Genetic health issues in dogs
There are 221 recognised dog breeds in the UK (more than 400 globally), and nearly all of the most popular breeds suffer from at least one genetic condition. When these dogs breed, the condition is passed from parents to puppies, creating a population of dogs with health problems.
On this page you’ll find definitions of different breed types, the associated health problems, and what to consider when choosing a dog of your own.
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What are genetic health issues?
Genetic health issues are a result of a mutated gene or gene abnormality. Some genetic disorders have higher prevalence within certain dog breeds, which are then passed on and inherited, though some may occur due to spontaneous mutation. These disorders lead to many health problems and suffering.
All dogs can experience genetic health issues, although they occur more frequently in purebreds. Sadly, a lot of these genetic conditions – and the welfare issues associated – are a direct result of being bred for specific features and breeding closely related individuals. For example, breathing difficulties (respiratory issues), abnormal joints (joint dysplasia) and skin tunnels above the spine (dermoid sinus) have become common issues for many dog breeds, all because they’ve been bred for superficial purposes.
What is a purebred dog?
Purebred dogs have parents who are the same breed. Often, the two parent dogs will have very similar ancestry, going back many generations. The definition of purebred simply comes from them being classified as a pure breed.
There’s a higher risk of developing some health problems in purebred dogs (such as allergic dermatitis, intravertebral disk disease and elbow dysplasia), as these dogs are so closely bred (with very little genetic diversity, thus a narrow gene pool). Find out more about these health issues below.
What is a pedigree dog?
A pedigree dog is also a purebred – having both parents of the same breed – however, they and their ancestors are all registered with a recognised breed club or society. If a dog has registered, documented and traceable ancestry verified by a breed club or society, they can be registered as a pedigree.
Pedigree dog breeds are bred to demonstrate certain physical features that align with breed standards set by breed clubs and societies. This is often to win appearance-based classes at dog shows and competitions. As with purebreds, this can cause great suffering to the dogs. Find out more about pedigree dog breeding problems below.
Important information
Breeds that are known to have a higher risk of a genetic condition (known as a breed predisposition) shouldn’t be used in breeding programmes, in order to stop the disease from being passed on to their offspring. To prevent genetic health issues, responsible breeding practices need to be implemented.
What is selective breeding?
Selective breeding with dogs is the process of choosing specific dog traits – physical, like floppy ears and curly tails, as well as behavioural, such as increased confidence or aggression – then breeding two dogs with those features, so their offspring are more likely to have these desired traits.
In the past, dog breeds were selected based on their purpose; spaniels for hunting, German shepherds for guarding, border collies for herding. Their fitness, ability and utility was the main motivation for breeding. Nowadays, most dogs are chosen to be companions, furry friends and family members. They no longer need to do anything to belong in our homes.
However, dogs still continue to be bred for human preference, with a focus often on appearance rather than health. This can result in a whole host of genetic abnormalities, causing immense suffering and negatively impacting the dog’s overall quality of life.
What is a mixed breed and crossbreed dog?
A crossbreed or mixed breed dog is the term used to describe a dog whose parents are from different breeds. Parents may be purebred or mixed breeds themselves.
Designer crossbreeding is used to describe crossbreeding done for aesthetic reasons, like a labradoodle – which is a combination of a labrador retriever and a poodle.
Outcrossing is the scientific and strategic method for increasing genetic diversity and improving health and welfare.
Mixed breeds make up a large portion of the UK dog population (24% of dogs were mixed breeds in 2023), which sadly means they’re the most common type of dog found in rescue centres.
Mixed breed dogs have long been considered healthier due to having greater genetic diversity. Research shows crossbreeds and mixed breeds live longer, with one of the longest life expectancies of all UK breeds (though this is dependent on health, lifestyle and diet, etc). However, this doesn’t mean mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred or pedigree dogs – some studies have shown mixed breeds have a higher risk of certain genetic disorders than purebreds, such as cruciate ligament disease. All dogs can be affected by genetic disease, and the risk is not eradicated through mixed breeding, especially if genetic and health screening tests are not done prior to mating.
