Did you know that a study looked at over 27,000 dogs and found that mixed-breed dogs are just as likely to suffer from common health conditions as purebreds? That debunks a lot of myths we’ve long accepted about breed-specific health risks, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Health issues in dogs aren’t just about the breed. A lot comes down to genetics, diet, lifestyle—and whether owners take that extra step to manage chronic conditions and stay on top of preventive care.
This blog isn’t about calling out certain best dog breeds to avoid for health issues. Instead, it’s about really understanding what pet owners should look out for. We’ll layer in facts, expert insights, and a grounded sense of what responsible care looks like.
Some dog breeds face more serious health challenges than others. Learn which breeds are riskier to own and what to consider before bringing one home.
Best Dog Breeds To Avoid For Health Issues
Here are the 9 most unhealthy dog breeds:
1. Golden Retriever
Health Issues
Golden Retrievers are one of the most adored family companions, but they also appear frequently on lists of unhealthy dog breeds because of the medical challenges they face.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in this breed, and they are also prone to hip dysplasia, skin diseases, and thyroid conditions that can affect their overall well-being. These health concerns are not just occasional; they are common enough that owners should prepare for them from the start.
Maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and scheduling consistent veterinary checkups are all essential steps to minimize the risks.
Since Golden Retrievers are also prone to developing joint issues as they age, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet and lifestyle that keeps their bodies supported for as long as possible.
Origin and History
The Golden Retriever’s story begins in Scotland during the 19th century, when sportsmen were looking for a versatile retrieving dog capable of performing in both water and rugged terrain.
Their water-resistant double coat made them well-suited to Scotland’s wet and chilly climate, while their natural athleticism allowed them to handle long days in the field with ease. These qualities quickly established the Golden Retriever as a reliable hunting partner and loyal companion for outdoorsmen.
2. Cocker Spaniel
Health Issues
The Cocker Spaniel is a beautiful and affectionate companion, but it comes with a long list of health concerns that future dog owners need to be prepared for. These include glaucoma, patellar luxation, and chronic hepatitis, as well as intervertebral disc disease, which can limit mobility and cause pain.
They are also among the dog breeds predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
On top of these, their long, floppy ears make them particularly prone to ear infections, while their dense coats can trap moisture and lead to skin infections if not groomed properly.
Origin and History
The Cocker Spaniel, often referred to as the American Cocker Spaniel, traces its roots back to the sporting spaniels of Spain and England. The breed was developed for hunting, with the name “Cocker” coming from their ability to flush and retrieve woodcock birds.
When brought to the United States, breeders began to refine the dog into a smaller, more compact version with a domed head, shorter muzzle, and long, luxurious ears.
Today, they remain a versatile breed, known for their friendly, people-oriented attitude and elegant appearance, bridging the gap between their hunting heritage and their role as cherished companions.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are admired worldwide for their loyalty and intelligence, but they also face a range of serious health problems that future owners should keep in mind.
Their sloped back structure often contributes to spinal problems, while degenerative myelopathy, a disease that gradually paralyzes the hind legs, is especially concerning in this breed. They are also at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, both of which cause chronic pain and mobility issues as they age.
Cancer, including hemangiosarcoma and bone cancer, is another recurring concern, while large-breed risks like bloat and gastric dilation-volvulus make German Shepherds vulnerable to sudden, life-threatening conditions.
These are clear examples of breed-specific health issues, and addressing them requires early screening, weight management, and timely intervention through veterinary medicine.
Origin and History
The German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 19th century, bred by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who sought to create the ideal working dog.
According to PetMD, their agility, loyalty, and keen instincts made them invaluable to shepherds, while their striking appearance and strong build quickly gained attention beyond rural communities.
They quickly gained recognition as police dogs, search-and-rescue partners, and trusted military companions, further cementing their reputation as one of the most capable breeds.
Their intelligence and confidence also made them a favorite in obedience training, allowing them to adapt to roles from service dogs to family guardians.
4. Boxer
Health Issues
Boxers are known for their playful, athletic nature, but they are also one of the most unhealthy dog breeds when it comes to certain conditions.
As a brachycephalic breed, they are prone to breathing problems, including brachycephalic airway syndrome, which makes exercise in hot or humid weather especially risky. Beyond respiratory issues, Boxers are unfortunately at high risk for several cancers, including lymphoma, brain tumors, and mast cell tumors.
Heart-related conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are also serious threats, often affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively and leading to life-threatening complications if not treated. Managing these risks requires careful attention to diet, early screenings, and prompt veterinary care.
Origin and History
The Boxer’s origins trace back to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed by crossing the now-extinct Bullenbeisser with English Bulldogs. Initially bred for hunting large game such as boar and bear, their powerful jaws and muscular bodies made them both skilled hunters and protectors.
Their athleticism and alert nature quickly became valued traits, and they were soon recognized as versatile working dogs.
Their loyal temperament, high energy, and expressive personality made them stand out as family pets. Over time, their reputation grew not only as dependable companions but also as stars in dog sports, excelling in agility, rally, and obedience competitions.
5. English Bulldog
Health Issues
The English Bulldog is beloved for its distinctive look and calm temperament, but that charm comes with a long list of medical concerns that place it firmly among the most unhealthy dog breeds.
Their smushed, brachycephalic nose makes them prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a condition that often leaves them snorting, snoring, and struggling to breathe—especially in hot or humid weather.
Allergies, both food-related and environmental, further complicate their skin health. On top of this, Bulldogs are at risk for entropion, a painful eye condition where the eyelids roll inward, and obesity often exacerbates many of these existing health problems.
