Purebred dogs are more liable to disease—get a crossbreed (progeny of two different breeds of purebred dogs) or a mongrel (progeny of two crossbreed dogs) for healthier, longer lived dogs.


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. . .The domestic dog is frequently cited as being an exceptional model for human inherited disorders due to the number of diseases identified, similarity in disease presentation, and population structure in the dog [1]. The ability to record health data for defined breeds has simultaneously permitted genetic dissection of particular disorders and bolstered the implicit assumption that purebred dogs are more prone to inherited disorders than mixed-breed dogs [2–5]. We recently have reported that for 13 inherited disorders, there were no statistically detectable differences in risk of disease presentation between the purebred and mixed-breed dog populations and one condition was more prevalent in mixed-breeds [6]. For ten other inherited conditions, the purebred dog population had greater prevalence than that seen in mixed-breeds: aortic stenosis, atopy/allergic dermatitis, gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), early onset cataracts, dilated cardiomyopathy, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), and portosystemic shunt. It is known that many individual breeds show a higher than expected frequency of some disorders [7–10] suggesting that the higher prevalence of those disorders may be restricted to discrete subsets of the purebred dog population.

https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-015-0021-x#:~:text=For%20ten%20other%20inherited%20conditions,%2C%20hypothyroidism%2C%20intervertebral%20disk%20disease%20(

So, that is one issue. Mixed breeds and mongrels have a bigger genetic heritage to draw on when they do get sick. I strongly recommend against purebreed dogs for companion animals.

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Brachycephalic Syndrome Whether or not you are a fan of brachycephalic dogs, there is no denying that these breeds have become increasingly popular pets. Brachycephalic literally means “short-headed,” but most people refer to these dogs as having a “smushed face.” Examples include the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston terrier, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Pet parents of these breeds become acclimated to their snoring and snorting sounds; some even find this trait endearing. The exaggerated breathing sounds of brachycephalic dogs are due to anatomical abnormalities such as an elongated soft palate, stenotic (narrowed) nostrilsal, everted laryngeal saccules (tissue in the throat which obstructs airflow), and a narrowed trachea (windpipe). All of these physical characteristics result in respiratory difficulty. Unfortunately, the breeding of these dogs to achieve a flatter nose has hampered their ability to dissipate heat, predisposing them to heat stroke. In addition to breathing problems, the conformation of brachycephalic dogs also predisposes them to dental issues, skin issues and eye problems. Potential pet parents of these breeds should be aware that these dogs often need extensive maintenance care at home and in the veterinary office, possible corrective surgery for breathing difficulty and extra precautions in hot and humid weather.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/6-most-common-genetic-disorders-dogs?view_all=1

Demi had a short nose—boy did she snore sometimes! Her nose was also broad so she had some color vision. She could certainly see her rubber ball high up in the peach tree—and would climb the bloody tree to try to get the ball. Amazing to see!

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Hip Dysplasia The mission of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is, “to improve the health and well being of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.” The initial motivation of the organization was to specifically minimize the prevalence of canine hip dysplasia. The hip is a ball and socket joint. In order for the joint to function optimally, the ball must conform, or fit snuggly, within the socket. Poor hip conformation will usually result in degeneration of cartilage within the joint, arthritis, and pain. Signs of hip dysplasia include difficulty rising or laying down, difficulty going up and down stairs, inability to jump onto furniture or into a vehicle and reluctance to run or walk.

Arthritis really and truly bloody sucks! A few things can be done up to a total hip replacement, but:


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Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight is one of the most important ways to reduce the clinical signs of hip dysplasia. The breeds most commonly affected include: German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Bulldogs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Neapolitan Mastiffs and Retrievers.

Walk your dog! Don’t overfeed it, don’t give it a lot of the fat from a christmas ham, etc.

If you have one of the above breeds pet health insurance may be worthwhile.

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Urinary Bladder Stones Although bladder stones are sometimes a surprising incidental finding on radiographs, many dogs experience discomfort and exhibit significant clinical problems as a result of stones within their urinary tracts. Symptoms include straining to urinate, urinary accidents, increased frequency of urination and blood in the urine. While any dog breed or dog of mixed ancestry can develop bladder stones, some pure bred dogs are predisposed to their formation, including Dalmations, Newfoundlands, the Bichon Frise and Miniature Schnauzers.

Various treatments available.

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Epilepsy During a grand mal seizure, dogs will typically stiffen and fall to the ground, salivate, paddle their legs and some lose control of their bladder and bowels or vocalize. A seizure occurs when the cells in the brain become overly excited and exceed what is called a “seizure threshold.” If no underlying cause can be found, the presumptive diagnosis for recurrent seizures is idiopathic (unknown basis) epilepsy. While further studies are needed, research has indicated that epilepsy is an inheritable trait in certain dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Keeshonds, Dachshunds, and Golden and Labrador Retrievers. Epilepsy is managed with anticonvulsant medications. Depending on the dog, one drug or a combination of medications is used to control seizures. Since epilepsy cannot be cured, the realistic goal of therapy is to manage seizures by decreasing their frequency and severity.

Not nice to see any animal or person having a seizure!

Monk - make cats and critters a more cheerful MRB
as I did with the most popular thread.

Genetic disorders exist Bobby.

By being aware these disorders can be managed and some cured.

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Heart Disease There are several dog breeds known to have inherited cardiac problems. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds are at risk for myxomatous valve disease, a condition that causes pressure to develop within the chambers of the heart and eventually lead to signs of heart failure such as coughing, weakness, poor appetite, abdominal distention, difficulty breathing and collapse.

Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane and Boxer breeds also have a genetic disposition to heart problems.

There are two more listed but too technical for here.

If you are going to adopt a dog a crossbreed is better than purebreed (tho not necessarily cheaper and have a read of the genetic disorders so as to be prepared—most conditions can be managed and some cured.

I will, I promise, do a thread on genetic diseases of cats.