Dog Health Tips by Breed

First Letter of Your Dog's Breed > A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

►	Airedale Terrier Health : When it comes to the terrier breed, the Airedale is unique, as far as appearance and definitely one of the smartest and most personable dogs. However, the Airedale Terrier is also a dog that needs good socialization, proper training, and a firm master’s hand. Once settled into his new home, you will find this breed to be highly loyal and an excellent companion.

►	Akita Inu Health : If you are looking for a strong, yet gentle dog, one that can provide protection while still being trusted with children, the Akita Inu makes a great possible candidate. This breed is highly affectionate, absolutely loving the companionship of its master and family. Because the Akita is large and powerful, early socialization and training are highly recommended. However, the results would definitely be favorable.

►	Alaskan Malamute Health : When it comes to strong, healthy dogs, the Alaskan Malamute ranks high. This particular breed originated in Alaska where it was used for hunting, hauling, and sledding. Although some people still use the Alaskan Malamute for these purposes, others have discovered the gentle, loving nature of the dog, preferring to make it a family pet. With the Malamute being gentle with children, you have a great protector, as well as trusted companion.

►	Australian Shepherd Health : Ranked as the 135th breed in the American Kennel Club, the Australian Shepherd, also called the “Aussie”, originated from the United States although it has roots going back to France and Spain. After the World War II era, this bred boomed in popularity, putting on shows at horse shows and rodeos, showing off skill, agility, and intelligence. In fact, the Australian Shepherd became so popular, many dogs were scouted and then used in box office movies, and television shows.

►	Basset Hound Health :

►	Beagle Health : The Beagle is a small hound dog that is not only beautiful but also amazing with both kids and other animals. Although this breed does shed, grooming and overall maintenance is easy. Considered a strong but gentle dog, the Beagle has captured the hearts of many people looking for a good watchdog along with a wonderful family pet. Keep in mind that people do still use this breed for hunting since it has an incredible sense of smell.

►	Bichon Frise Health : The Bichon Frise is a wonderful breed of dog that works exceptionally well as a family pet and in most cases, for show. Although this specific breed is considered a healthy choice, as with any dog breed, there are certain risks. The most common problems associated with the Bichon Frise include eye disease, allergy, ear infections, luxating patella, tooth problems, and bladder infection/stones. Typically, buying from a reputable breeder eliminates many of these problems.

►	Boston Terrier Health : The Boston Terrier is a smart-looking dog, bred originally for fighting. However, over the years this particular breed was bred down to a companion dog, which is what makes it such a popular choice. The Boston Terrier is a loving, funny, smart, and highly devoted dog. With proper food, groom, and healthcare, this breed could live upwards to 15 years although 12 to 13 years is considered the norm.

►	Boxer Health : In addition to its sweet disposition, the Boxer is an easy dog to own. For instance, the Boxer has short, smooth hair, sheds little, is a loving, and gentle dog, and relatively easy to train. If cared for properly, the Boxer can live a long, healthy life but this breed does have several health problems to consider. Therefore, we wanted to address the few challenges that you might face with this breed.

►	Bulldog Health : The Bulldog is the national symbol of Great Britain, having originated in the British Isles. Today, this breed makes a wonderful pet although you want to make sure the puppy is given proper socialization. Unfortunately, the Bulldog was first bred for bull baiting, meaning it was aggressive and ferocious but now, the negative traits have been eliminated through selective breeding.

►	Brittany Spaniel Health : With the Brittany Spaniel, you get a dog that is exceptionally friendly and always eager to please its master. This dog breed is intelligent, curious, loving, and athletic. In addition, we see many families adding a Brittany to the home due to its even-temper and gentle nature, great for being around both children and other pets. Another benefit to choosing this breed is that it typically has far fewer health defects that you would see with other breeds, especially those in the sporting category.

►	Cairn Terrier Health : Many breeds of dog have particular traits or health requirements that set them apart from other types of dogs. A healthy Cairn Terrier should live as long as 14 or 15 years, but animal health experts have identified some genetic faults in purebred dogs that may apply to the Cairn. In fact, an excellent manual called “Genetic Anomalies of the Cairn Terrier” has outlined some of these concerns. Careful breeding seems to be the most effective way of avoiding, or at least tracking, these conditions.

