Dogs bring happiness, love, and laughter into our lives. But not all dog breeds are as healthy as they seem. Some of the most popular dog breeds are sadly also the most overbred. Behind their cute faces and playful nature, many are silently suffering from serious health problems. These problems are caused by poor breeding practices. According to WellBeing International Studies Repository, overbreeding has led to a surplus of nearly 50 million dogs and cats.
Nowadays, people tend to focus on appearance rather than health, choosing short noses, tiny legs, or long backs without thinking of the long-term damage. This has led to painful issues. Imagine looking perfect but struggling to walk or breathe; that’s the reality for many purebred dogs.
In this blog, we’ll look at 9 dog breeds that are commonly overbred and explain the health challenges they face. You’ll also learn why responsible breeding practices are so important and how to make better choices as a dog lover. Let’s talk about what truly makes a dog healthy and happy.
Most Overbred Dog Breeds
Currently, the demand for certain breeds has led to a big hike in breeding practices. Moreover, these breeding practices don’t always prioritize the general health and well-being of the dogs. The following are 9 dog breeds significantly impacted by overbreeding practices.
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever belongs to the British breed of gundog. It is one of the most popular dog breeds across the globe. Their iconic flappy ears, expressive eyes, and wagging tail add a charm to their look.
These versatile dog breeds excel in various roles, and they are particularly famous for their athletic abilities. They are unique among other dogs due to their gentle and patient temperament.
However, their high demand, charming personality, and unique traits have led to overbreeding. This has resulted in many medical problems in labs, which include joint problems, obesity, increased risk of infections, and heart disease. Many breeders prioritize quantity over the health of this cute pup. Dog owners must serve as advocates for preventing overbreeding.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is a working dog breed that was developed in Germany from traditional herding and farm dogs. It is a long-bodied, muscular dog. Moreover, this is among the 10 most favored breeds.
It has embraced various roles, from guard dogs to helping blind people, catching criminals to finding illegal drugs, and working in the army. After the WTC attack in 2001, these dogs served as search and rescue dogs and played a heroic role.
Unfortunately, their popularity led to their overbreeding. This overbreeding has affected the temperament of this loyal dog. Other issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and temperament problems, are also affecting them.
3. French Bulldog
The French bulldog, a small, cute four-legged pup that originated from France. This dog breed was developed by crossbreeding English Toy Bulldogs with Parisian ratting dogs. Their unique charm and personality make them an ideal dog for many dog owners. Over the years, French bulldogs have ruled the hearts of many.
They have an expressive face with large and attractive eyes. Keeping aside their physical appearance, they have a great temperament. With qualities like playful, affectionate, easygoing, and alert, they are the best family dog breed.
French bulldogs are also among the victims of overbreeding. Due to this, French bulldogs commonly suffer from health issues related to brachycephalic features, breathing difficulties, dental issues, and spine malformations, as per PetMD.
4. Pug
From a naughty mate of Chinese emperors to the mascot of Holland’s royal House of Orange, the Pug is highly adored by millions. These dogs love their mates and expect to be loved in return. Pugs give a human-like expression with sparkling eyes.
Pugs are the ideal house dog that is happy in the city or country. Moreover, they are friendly not only with kids but also with old folks.
These cute little dogs are also suffering from various health-related issues due to overbreeding. Their cute face not only made them popular but also exposed them to health issues like breathing difficulties, eye problems, and skin conditions.
5. English Bulldogs
English Bulldog has a wide stance, muscular body, low profile, and wrinkled face. These physical features have made them popular breeds in the world. They are a popular dog breed in the United States.
They are gentle, sweet, dependable, and quite predictable. They were originally bred for bull-baiting, so they are quite courageous and good watchdogs. Bulldogs are social, and they get along well with pet owners and other dogs.
Overbreeding has worst affected English bulldogs, making them one of the unhealthiest dog breeds. As they have a unique appearance, overbreeding has led to various health issues, including respiratory, skeletal, and skin issues. Moreover, their hefty build causes joint issues.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This is a beautiful small dog, and there is no doubt that it is the top contender for the title of “top tail-wagger.” If wagging of the Cavalier’s tail doesn’t melt your heart, surely its round, charming eyes will.
AKC refers to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as gentle, loving dogs that enjoy being with people. They are friendly with kids, other pets, and even strangers. Though small, they are playful and full of energy, loving both outdoor fun and quiet cuddles on the couch.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very charming dogs, but overbreeding has led to a high incidence of syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition, and mitral valve disease, a chronic heart issue common in the breed. These issues often happen when breeders don’t do proper health checks or genetic testing.
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds, also known as Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, and Doxie, are German dogs with short legs and a long body. They were bred to hunt tunnel animals like rabbits and foxes. Moreover, they were also used to track boars, which are very dangerous. This clearly shows how brave these little pups are.
Overbreeding in Dachshunds, especially the selective emphasis on their long backs and short legs, has led to a high risk of serious health issues. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is the most prevalent concern. Dachshunds are 10 to 12 times more likely to develop IVDD than other breeds, according to PETA. This painful spinal condition can cause paralysis and mobility issues.
Overbreeding also contributes to joint problems such as luxating patellas, as well as neurological disorders like Lafora disease, a form of epilepsy. Additionally, Dachshunds face increased risks of arthritis, vision and hearing loss, and even heart conditions, particularly when bred without proper health screening.
8. Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever is a great dog that originated in Scotland. PetMD states it is a very popular dog due to its gentle nature and silky coat. They have a playful temperament, therefore, ideal as family dogs. Moreover, they also excel as service dogs and therapy dogs as they are quite intelligent and empathic.
Sadly, Golden Retrievers have become one of the most overbred dog breeds in America, driven by their immense popularity. As a result, these beloved dogs are now dying at significantly younger ages than they did in the 1970s and 1980s.
According to Slate, “Today, there is a consensus among veterinarians that Golden Retrievers have some of the highest rates of cancer of any dog breed.”
9. Boxer
Having a friendly and playful temperament, boxers are considered good family dogs. Moreover, they have affectionate behavior towards their family members. Their “kidney bean” dance is very popular; they do it by wiggling their body.
The shape of the Boxer dog has changed a lot over the past 100 years because of overbreeding. PDSA pointed out that overbreeding in Boxer dogs has led to a range of serious health issues. They are particularly prone to heart conditions, including dilated cardiomyopathy and Boxer cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Common skin problems include canine acne and allergic skin diseases, while eye conditions such as corneal dystrophy and corneal ulcers are also prevalent. Additionally, Boxers face increased risks of tumors, hip dysplasia, bloat, and inflammatory bowel disease, especially when bred without proper genetic screening.
Conclusion
Overbred dog breeds may look cute, but many suffer from serious health problems. From hip dysplasia in German Shepherds to breathing difficulties in French Bulldogs, selective breeding has caused real pain. Dog owners must support responsible breeding practices. Let’s choose health over looks, so our dogs enjoy their life happily and visit the vet less.