What does RKC registered mean?
A dog who’s registered with a breed club or society, such as the Royal Kennel Club, usually means they have documented, traceable ancestry. The majority of dogs who are registered with breed clubs are purebred and therefore will, to some extent, conform to a specific appearance and have some similar behavioural traits.
However, all dogs are individuals with their own likes and dislikes. Behaviour and temperament depends on many factors, with much individual variation seen within purebred dogs and even dogs of the same litter.
Many breed clubs have rules and regulations for breeders and strategies to improve health and welfare. However, there’s no guarantee that the dogs have been bred responsibly or healthily.
For the majority of the dog-owning population, having breed club registration is of little relevance – it only matters if people want to present their dogs at shows which judge dogs based on how closely they meet a breed standard.
We believe that people should choose a companion based on their health, welfare, temperament and suitability to their human companions’ lifestyle – not their looks.
What health problems do these dogs have?
Some inherited conditions are extremely painful, reduce the dog’s normal, everyday functioning and can even cause premature death. Others are very rare or cause minimal suffering. However, there are many types that show particularly high levels in certain breeds, including cancer, skin disease, joint dysplasia and deafness. While purebred dogs are more likely to develop some of these issues, all dog breeds, including crossbreeds, can suffer.
Health problems of purebreds and pedigrees
Sadly, because purebred dogs are more often bred from closely related individuals than mixed breed dogs, they’re more likely to have some health problems. In many cases, those particular genetic defects may have been deliberately bred, like the ridge along the spine in Rhodesian ridgebacks.
From irritating issues to life-threatening conditions, other examples of health problems in purebred and pedigree dogs include:
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- Hydrocephalus: This is an excess of cerebrospinal fluid that puts pressure on the brain, commonly occurring in toy and brachycephalic breeds. It doesn’t always have obvious signs but it worsens with age and blindness or impaired vision can occur. Hydrocephalus is diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and requires medical or surgical treatment.
- Idiopathic epilepsy: This means epilepsy of an unknown cause, which is inherited in certain breeds including beagles, Siberian huskies, springer spaniels and labrador retrievers. The condition is diagnosed through the elimination of other causes of seizures and will require lifelong medical treatment.
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- Hernia: This is a protrusion of organ tissues through an abnormal opening, for example a hiatal hernia, where the stomach enters into the diaphragm. Symptoms vary depending on severity, but often include vomiting and regurgitation of undigested food, excessive salivation, weight loss and reduced appetite. Hernias are diagnosed via X-ray and lifelong medical treatment or surgery can be required.
- Portosystemic shunt: In a healthy digestive system, blood from the intestines is processed by the liver, which removes toxins. With a portosystemic shunt, the blood bypasses the liver and enters directly into the circulatory system. Yorkshire terriers, miniature schnauzers, German shepherds, pugs, labrador retrievers are affected. Symptoms include neurological disturbances, seizures, failure to grow and fluid on the abdomen. In some cases, surgical treatment is required, but animals are more often euthanised to prevent any further pain.
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- Pulmonic stenosis: This is the obstruction of blood flow to the heart due to abnormal development of the valves, affecting English bulldogs, boxers, beagles, and giant schnauzers. Symptoms include exercise intolerance, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and limbs and the general inability to thrive in their day-to-day life. Pulmonic stenosis is diagnosed via electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray or echocardiography. Surgery is required to treat the condition.
- Mitral valve dysplasia: This is the abnormal development of the mitral valve in the heart, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium (chamber of the heart). Bull terriers, German shepherds and Great Danes are examples of affected dog breeds. Symptoms include abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias), fluid accumulation in the lungs, coughing and exercise intolerance. X-rays or electrocardiograms (ECG) may be used to diagnose mitral valve dysplasia, and lifelong medication will be required to treat. Sadly, however, dogs affected by this condition are unlikely to successfully recover.
