right after eating — Wait at least one hour after meals before vigorous activity
- Use elevated food bowls — Positioning food at chest height reduces the risk
- Avoid rapid eating — Use slow-feed bowls to prevent gulping
- Limit water after meals — Large amounts of water immediately after eating can contribute to bloat
- Avoid food that causes rapid expansion — Some foods expand more than others when in the stomach
- Prophylactic gastropexy: This surgical procedure, often performed at the time of spay/neuter for at-risk breeds, attaches the stomach to the body wall.6 Prevents the stomach from twisting in 95% of cases, reducing recurrence risk from 80% to less than 5%
- Responsible breeding: Dogs with a history of GDV or a first-degree relative with GDV should not be bred
Heart Disease (Dilated Cardiomyopathy)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and can’t pump blood effectively.7 This is common in large and giant breeds, especially Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Irish Wolfhounds.
Why it happens:7
- The heart muscle weakens over time
- Heart chambers stretch and dilate
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can develop, which can cause fainting or even sudden death
- Eventually, fluid leaks into the lungs (congestive heart failure)
Signs:7
- Reduced ability to exercise or exercise intolerance
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Coughing (especially at night)
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or fainting during exercise or excitement
- Abdominal distension
Detection:
- Heart murmur detection during vet exam
- Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Chest X-rays
Why early detection matters: Early diagnosis and treatment are key to slowing disease progression and improving quality of life and life expectancy. Dogs identified at the congestive heart failure stage have a poor prognosis.
Management:
- ACE inhibitor medications to reduce strain on the heart
- Beta-blockers to control heart rhythm
- Diuretics if fluid accumulation occurs
- Restricted exercise and rest
- Low-sodium diet
- Regular monitoring with ultrasound
Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs and occurs mostly in giant breeds. It’s aggressive and requires aggressive treatment.
Signs:
- Severe limping or lameness
- Swelling on a limb, especially around the knee, elbow, or hip
- Reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
- Limping that progressively worsens
When to suspect: Persistent lameness that doesn’t improve with rest in a large or giant breed dog should be evaluated immediately.
Diagnosis:
- X-rays to visualize the bone tumor
- Biopsy to confirm osteosarcoma
- CT scan or MRI to assess spread
Treatment: Amputation of the affected limb combined with chemotherapy offers the best prognosis. Many dogs adapt well to life on three legs.
Small Breed Health Issues
Small and toy breed dogs face their own set of health challenges. Their small size affects how their bodies work and makes them vulnerable to specific conditions.
Patellar Luxation (Knee Dislocation)
Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slides out of its groove. This is very common in toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles.
Severity grades:8
- Grade I: Occasional slipping, dog may not show symptoms
- Grade II: Frequent slipping, intermittent limping
- Grade III: Almost always out of place, significant lameness
- Grade IV: Permanently dislocated, severe lameness
Signs:
- Intermittent limping or skipping
- Holding the back leg up while running
- Pain or reluctance to bear weight
- Sudden lameness that may resolve on its own
Treatment:9
- Grade I and some Grade II: Often managed without surgery using physical therapy, weight control, and joint supplements. These help build muscle and reduce pressure on the knee
- Grade III and IV: Usually require surgery. Surgical options include:
- Deepening of the knee groove (sulcoplasty)
- Repositioning of the patellar ligament attachment point
- Corrective bone realignment in some cases
Post-surgical recovery:10
- Weeks 1-2: Strict rest, leash-only bathroom breaks, cold therapy
- Weeks 3-4: Gentle walking and physical therapy exercises
- Weeks 5-6: Gradual increase in activity, short controlled walks
- Week 7-8: Most dogs regain good function with proper rehabilitation
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse happens when the windpipe weakens and collapses, making breathing difficult. This is especially common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus.
