I am just looking for some help in choosing a healthy breed of dog. I found a few I like, but when I read up on them. They all had some real bad health issuse. Do you know of a small breed of dog that doesn't have as bad of a time with health as the rest? I am looking for one that is in between 5 lbs to 30 lbs. So from small to a medium size dog. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Francine
Best Healthy Dog Breed???
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
The best thing is to be sure you buy from a reputable breeder, not a backyard breeder or pet store. They will have done the necessary testing to rule out health problems in their dogs before they allow them to breed (hips, eyes, etc). They will ask as many questions of you, as you should of them. And be prepared to pay...
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
Yes I know that, what I was asking is there a certain breed out there that is not as ill as most of these breeds seem to be. When I looked into these breeds that I wanted. They all had some sort of bad health. Here is what I found out when I looked up info on the King Charles dogs. "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much
Timidity and shyness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Chasing instincts Regular brushing and combing Lots of shedding
High prices Extremely serious health problems and a short lifespan
The heart epidemic. The biggest problem with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is health. This breed is in serious trouble. Heart disease (specifically, mitral valve disease or MVD) is the number-one killer of Cavaliers. Up to HALF of all Cavaliers is likely to develop MVD by 5 years of age -- and virtually ALL Cavaliers by 10 years of age. No one should acquire a Cavalier today unless they're prepared to spend lots of money for heart monitoring and heart care. This is what I mean, up to half will develop mvd. That isn't a good thing, so why do they breed them at all if this is more then likely to happen. Well we are getting off the topic at hand. This is the reason why I asked if there was a certain small breed that wasn't as ill as the rest seem to be. Thanks for any info you can give me.
Timidity and shyness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Chasing instincts Regular brushing and combing Lots of shedding
High prices Extremely serious health problems and a short lifespan
The heart epidemic. The biggest problem with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is health. This breed is in serious trouble. Heart disease (specifically, mitral valve disease or MVD) is the number-one killer of Cavaliers. Up to HALF of all Cavaliers is likely to develop MVD by 5 years of age -- and virtually ALL Cavaliers by 10 years of age. No one should acquire a Cavalier today unless they're prepared to spend lots of money for heart monitoring and heart care. This is what I mean, up to half will develop mvd. That isn't a good thing, so why do they breed them at all if this is more then likely to happen. Well we are getting off the topic at hand. This is the reason why I asked if there was a certain small breed that wasn't as ill as the rest seem to be. Thanks for any info you can give me.
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
I agree with Marty - the only way to be even partly certain is to buy from a reputable breeder with a long line of success, a health certificate, and a health guarantee. But even that isn't 100%. You are getting a living thing, and, as we all know, healthy parents can have unhealthy children (it works that way with humans and all animals and plants that I know of). You can't ever be certain what DNA mix a certain animal has and you can't get a DNA guarantee. The more the dog has been bred away from the natural (spitz/wolf-like or dingo-type dogs) the more the genes have been intentionally manipulated by controlled breeding, and the more health problems you may encounter.
You might also want to consider a mixed breed since mixed breeds may be more healthy because of the random gene mix. (By mixed breed, I don't mean intentional breeding like Cockapoos or Labradoodles or other ridiculously overpriced man-made creations - I mean random gene mixing by 'accident'). Also, many health problems can be prevented by ensuring prompt vet visits, a healthy (indoor dog) environment, and good nutrition, whether it's a purebred or mixed.
That said, I've had two dog's from reputable breeders (Leah and Foxy), two from a pet shop (one from a Kansas puppy mill - Mickey, the other from a local back yard breeder - Allie), and one of unknown lineage (a rescue). Of the two from reputable breeders, Leah had minor hip problems and a bad flea allergy, and lived to be 14 1/2, but developed severe arthritis around age 10 and diabetes insipidus at 13. Foxy is totally healthy (so far) at age 4. Of the two pet shop dogs, Mickey was very healthy as a young dog, except for an awful flea allergy. He developed arthritis in his hips and back around 9, which became extremely severe by age 12. He lived to be almost 16. The other pet shop dog (backyard breeder) is now 7 years old and was sold to me as normal, but is she was born completely deaf. She also has luxating patellas and is prone to developing sebaceous cysts - Except for these concerns, which right now are very minor, she is very healthy and has no medical problems. Angel, of unknown lineage, has severe hip dysplasia and is prone to bladder infections. All are shelties. So, you can never be sure what you are getting, and all animals will usually develop some problems as they age. Unfortunately, this goes along with pet ownership.
