Possible Canine Health Problems

The following medical problems have been found to be associated with certain breed types. This may or may not mean that your pet will have these problems. In addition this does not represent the most complete or up to date list possible. This is because as certain breeds gain popularity, new problems appear because of careless breeding practices motivated by profit.

For some of the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the health of a breed, the American Kennel Club has a listing of National Breed Clubs that lists some of the health problems being encountered with each breed. The AKC also has a web site Canine Health Foundation that lists breed research plus the top 10 diseases of 2000.

Prospective pet owners of a breed with possible health problems may want to obtain a written health guarantee and only buy pets with both parents OFA certified (for breeds susceptible toHip Dysplasia) and CERF certified (for breeds susceptible to hereditary eye conditions). Even if a breed is not prone to health problems, it does not mean that a particular dog may not have that problem.