Why it happens:11
- The cartilage rings supporting the windpipe weaken
- The windpipe narrows, restricting airflow
- Can be dynamic (varies with breathing) or fixed (constant)
Signs:
- Dry cough (often described as a “honking” cough)
- Difficulty breathing, especially with excitement or heat
- Excessive panting
- Gagging or retching
- Exercise intolerance
- Collapse in severe cases
Triggers include: Excitement, exercise, heat, pulling on a collar, environmental irritants
Management:12
- Use a harness instead of a collar — Eliminates pressure on the trachea
- Avoid excitement and stress — Keep your dog calm
- Maintain healthy weight — Excess weight exacerbates symptoms
- Environmental modifications:
- Avoid smoke and air pollution
- Use a humidifier in dry climates
- Keep cool to avoid excessive panting
- Medication:
- Cough suppressants
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bronchodilators and antihistamines
- Antibiotics if secondary infections develop
- Surgery: For severe cases, surgical options include placement of tracheal rings or intraluminal stents, though surgery does not return the trachea to normal and may not always resolve symptoms
Dental Disease
Small breed dogs are prone to overcrowded teeth and early tooth decay. Dental disease can lead to pain, infection, and systemic health problems.
Why small breeds are vulnerable:
- Limited space in the mouth leads to crowding
- Teeth are more likely to touch and trap food/bacteria
- May not wear teeth naturally during chewing
Signs of dental disease:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Face swelling or abscesses
Prevention:
- Daily tooth brushing — Most effective prevention
- Regular professional cleanings — Annual or twice yearly depending on risk
- Hard chew toys that promote natural tooth cleaning
- Dental treats designed to reduce tartar
- Regular vet exams to catch early disease
Heart Disease (Degenerative Valve Disease)
Small breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are predisposed to degenerative mitral valve disease. The valve fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward in the heart.
Signs:
- Coughing, especially at night or during rest
- Fatigue and exercise intolerance
- Difficulty breathing
- Fainting or collapse
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (detected by vet)
Detection:
- Heart murmur detected during vet exam
- Echocardiography to assess valve damage
- Regular ultrasounds to track progression
Management:
- ACE inhibitor medications
- Diuretics if needed
- Restricted exercise
- Regular cardiac monitoring
Flat-Faced Breed Health Issues
Flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus) face unique health challenges because of their facial structure. Their shortened muzzles can cause breathing problems and other complications.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a group of breathing problems caused by the shortened face.13 The nose, throat, and windpipe are narrower than normal, making breathing difficult.
What causes BOAS:13
- Narrowed nostrils — Less air enters through the nose; each breath takes more effort
- Crowded nose and throat — The same amount of tissue that longer-nosed dogs have is packed into a much smaller space, obstructing the airway
- Elongated soft palate — The soft palate blocks airflow into the windpipe, causing snuffling/snoring
- Narrow windpipe — Breathing through a narrow windpipe is like breathing through a drinking straw
- Enlarged throat sacs — May develop and cause further airway obstruction
Signs:13
- Noisy breathing including snuffles and snoring
- Difficulty breathing, especially with excitement or heat
- Excessive panting, even when resting
- Reluctance to exercise
- Struggling in hot weather (increased heat stroke risk)
- Difficulty eating or regurgitation
- Disrupted sleep
- Collapse in severe cases
Important note: Many owners think the snuffles and snoring are “normal,” but these noises indicate the dog is struggling to breathe.
Management:1
- Avoid heat and exercise — Keep cool, limit outdoor time in warm weather
- Maintain healthy weight — Excess weight worsens breathing problems
- Keep environment cool — Use air conditioning, provide cool rest areas
- Avoid collars — Use harnesses to prevent pressure on the airway
- Monitor closely — Watch for signs of breathing distress
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery to widen nostrils, shorten the soft palate, or remove excessive throat tissue can improve airway and breathing. Early surgery may improve quality of life significantly
Eye Problems and Ulcers
Flat-faced breeds have prominent eyes that are exposed and prone to injury and dryness.
Common eye problems:
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- Corneal ulcers and scratches
- Infections
- Entropion (eyelid turns inward)
- Ectropion (eyelid turns outward)
Signs:
- Eye redness
- Discharge (clear, mucous, or pus-like)
- Excessive squinting
- Tearing or dry eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Visible ulceration
Prevention:
- Avoid dust and smoke
- Keep face dry and clean
- Regular vet eye exams
- Use eye lubricants as recommended by your vet
Skin Fold Infections
The deep wrinkles and skin folds in flat-faced breeds trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections.
Common affected areas:
- Face wrinkles
- Between toes
- Under the tail
- Belly folds
Signs:
- Redness and inflammation
- Foul odor
- Discharge
- Itching and scratching
- Open sores or bleeding
- Hair loss in the area
Prevention:
- Keep skin folds clean and dry — This is the most important preventive measure
- Wipe folds regularly — Use a dry cloth after eating, drinking, or outdoor time
- Regular bathing and thorough drying
- Anti-fungal/anti-bacterial wipes in problem areas
- Maintain healthy weight (reduces skin folds)
Heat Intolerance
Flat-faced breeds cannot regulate their temperature well because they can’t cool themselves efficiently through panting.