Owning a Bulldog requires a serious commitment to monitoring their weight, cleaning their skin folds, and keeping a close watch on any signs of breathing distress.
Origin and History
The Bulldog’s past is as tough as its appearance. Originally bred in England for bull-baiting—a brutal sport that pitted dogs against bulls—the breed earned its name and reputation for courage and tenacity.
When bull-baiting was outlawed in the 19th century, breeders shifted their focus away from aggression and toward creating a calmer, companion-oriented dog.
Generations of selective breeding transformed the Bulldog from a fierce sporting animal into the loyal, laid-back pet we know today.
Though their muscular frame and low-slung body still reflect their rugged ancestry, their temperament has softened considerably. Modern English Bulldogs are best described as affectionate, stubborn, and surprisingly gentle, especially with children.
6. Pug
Health Issues
Pugs might be adored for their round faces, soulful eyes, and charming personalities, but those very features are also the root of many serious health concerns.
As a brachycephalic breed, Pugs struggle with breathing issues caused by their flat noses and narrow airways, a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This makes them prone to overheating, snoring, and struggling with exercise, especially in warmer weather.
Their protruding eyes are another major concern—shallow sockets make them vulnerable to injuries, infections, and even painful ulcers. On top of that, their wrinkled skin can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to recurrent skin fold infections.
Origin and History
The Pug has one of the longest and most fascinating histories of any dog breed, tracing its roots back more than two thousand years to ancient China. Bred as lapdogs for Chinese emperors, Pugs lived luxurious lives in royal courts, where they were adored for their distinctive appearance and affectionate temperament.
By the 16th and 17th centuries, Pugs began making their way across the globe, thanks to Dutch traders who brought them from China to Europe.
According to PDSA, over the centuries, these little dogs became symbols of status and wealth, carefully bred to maintain their flat faces and compact size, qualities still cherished today. Even though they contribute to the breed’s health challenges.
7. Dachshund
Health Issues
Dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds, loved for their quirky looks and bold personality, but their unique shape puts them at risk for a range of medical concerns. Their long spine and short legs make them especially vulnerable to back problems, with intervertebral disc disease being one of the most common.
This condition can cause pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis in severe cases. Beyond spinal trouble, Dachshunds are also prone to several genetic conditions, including seizures, vision disorders like glaucoma or cataracts, and skin allergies that demand ongoing care.
While generally energetic and affectionate, they do require extra effort from owners in terms of weight management, exercise moderation, and regular vet checks to reduce the chances of serious complications.
Origin and History
The story of the Dachshund begins in Germany, where they were bred centuries ago to be determined hunters of badgers and other burrowing animals. Their name literally translates to “badger dog,” and their physical structure was designed with a purpose—short legs allowed them to dig into tunnels, while their long, muscular body helped them move underground.
These little dogs were relentless and brave, known for their ability to take on animals much larger than themselves. Over time, they were refined into distinct coat varieties—smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired—each serving different roles in hunting but carrying the same bold temperament that defines the breed today.
8. Doberman Pinscher
Health Issues
The Doberman Pinscher is an energetic breed admired for its strength and loyalty, but like many dogs, it has a set of health concerns that owners must watch closely. As a large, deep-chested dog, it is especially vulnerable to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. This requires emergency intervention and is one of the most serious risks faced by the breed.
In addition, Dobermans are among the breeds with a predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to sudden collapse or even death if untreated.
Other common health problems include hypothyroidism, cancer, and hip dysplasia, each demanding careful monitoring and veterinary care. While these conditions may sound daunting, with early diagnosis and preventive steps, many Dobermans live long, active lives.
Origin and History
The Doberman Pinscher traces its roots to late 19th-century Germany, where Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, wanted a protective companion to accompany him during his often-dangerous work.
Over time, breeders refined the Doberman into the alert, streamlined figure we know today, balancing working ability with elegance and speed. Their distinct build, coupled with their sharp instincts, made them one of the most recognizable working breeds in the world.
They were quickly adopted as service animals in police work, search and rescue, and even military roles during both World Wars. Their keen intelligence, natural protectiveness, and devotion to their families set them apart from other breeds.
In the modern era, the Doberman is valued not only as a guard and working dog but also as a loyal family companion for owners who understand their exercise and training needs.
9. Great Dane
Health Issues
Great Danes are often admired for their giant size and gentle personality, but being such a large breed comes with various health issues. Their deep chest makes them highly vulnerable to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. This can strike suddenly and requires immediate veterinary attention.
They’re also prone to heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart and limits its ability to pump blood effectively.
Along with that, cancers such as lymphoma and osteosarcoma are seen more often in this breed than in many others, making regular checkups and early detection critical for maintaining quality of life.
Origin and History
The Great Dane has a long and fascinating history, with roots in Germany more than 400 years ago. Bred by crossing the Old English Mastiff with the Irish Wolfhound, the breed was developed to be strong and fearless enough to hunt wild boars and deer.
Their imposing stature also made them ideal as estate guardians, where their sheer presence alone could deter threats. Despite their large, powerful build, they became known for their loyalty and companionship, and over time, their role shifted from hunting dog to beloved household guardian.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right companion, it’s important to remember that some breeds are more prone to serious health problems than others. Dogs with flat faces often struggle with breathing difficulties, while larger breeds may face joint problems, heart disease, or other conditions that require lifelong attention.
Owning these breeds doesn’t have to be impossible, but it does demand careful management, regular vet visits, and a commitment to their unique needs. Because unexpected medical expenses can quickly add up, investing in pet insurance is often a smart move for anyone considering one of these high-risk breeds.