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- Hip dysplasia: This is a developmental disorder of hip joints, in which the femur doesn’t fit into the hip socket. This condition affects mainly large breeds and leads to arthritis, requiring lifelong medication or surgery.
- Cancer: There are multiple genetic causes of a variety of cancers that run through the dog’s entire family tree, each showing a whole host of different symptoms. Dog breeds that commonly suffer from cancers include golden retrievers, flat-coat retrievers, boxers and German shepherds. Cancer treatments depend on the type, and not all are curative. Sadly, this can lead to premature death.
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- Microphthalmia: This is a disorder in which the dog has abnormally small eyes, leading to vision impairment or blindness. A significant cause of this condition is the merle coat colouring genes. Microphthalmia is incurable, requiring lifelong medication.
There are many other genetic health issues that are a result of extreme conformations – find out how selective breeding can negatively affect animals here.
Health problems of crossbreeds and mixed breeds
Despite crossbreeds and mixed breeds having a lower risk of developing some genetic diseases, they aren’t immune to the possibility. The health and genetics of the parents directly influences the health of their offspring. Screening tests should be carried out before breeding in cross and mixed breeds to reduce risk.
Preventing health problems in dogs
Thankfully, some hereditary diseases can now be tested for in advance. Screening tests allow breeders and prospective dog owners to check for potential health and conformation problems in their dog, or the parents of a puppy. Tests also show if dogs are carriers of genetic illnesses but are not likely to suffer from this themselves.
Responsible breeding of any type of dog – crossbreed or purebred – can help prevent health problems in future dog generations, increasing genetic diversity and lowering the risk of inherited disease. This involves comprehensive health testing, genetic screening, conformational screening and selecting dogs who have a sound temperament before breeding. Find more information on how to find a responsible breeder here.
We believe that all those who breed dogs, whether pedigree, purebred, crossbred or mixed breeds, should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance. Responsible breeding protects the health and welfare of parents and their puppies; which will always be more important than profit and the way they look. If we want our dogs to be healthy, we must breed healthy dogs.
What to think about when choosing a dog
Adoption is one of the most rewarding acts of kindness – for both person and pet.
We’ll always encourage rescuing a dog over buying one. With more dogs in our care than ever before – patiently waiting to find the love and home they deserve – the chances are we’ve already found the perfect dog or puppy for you. Meet our rescue dogs here.
However, if adoption isn’t possible and you do decide to buy a dog, make sure to choose one well suited to your lifestyle and environment, from a responsible and reputable breeder. We don’t recommend getting a dog with any extreme physical features, due to the risks of long-term health and welfare problems and the associated emotional and financial impact. Find out more about pets with extreme conformations here.
Frequently asked questions
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It is possible for dogs who are bred by commercial and/or low welfare breeders to be registered with a breed club. Breed clubs set their own breeding standards, including numbers of litters produced by one individual and permitted breeding age, refusing registration if some criteria are not met.
If you have concerns about a breeder, contact the breed club they are a member of, the local authority who issued their breeding licence (if applicable), trading standards, or the police and RSPCA for serious and immediate animal welfare concerns.
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Being breed club registered doesn’t guarantee that the breeder is responsible, nor does it give assurance that you're buying a healthy, happy puppy.
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Mutts, more commonly known as mixed breeds, are at lower risk of inheriting some genetic disorders because they have a higher genetic diversity. However, all dogs – whether crossbred or purebred – can still be carriers of and be affected by genetic disease.
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Have you considered adopting? We often have puppies and young dogs in our care who need a home. Adopting through us means not only are you giving a dog a second chance, you’re also helping us rescue more animals. All dogs in our care have had veterinary and behavioural assessment – our staff will discuss this with you and offer follow up support. They may also be already neutered and vaccinated, depending on their age.
Before buying a puppy, pedigree or otherwise, do your homework first. This includes:
- Finding out where and how the puppy was bred
- Making sure you see a puppy with their mother in the place it was bred
- Selecting a dog that’s free from extreme features
