In good health
French Bulldogs are officially the best A popular dog breed in America. In fact, they’re so hot right now that they’ve become a target for theft, selling for thousands of dollars on average.
But dog suffocation isn’t the only risk of owning a Frenchie. These puppies can have a whole host of health issues, which can rack up veterinary bills throughout their lives. Some groups even want it Suspension Breeding French Bulldogs on the grounds that it is cruel to create a creature with so many physical problems.
If you’re not prepared to part with your hard-earned dollars, it’s not just France where you should think twice about owning one. Read on for five breeds that are known to have health problems and five of the healthiest dog breeds that are typically healthy.
Related: More expensive pets money can buy.
Least healthy: German shepherd
This beautiful breed can have hip problems if not developed properly. Often German shepherds seem to drag their hind legs a little, this is a sign that the dog may be prone to degenerative myelopathy, a disease of the spine.
Related: The best guard dog breeds to keep your home safe
Least healthy: the Bernese Mountain Dog
They are furry and friendly, but Bernese have a short lifespan due to their large bodies. Plus, all that weight can cause knee and hip issues.
Related: Long-lived dog breeds
Least healthy: King Charles Cavalier
They are gentle, gentle and sweet – and prone to health problems. They tend to cause eye problems like cataracts, as well as heart disease and knee cap issues.
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Least healthy: Bulldog
Those wrinkled faces, as cute as they are, can be a problem. Bulldogs should be screened for respiratory, skin and eye problems. The breed is difficult to breathe in hot and humid conditions, so you should be careful not to exercise them too much or own them in hot weather.
Least healthy: French Bulldog
As mentioned, this popular breed runs the risk of very high animal bills. A brachycephalic face means these dogs have narrow airways and difficulty breathing. French Bulldogs can have spinal problems and skin conditions. And with everyone and their mother trying to make money off of this breed, unfortunately these types of issues are likely to become more prevalent.
Very healthy: Beagle
Beagles are tough little cats. They are not prone to any health issues, although their floppy ears are more prone to disease than other breeds. If they eat too much, they can become fat, which is normal in any dog.
Very healthy: Chihuahua
Never give up on your chihuahua. They may be the smallest of all the dogs on this list, but they may be one of the longest-lasting. These dogs are generally healthy, but don’t forget to exercise and not just carry them everywhere. Being overweight can lead to many health problems.
Very healthy: Australian Cattle Dog
This active breed is known for its extremely long lifespan, averaging up to 16 years. A famous Aussie cattle dog Old He is in the Guinness Book of World Records for living to 30!
Very healthy: Australian shepherd
What about Australia? Like a cattle dog, these very active beauties can live a long time. They are hard workers and not particularly prone to certain health issues.
Very healthy: mixed seed
Because their genetics are so different, mixed-breed dogs can live longer than purebred dogs. They may not be susceptible to certain health conditions that affect different breeds.
First published