9 Most Unhealthy Dog Breeds That Need Proper Handling

Every dog is a heart-stealer. But let’s be honest here: some dog breeds come with extra health baggage. They may look good, adorable, or downright majestic, but those puppy eyes hide health concerns that can give owners sleepless nights and a lot of routine vet visits.

Does that mean that puppies shouldn’t be loved? Heck NO!! It just means they need proper handling, careful monitoring, and a whole lot of patience to live a happy and healthy life. Because at the end of the day, every wagging tail deserves the best shot at joy.

So let’s discuss nine of the most unhealthy dog breeds that need proper handling. These furballs might have the unhealthiest streaks in the dog world, but if they have the right care, they will still fill your life with slobbery kisses, unconditional loyalty, and endless love.

DID YOU KNOW?

Brachycephalic are loved for those adorable smashed in faces, those big, soulful eyes as per PetMD. But the funny twist is: because of their short snouts, many of them actually snore louder than humans! Some dogs even get kicked out of bedrooms for out-snoring their owners at night. Cute? Absolutely. But it is also a reminder that these snores are tied to breathing problems and need careful monitoring.

Most Unhealthy Dog Breeds That Need Proper Handling

1. Shih Tzu

Oh, the Shih Tzu with that flowy hair and toy-sized body. ABSOLUTELY adorable! They really look like they belong on a velvet pillow in some royal palace. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they were born to do just that: to be the royal companions.

But behind that regal cuteness, this little toy breed can rack up some serious health issues if not cared for properly.

Common health concerns

• Prone to frequent ear infections, thanks to their floppy ears and heavy hair

• Serious eye disease can affect the breed’s vision if not caught early

• Their brachycephalic airway syndrome (AKA squished face problems) leads to breathing difficulties.

• Obesity. Shih Tzus are not athletic; they were not born to be hunting dogs, but rather just cute puppies for the royalty. They can gain weight fast.

Shih Tzus require lifelong management. From daily grooming to regular veterinary check-ups, you cannot back off. When they curl up in your lap like a little teddy bear, every ounce of work feels worth it.

2. Boxer

Boxers, a medium-sized dog breed, are pure goofballs. They are playful, bouncy, and forever act like they just drank a gallon of coffee. But guess what? Those clowns of the dog world carry some of the heaviest health problems.

Common health concerns

• Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, which can involve internal organs.

• Heart disease, like mitral valve disease, weakens

• Some even develop Epilepsy, becoming epileptic dogs who need careful treatment.

• Boxers are prone to skin allergies and genetic conditions. They can get canine acne, alopecia, hypothyroidism, etc.

This is one of the unhealthiest dog breeds, no doubt. But here’s a silver lining: with responsible breeding practices, vets suggest annual screenings and routine vet visits, a Boxer can still enjoy a healthy lifestyle filled with zoomies and slobbery kisses.

3. Dachshund

You have seen them. The “hot dog” pups. Dachshunds with their sausage bodies and bold personalities are hard not to miss. But those prolonged backs? They spell trouble. These long backs and “low-to-the-ground” statures are the #1 reason Dachshunds can get really unhealthy.

Common health concerns

• Prone to intervertebral disc disease, which leads to pain and mobility problems.

• Joint problems and arthritis as they age are common.

• Too much exercise or stairs can lead to mobility issues that sometimes mean these dogs require surgery.

Dachshunds are one of those breeds where owners need to recognize early signs of pain. Carry them upstairs, limit big jumps, and keep them at a healthy weight. In return, you will have a dog with more courage packed in one body than you thought possible.

4. Cocker Spaniel

Those big and soulful eyes. Those silky ears. Cocker Spaniels are majestic and irresistible… but oh boy, those same ears cause some of their biggest health problems. Purina noted these ear infections can range from bacterial to yeast to ear mites.

Common health concerns

• Known for frequent ear problems, if owners don’t prevent ear infections with regular cleaning.

• Prone to serious eye disease, such as cataracts and glaucoma, which can impact this dog’s vision.

• Skin allergies and adrenal gland disease can be another major concern.