You might also want to consider a mixed breed since mixed breeds may be more healthy because of the random gene mix. (By mixed breed, I don't mean intentional breeding like Cockapoos or Labradoodles or other ridiculously overpriced man-made creations - I mean random gene mixing by 'accident'). Also, many health problems can be prevented by ensuring prompt vet visits, a healthy (indoor dog) environment, and good nutrition, whether it's a purebred or mixed.
That said, I've had two dog's from reputable breeders (Leah and Foxy), two from a pet shop (one from a Kansas puppy mill - Mickey, the other from a local back yard breeder - Allie), and one of unknown lineage (a rescue). Of the two from reputable breeders, Leah had minor hip problems and a bad flea allergy, and lived to be 14 1/2, but developed severe arthritis around age 10 and diabetes insipidus at 13. Foxy is totally healthy (so far) at age 4. Of the two pet shop dogs, Mickey was very healthy as a young dog, except for an awful flea allergy. He developed arthritis in his hips and back around 9, which became extremely severe by age 12. He lived to be almost 16. The other pet shop dog (backyard breeder) is now 7 years old and was sold to me as normal, but is she was born completely deaf. She also has luxating patellas and is prone to developing sebaceous cysts - Except for these concerns, which right now are very minor, she is very healthy and has no medical problems. Angel, of unknown lineage, has severe hip dysplasia and is prone to bladder infections. All are shelties. So, you can never be sure what you are getting, and all animals will usually develop some problems as they age. Unfortunately, this goes along with pet ownership.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
I wrote my response at the same time you wrote yours, and I didn't respond with any particular breed. My experience and knowlege is mainly with shelties. While they do have some inheritiable problems, Shetland Sheepdogs and most other herding breeds (except Bouviers and German Shepherds) are for the most part healthy. The GSD has been overbred and many are prone to hip dysplasia, so you have to be careful with them. I've heard of several problems in Bouviers, but I can't remember what they are. Since you are interested in a small to medium sized dog, You probably aren't considering either of those breeds or any other large dog. (HD is of concern in most large dogs). Shelties and other herding breeds have very distinct personality traits that are common to the breed, so, if you are interested in them, make sure you understand those traits. For example: Shelties are very people oriented. They will always be where the people are. If the people are in different rooms, the dog will go back and forth between rooms to check on them (Hence, they have a reputation as 'pacers' and for always being underfoot). They are very good with children and are very gentle. Most are reserved around strangers, but some are very shy. They are also very vocal (many are barkers, but almost all are 'talkers'). Most of the toy breeds are prone to problems. I've known several people who owned beagles, and I don't recall any of them having any particular problems. I don't have enough knowlege of any other breed to offer any other ideas for you. I hope you find the dog that's right for you.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
I'd have to second Karen on the mixed-breed dog. I also would not rely soley on any breeder, but if you choose a specific breeder, make sure he/she is reliable and working for the betterment of the breed, and not simply making money.
Your vet can also help answer your questions, since he/she works with various breeds on a daily basis. He/she may also be able to recommend a specific breeder in your area in which to persue.
If I could name only one dog with minimal health problems (from my own experiences), I would say a border collie or border collie mix. But, as Karen notes, many factors will help determine overall health and longevity, such as nutrition, environment, regular veterinary exams and care, awareness of emerging health problems, etc.
Your vet can also help answer your questions, since he/she works with various breeds on a daily basis. He/she may also be able to recommend a specific breeder in your area in which to persue.