Why they’re at risk:
- Shortened airways reduce panting efficiency
- Cannot evaporate heat effectively through panting
- Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can occur quickly
Signs of heatstroke:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Weakness and lethargy
- Vomiting
- Collapse or unresponsiveness
- Bluish or bright red gums
Prevention:
- Keep in cool environments — Air conditioning is essential in warm climates
- Avoid outdoor exercise in heat — Walk early morning or late evening only
- Provide water constantly
- Avoid excessive excitement or stress
- Use cooling vests or mats during warm weather
- Emergency action: If heatstroke is suspected, go to the vet immediately. Heatstroke is life-threatening
Prevention and Early Detection
While you can’t change your dog’s genetics, there are many ways to reduce the impact of breed-related health issues.
Before buying a puppy, ask the breeder about health testing of the parents. Responsible breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing hereditary conditions to puppies.
Common screening tests include:4
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): Tests for hip and elbow dysplasia. Dogs must be at least 24 months old. Radiographs evaluated by board-certified radiologists on seven-point scale
- PennHIP: Hip dysplasia screening starting at 16 weeks old. More predictive of future osteoarthritis. Requires certified veterinarian and sedation
- Cardiac screening: Heart ultrasounds or ECG to screen for heart disease
- CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) testing: Eye exams by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists to screen for hereditary eye diseases
- Genetic testing: DNA tests for specific hereditary conditions in certain breeds
Maintain Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts stress on joints and the heart, making breed-related problems worse. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do.
Appropriate Exercise
Exercise is important, but must be appropriate for your dog’s breed and health status. Large breed puppies should have limited exercise to protect developing joints. Flat-faced dogs need exercise but must avoid overheating.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Annual wellness exams are critical. Your vet can check for early signs of breed-specific problems and catch issues before they become serious. Dogs over 7 years old should have check-ups twice yearly.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Health at Home
Regular home monitoring between vet visits allows you to catch problems early and report changes to your veterinarian.
What to watch for:
- Movement changes: Limping, reluctance to jump, difficulty rising, stiffness
- Breathing changes: Excessive panting, coughing, difficulty breathing with light activity
- Energy changes: Fatigue, sleeping more, less interest in play
- Appetite changes: Eating less or showing difficulty eating
- Behavioral changes: Personality shifts, anxiety, hiding
- Physical changes: Swelling, lumps, hair loss, skin problems
Keep records: Note any changes you notice and mention them at your dog’s next vet visit. Patterns can help your vet diagnose problems early.
Don’t ignore symptoms: If you notice something concerning, especially anything on the breed-specific health list for your dog, contact your vet promptly. Early treatment is almost always more successful and less expensive than treating advanced disease.
References and Sources
- RSPCA. “Common Health Issues in Flat-Faced Pets.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD).” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). “Hip Dysplasia Overview.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Bend Family Animal Hospital. “PennHIP and OFA Hip Screening Comparison.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or ‘Bloat’.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- VCA Animal Hospitals. “Gastropexy.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- DGS Small Animal Veterinary Services. “Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – Big Dogs with Big Hearts.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Sustainable Vet. “Medial Patellar Luxation Treatment Without Surgery.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Vet Specialists. “Patellar Luxation Fact Sheet.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Town N Country Veterinary Hospital. “PennHIP and OFA Post-Operative Recovery.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Tracheal Collapse.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center. “Tracheal Collapse Management.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
- PDSA. “BOAS – Breathing Problems in Flat-Faced Dogs.” Accessed January 2026. ↑
About this article: This comprehensive breed-related health issues guide is based on verified information from RSPCA, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Bend Family Animal Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, DGS Small Animal Veterinary Services, Vet Specialists, Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, PDSA, and Town N Country Veterinary Hospital. All reference links are clickable and have been tested for accessibility. This guide is intended as educational content to complement, not replace, advice from your veterinarian. If you’re considering getting a dog of a particular breed, discuss potential breed health issues with your vet or breed club before making your decision. Early detection through regular vet visits and home monitoring is key to managing breed-specific health problems.
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