Choosing a furry companion is a big decision that should be made with both heart and head. While it’s easy to fall for the most adorable or unique-looking pups, some popular breeds are paying a high price for their distinctive features.
In the quest for the “perfect” pooch, certain dogs have become poster children for a host of inherent health issues—all thanks to the very traits that make them so sought-after.
1. French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are a prime example of breathing-impaired breeds (BIBs) who pay a high price for their distinctive flat faces and snub noses (ref). Due to their brachycephalic syndrome, which is a direct result of their structure, these dogs often struggle with every breath they take.
Their health problems do not stop at their breathing; they can also suffer from chronic ulcers, dental issues due to crowding of teeth, and various skin and eye conditions. The extensive medical care required to manage these conditions can be both financially and emotionally taxing for owners.
2. English Bulldogs
The English Bulldog’s unique squat build and facial wrinkles may look charming, but they hide a multitude of health miseries. Like their French relatives, they share a similar fate—struggling with brachycephalic airway syndrome and the daily difficulties that come with it, such as labored breathing and overheating.
These dogs also suffer from dental diseases because of how their teeth fit into their shortened jaws. The ethical dilemma of purchasing such a breed lies in accepting ongoing health issues as a byproduct of their breeding.
3. Pugs
Pugs charm with their expressive faces and small stature, but these features are precisely what causes them discomfort and health issues. The same flat face that draws people in leads to their breathing complications. These canines can suffer through life, wheezing and gasping for air as a normal routine.
On top of respiratory issues, Pugs often deal with severe eye problems, as their bulging eyes are vulnerable to more significant risks of injury and disease. The cost of maintaining the health of a Pug can be broad, not just monetarily but also in terms of the dog’s quality of life.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs are adorned with their lion-like manes and flat faces, yet their appearance is the very cause of their distress. They struggle with brachycephalic syndrome and are at great risk of health complications that arise from their compromised airways.
Not only do they struggle with breathing, but this toy breed also encounters eye and skin problems. It is due to the folds in their skin that require regular and meticulous care to prevent infections. This high-maintenance aspect, coupled with health concerns, makes their purchase an ethical concern.
5. Boston Terriers
With their tuxedo-like markings and large, expressive eyes, Boston Terriers suffer a fate similar to other BIBs. They face respiratory distress due to the short muzzle, which is a trademark of the breed but comes at a cost to their well-being.
These dogs are also at increased risk for corneal ulcers because their eyes are more prominent and can easily get scratched or injured. This vulnerability means potential owners must be prepared for possible chronic health problems associated with the breed.
6. Boxers
Boxers are powerful and muscular dogs with joyful and energetic spirits. Unfortunately, they are also on the list of breeds with a predisposition to breathing difficulties due to their short noses. This trait can lead to a lifetime of breathing challenges and inhibits their natural desire for energetic play and exercise.
Boxers also frequently face other issues, such as cardiac problems and cancers, more frequently than many other breeds. Knowing these inherited health problems sheds light on the complex ethical considerations of breeding and owning a Boxer.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their regal appearance and friendly disposition. However, they are not without their own set of breed-specific health concerns, which include heart conditions like mitral valve disease, often leading to heart failure.
Their long soft ears are susceptible to infections, and the breed is known for issues such as hip dysplasia and early-onset syringomyelia. It’s a serious condition that affects the brain and spine. This calls into question the ethics of breeding canines with known severe health risks.
8. Shih Tzus
With their flowing coats and sweet faces, Shih Tzus often deal with the challenges associated with BIBs, struggling for air because of their flat facial structure. Beyond that, the breed is also prone to eye diseases and dental issues since their small mouths don’t always adequately accommodate their teeth.
Grooming these dogs can be a full-time job as well, with their long coats requiring daily care to prevent tangling and matting. The breed’s predisposition to numerous health problems casts a shadow over its beauty and raises questions about ethical breeding.
Choosing Joy
When bringing a dog into your life, the implications of your choice extend beyond mere companionship. Knowing that certain breeds are predisposed to health struggles due to unethical breeding practices, it’s important for dog lovers and consumers to make informed, compassionate decisions that can help to end the cycle of suffering for these animals.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.