If I could name only one dog with minimal health problems (from my own experiences), I would say a border collie or border collie mix. But, as Karen notes, many factors will help determine overall health and longevity, such as nutrition, environment, regular veterinary exams and care, awareness of emerging health problems, etc.
..........Traci
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
Thanks for all your info, it has been quite helpful. I have a Chi right now, and he is fed the best dog food I can find on the market today. It is a natural diet, so it has been very good for him. I don't have a problem with taking my animals in for their check ups and so forth. I just got a bit overwhelmed when I saw all the bad illness out there in these dog breeds. I do have to agree about the mutts out there (mixed breeds) We had a mix dog when I was growing up. We also had no money to really speak of and lived on a farm that was barely keeping us alive. So I can't say as he got the best food out there. But he lived a long and healthy life, and died at the ripe old age of 14. He was a mix of springer spaniel, german shepherd, and black lab mix. Now there is a ture mutt for ya. 
But he was one of the best dogs I have ever had. A true family dog. I wanted to get a dog from the animal shelter. But worried about getting a breed that for the most part has a lot of illnesses. So I wouldn't be able to check out the breeders and all that. What do you suggest about going to animal shelters? Pick out a mix, and hope it is healthy?
Francine
But he was one of the best dogs I have ever had. A true family dog. I wanted to get a dog from the animal shelter. But worried about getting a breed that for the most part has a lot of illnesses. So I wouldn't be able to check out the breeders and all that. What do you suggest about going to animal shelters? Pick out a mix, and hope it is healthy?Francine
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
I have to agree on a mixed breed...I ahve had both...mixed and purebreds...and I have loved them all...but the mixed were definitely healthier overall...
visit the shelter a few times, take time to play with the dogs, and find one that suits your personality and lifestyle...
Me...I could not visit a shelter...I would want to bring them ALL home!!
Best of luck in finding the best for you!
visit the shelter a few times, take time to play with the dogs, and find one that suits your personality and lifestyle...
Me...I could not visit a shelter...I would want to bring them ALL home!!
Best of luck in finding the best for you!
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
You also might want to consider going through a breed Rescue organization. Once you have decided on a breed, you will find that you can talk to the foster parents to determine a dog's temperament, health status, etc. And they will take the dog back if it doesn't fit you (as will a reputable breeder).
Also, what you read about a breed may not apply to all dogs of that breed. I researched Basset Hounds extensively before getting my first one, and everything I read said they tend to dig up your yard (which didn't please DH). So Winnie came from a BYB and Biscotti from the shelter...plus I have fostered about 10 for Rescue. Not one of them was a digger....
Some of the problems you mentioned were strictly behavioral, and those can be worked with, for the most part. I feel the health problems...well, you take your chances with any dog...there is no crystal ball to predict what may or may not happen, and you deal with it. Biscotti had spinal disc surgery, Winnie has had 2 bladderstone surgeries, and Java the mutt has gone blind and requires regular trips to UGA Vet School, but they are older and I take that as it comes. I don't mean to scare you off, but things happen in spite of wonderful care.
Also, what you read about a breed may not apply to all dogs of that breed. I researched Basset Hounds extensively before getting my first one, and everything I read said they tend to dig up your yard (which didn't please DH). So Winnie came from a BYB and Biscotti from the shelter...plus I have fostered about 10 for Rescue. Not one of them was a digger....
Some of the problems you mentioned were strictly behavioral, and those can be worked with, for the most part. I feel the health problems...well, you take your chances with any dog...there is no crystal ball to predict what may or may not happen, and you deal with it. Biscotti had spinal disc surgery, Winnie has had 2 bladderstone surgeries, and Java the mutt has gone blind and requires regular trips to UGA Vet School, but they are older and I take that as it comes. I don't mean to scare you off, but things happen in spite of wonderful care.
Re: Best Healthy Dog Breed???
Tambrey I use to work for a no kill shelter, where I took pictures of the animals coming in. It put me in a position of much hardship. I so wanted them all. But then again I had a full time job, and this job, and my Chi to keep me company. So none did ever make it home with me. But now my life has left an opening so I am looking at getting another to fill it. 