►	Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health : This strong, muscular retriever was bred to withstand adverse weather conditions and cold water, as it retrieved game from the chill waters of the bay, which is where it gets its name. The breed has slightly wavy coat and dense undercoat are oily and water repellent. As a fairly, large dog of 65 to 80 pounds, and with its strong character, owners expect that health problems will be at a minimum. Generally, they are correct, though some experts note that Chessies are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic disease of the joint that follows from various degrees of arthritis. The condition can lead to limited movement and chronic pain, often making sitting and lying down painful.

►	Chihuahua Health : The Chihuahua is a small and somewhat fragile dog born with a soft spot called a molera on the top of its skull. New owners should be very careful with the young dog because of this, at least until the skull is fully developed. Information distributed about the Chihuahua generally says that the breed tends to snore when sleeping, as well as make a wheezing sound due to the short snout. In addition, the eyes can be weakened by dryness and by glaucoma, two possible conditions.

►	Chinese Shar Pei Health : The Shar Pei is known to be a generally healthy dog, especially when purchased from a top-quality, reliable breeder who spends extra time making sure that the puppies are fed correctly and socialized well.

►	Chow Chow Health : This impressive looking dog, a breed that goes back 2,000 years or more, is beautiful because of its lion-like and regal appearance. However, maintaining the health of a Chow Chow or any purebred dog can take definite time and dedication from the owner. Keep in mind that good Chow Chow pets are a work in progress, which also depends on a consistent diet and good grooming.

►	Cocker Spaniel Health : Descendants of the American Cocker Spaniel can be dated back to the 14th century. Known as the smallest of all breeds in the sporting group, the name was created from the dog’s ability to hunt woodcock. However, by the late 19th century, the Cocker Spaniel began being used for show in the United States although it had evolved from its original breed. The alert stance, graceful movement, and swaying of the feathered legs make this a wonderful breed to watch in the show ring.

►	Collie Health : Collie owners, breeders, and veterinarians have put together an extensive network of information about the health needs and special requirements of this very popular breed. Most breed owners can depend on an intelligent, active, and healthy pet that may bring only a few problems to the family, although some can be serious. Keep in mind that due to its great popularity, the Collie breed has been somewhat weakened by over-breeding. For this reason, some dogs have shown poor temperament because of careless handling in the early months.

►	Dachshund Health : The Dachshund is a surprisingly sturdy dog with stamina, one that will do quite well with moderate exercise. Keep in mind that due to the body structure, this breed tends to gain weight quickly. Therefore, you would need to take care not to feed this breed too much, paying particular attention to the foods they are given on a regular basis. With this in mind, it is best to ask some questions of the breeder you are working with and of the veterinarian to help you set a diet that will be best for your pet. For instance, you might consider making fresh meals for their Dachshund with healthy foods such as vegetables and grains that contain the right vitamins and the right levels of protein.

►	Dalmatian Health : Your new Dalmatian should remain a lean, sturdy dog for 10 to 12 years with the right diet and plenty of exercise. The breed was originally a working dog, and was often seen acting as a mascot for horses and on the scene to keep these horses calm and in line. This natural tendency to be involved combined with the playful nature of the breed makes the Dalmatian a joy to be around if you are committed to spending quality time with your new pet.

►	Doberman Pinscher Health : The Doberman is a very recognizable dog. Unfortunately, many people have a false sense of this particular breed. Originally bred in the 1800s as a guard dog and watchdog, the Doberman Pinscher is actually a very likable, friendly animal and not vicious or overly aggressive if coming from a reputable breeder. Getting a good start with a top breeder will also go a long way toward making sure that your new Doberman will be healthy too.

►	English Springer Spaniel Health : If there is a good place to begin with the discussion of health for purebred dogs, including the English Springer Spaniel, it would be with choosing a breeder that you know will have healthy, well-socialized puppies. This one factor can mean the difference between years of enjoying the company of your Springer and too many trips to the veterinarian to take care of problems that could have been avoided.

►	German Shepherd Health : For many years, the German Shepherd has been one of the most popular dog breeds, as a family pet, a companion to those with physical limitations, and as a working dog in law enforcement. Generally, a strong, active, and healthy dog, the German Shepherd would be a wonderful addition to your family and with good care, could give you years of companionship.