Cocker Spaniels are one of the popular dog breeds in the U.S., but they need careful observation by their owners. With regular flea treatment, grooming, and regular veterinary check-ups, they can live a healthy life while showering you with unconditional love.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are pint-sized divas with giant personalities. They were born to hunt rodents in textile mills, but today they are beloved lap dogs. Being one of the small dogs, they carry their share of health challenges.

Common health concerns

• Mitral valve disease is common, which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. It can lead to heart failure when the dog’s body cannot pump blood efficiently.

• Prone to tracheal collapse, which causes breathing problems; you may notice it if they have a dry cough.

• Hypoglycemia in puppies and fragile bones make them high-maintenance.

Yorkies may be in the list of the unhealthiest dog breeds, but they will also steal your heart faster than any other. Handle them gently, give them a balanced diet, and keep up with veterinary intervention, because these tiny dogs think they run the world (and for their owners, they do!).

6. Siberian Husky 

Wait, Huskies? The Instagram stars with blue eyes and wolfy looks? Yup! Even those beauties are prone to some health conditions. They are very active and highly intelligent dogs who are always on the go with all that energy. But some poor souls might get caught up with ailments.

Common health concerns

• Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia are both common, which eventually lead to Arthritis.

• Prone to autoimmune disorders that involve internal organs.

• It can develop serious eye infections, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

• Epilepsy and some cancers, as per PDSA.

And let’s not forget, they struggle in hot or humid conditions because of their thick coats. And also, they are acclimatized to Siberia’s snow and cold. Careful monitoring is key. But if you live somewhere snowy, your Husky will thrive and howl their goofy head off while pulling you on sled rides.

7. Bulldog

Bulldogs, the wrinkle-faced dogs. The stubborn, couch-loving sweethearts with adorable smashed-in faces. But their health risks are… well, a Bulldog-sized headache.

Common health concerns

• As brachycephalic breeds, they face breathing difficulties and brachycephalic airway syndrome.

• Overheating in a hot or humid climate can become a life-threatening condition for them.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia are common joint problems.

• Skin allergies in their wrinkles require lifelong management.

Bulldogs land on almost every list of unhealthiest dog breeds. But if you are prepared for routine vet visits, lots of care, and maybe even immediate veterinary intervention at times, they will reward you with loyalty like no other dog breed.

8. Pug

Pugs are clowns. From their curly tails to their snorts, they make life fun. But yep, you guessed it, this breed’s pushed-in nose causes serious health problems. Research even suggests we cannot consider them a typical dog breed because they are oh-so-unhealthy.

Common health concerns

• Constant breathing difficulties are a serious concern.

• Eye injuries due to bulging eyes, dental disease, allergies & ear infections, and whatnot.

• Prone to obesity without careful monitoring and a healthy weight plan.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affects the hips.

Pugs cannot handle too much exercise, and in hot and humid conditions, it can turn dangerous fast. But all they need is a balanced diet, regular vet check-ups, and gentle handling… and these snorty companions will make life brighter for you.

9. German Shepherd

German Shepherds. America’s favorite working dogs. The ultimate police dog. Strong, loyal, and smart. But with those large dog frames come some serious health problems because giant breeds have problems of their own.

Common health concerns

• High risk for hip and elbow dysplasia.

• Joint issues leading to arthritis and mobility problems; many police dogs have to retire early.

• Can develop diabetes and degenerative myelopathy, which is a life-threatening emergency of the spinal cord with very few symptoms early on.

German Sheps need routine vet visits, early signs recognition, and responsible breeding practices to lower risks. Still, when trained right, they remain one of the most dependable breeds ever.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Some of the most unhealthy dog breeds are those that need proper handling. From breathing problems to heart failure, from joint problems to ear infections, these breeds each have a unique set of challenges.

Does that mean you should not bring one of these pups into your life? Absolutely not. It just means you go in with open eyes, ready for vet visits and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Because even the unhealthy dogs bring joy that far outweighs the health risks.

Their love is pure, their loyalty unshakable, and their goofy antics unforgettable.