►	German Shorthaired Pointer Health : German Shorthaired Pointer owners have a strong network of information about the health needs and special requirements of this very popular hunting/competition breed. Most owners can depend on an intelligent, active, and healthy dog that will bring few major problems. However, over-breeding and careless breeding have caused problems in some bloodlines.

►	Golden Retriever Health : Just about every owner of a well-bred Golden Retriever has discovered the friendly, loving character of this breed that originated in England and Scotland. By taking a healthy puppy and giving it plenty of quality food and a lot of exercise, people have been able to enjoy years of companionship with this popular dog.

►	Great Dane Health : The Great Dane is not a breed that will live an exceptionally long life, with 10 years being about the average. However, some Great Danes have lived to be 12 or 13 years old. One of the keys to getting a good start with your pet is to purchase from a reputable breeder, someone that uses good breeding parents and is well aware of the health problems that can affect purebred dogs.

►	Great Pyrenees Health : The Great Pyrenees can be a wonderful pet in the right situation, but this breed will need a lot of room to move around since it is one of the larger dogs. A large, fenced yard would be ideal to give the Pyrenees enough exercise to keep it fit and trim. It may be best not to allow your Great Pyrenees to run free away from home or in the park because this is a very protective animal that was bred as a guard dog for both sheep and the home. In fact, a Great Pyrenees can be aggressive in a situation when it feels any threat.

►	Labrador Retriever Health : A Labrador Retriever that eats a well balanced diet, and is provided with adequate exercise would be expected to live between 10 and 13 years. However, as with any breed of dog, the Lab is also prone to certain diseases and health risks. In this article, we wanted to provide you with information on some of the more common problems.

►	Lhasa Apso Health : If purchased from a good breeder and given the proper diet with exercise, the Lhasa Apso is a healthy breed. However, like any breed of dog, the Lhasa Apso does have some health considerations. For starters, this particular breed is bred to be an inside dog. Therefore, you want to make sure that before buying you have the right environment so disease and health issues are kept to a minimum.


►	Maltese Health : In spite of being one of the smaller dogs and considered a toy breed, the Maltese is a generally healthy animal that may live as long as 15 years or more. There are a few things that owners can do to help this energetic little pet live a healthier life. Therefore, you always want to buy this and any breed from a top-quality breeder. We recommend visiting at least three breeders and asking plenty of questions about the general health of the parents, as well as the breed. Buying a healthy young puppy from a reputable breeder who has clean, safe living conditions for his dogs is essential to give any pet a strong start.

►	Mastiff Health : As with any purebred dog, it is best to begin your search for a Mastiff puppy by visiting at least three reputable breeders. This way, you will have the opportunity to look closely at the living conditions, as well as the interaction between the breeder and puppies. Because of the dog’s huge size, proper socialization and good bloodlines make a tremendous difference in the personality and behavior of an individual pet.

►	Miniature Pinscher Health : Owners of the Miniature Pinscher have found this wonderful, tiny breed to be quite sturdy, generally free of serious health problems. The key to having a long, problem-free relationship with any pet is to get a good start. The place to begin is with visits to several reputable breeders where you can ask questions about the proper feeding and care of your Miniature Pinscher. Additionally, you want to get a good look at the living conditions in which your new puppy was raised.

►	Miniature Schnauzer Health : Always popular as a pet, the Miniature Schnauzer is generally a healthy and active dog that sheds very little or not at all. For this reason, this breed makes an excellent choice for the apartment dweller or those in a small home, especially if there is concern about allergy problems with children or other family members. With proper care and attention, the Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy and energetic dog.

►	Newfoundland Health : A large and sturdy breed such as the Newfoundland would normally be expected to be healthy and relatively free from disease or serious medical conditions. As with many purebred dogs, there are a few areas to consider. The first of these health conditions to look for is hip dysplasia, a hereditary disease that can cause pain and limit the movement of many larger dogs.

►	Pekingese Health : A healthy, well-bred Pekingese can live as long as 15 years, though 10 years to 12 years is more common. The breed has a tendency toward eye problems and breathing problems, according to many experienced owners and breeders. The dog has a very small skull and a flattened face that contribute to these conditions. A new owner should be aware of the possibilities from the beginning.

►	Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health : With good care and proper nutrition, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will give you 12 to 15 years of enjoyment and companionship. This small, sturdy dog does tend to gain weight if not fed correctly or given enough exercise. As with most purebred dogs, the Corgi may develop a few health problems that are inherent in the breed. Many of these conditions can be avoided through good breeding and with early checkups by a veterinarian.

►	Pomeranian Health : While a purebred dog from a top breeder should be free of most serious health conditions, there are always situations the new owner should be aware of with the Pomeranian. With the opportunity to exercise and run about, even in a small space, most Pomeranian owners find that they have few real health problems with their pet.

►	Poodle Health : The Poodle is a breed that defies some of the rules about smaller dogs living longer and bigger dogs living shorter lives. Some standard Poodles live 15 to 20 years, just as the smaller toy and miniature varieties do. Even though careful breeding can eliminate many of the inherited health problems of purebred dogs, the Poodle does have some definite inherited tendencies toward certain conditions. This list is an effort to give the owner of a new Poodle some initial direction.

►	Pug Health : There are always some minor health issues with any family pet. But if the new owner works with a reputable breeder and consults regularly with the veterinarian, purebred dogs such as the Pug can live long, healthy lives. It is important to begin by purchasing your puppy from a top breeder who has carefully selected healthy breeding parents and given the young dogs excellent nutrition and plenty of exercise.

►	Rottweiler Health : The Rottweiler breed is a beautiful dog that if socialized and trained, sweet and loving. Because the Rottweiler is a large breed with some weighing as much as 120 pounds, certain health issues can arise. In this article, we wanted to address some of the more common challenges a Rottweiler owner might face but keep in mind, with proper diet, daily exercise, and proper care you should have a healthy, happy dog as a part of the family.

►	Saint Bernard Health : The Saint Bernard is a large breed that was and still is used in the field of rescue. Being thick-coated and great swimmers, the Saint Bernard is excellent for tracking missing persons in the snow, as well as pulling swimmers into shore. In addition, the Saint Bernard is a gorgeous dog, one with a sweet personality and even temperament, making him a wonderful family addition.

►	Samoyed Health : The Samoyed is an amazing breed, very similar in characteristics to that of a primitive dog while still possessing qualities that make it an excellent family pet. Although used in artic region due to its ability to deal with cold, the Samoyed is also a good choice anywhere although a healthy environment is important.

►	Schipperke Health : When considering a new family pet, the Schipperke can be a great choice. If a new owner works with a top breeder and makes sure that the puppy is healthy from the start, the relationship between dog and owner can be a good one. The Schipperke is typically a low-maintenance pet, especially if the breeder has taken plenty of time to socialize the young dogs.

►	Scottish Terrier Health :This is a generally healthy breed of dog, but the Scottish Terrier can be prone to just a few medical conditions. The new owner should know about and ask about these, beginning with von Willebrand’s disease. This is an inherited blood disorder in which the dog is missing a substance that helps blood clots to form. The disease is similar to hemophilia in humans.

►	Shetland Sheepdog Health : One of the key things that new owners should remember about caring for a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is that this dog may gain excess weight from overeating if given too much food. Some experts warn that commercial foods may have instructions on the package that recommend larger amounts for meals than are actually healthy for some dogs.

►	Shih-Tzu Health : The Shih-Tzu will live a fairly long and healthy life, up to 15 years with the proper diet and care. The long, beautiful hair of this breed misleads some into thinking they are a very delicate dog, but in truth this is a sturdy little animal. If the new owner works closely with a top breeder and a veterinarian to make sure the puppy gets a good start, the Shih-Tzu should not present exceptional health problems.

►	Siberian Husky Health : Though the Siberian Husky is a strong and compact dog, the breed does have a few health conditions that owners should be aware. For instance, a Siberian Husky may develop some of the eye problems associated with dogs, included progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, or cornea problems.

►	Weimaraner Health : Many Weimaraner owners enjoy a long relationship with their dog without major health issues. This is something that is accomplished by starting with a puppy from a reputable breeder. That first step may eliminate many of the health problems that can afflict purebred dogs as they grow and as they get older.

►	West Highland White Terrier Health : This breed is relatively healthy with a few health problems that may be of concern to the new owner. Westies are sturdy, compact dogs that require just a bit of exercise to remain in good condition.

►	Yorkshire Terrier Health : Yorkshire Terriers are sometimes prone to tooth problems, even early tooth decay. Grooming instructions for the Yorkie often include details on brushing the teeth and other tooth care. This breed may also suffer from digestion problems, making diet choices even more important than with some other dogs.