Dog Breed Health Guides

Every dog breed has unique health needs. Our vet-verified guides help you understand breed-specific conditions and how to keep your dog healthy.

French Bulldog

The #1 most popular breed in America, French Bulldogs require special care due to their flat face and compact build.

Lifespan: 9-12 yearsHigh Health Risk
BOAS (Breathing)IVDD (Spine)Skin Allergies+1 more

Golden Retriever

Beloved family dogs with the highest cancer rate of any breed. Regular screenings and weight management are essential.

Lifespan: 10-12 yearsHigh Health Risk
Cancer (60%)Hip DysplasiaHeart Disease+1 more

German Shepherd

Intelligent working dogs prone to joint issues and a progressive spinal disease. Know the signs of bloat.

Lifespan: 9-13 yearsMedium Health Risk
Hip DysplasiaDegenerative MyelopathyBloat+1 more

Labrador Retriever

America's #2 breed with a genetic tendency toward obesity. Weight control can add years to their life.

Lifespan: 10-12 yearsMedium Health Risk
ObesityHip DysplasiaEIC+1 more

Poodle

Intelligent dogs in three sizes, each with different health concerns. Standards face bloat; toys face dental issues.

Lifespan: 10-18 yearsMedium Health Risk
Addison's DiseaseBloat (Standard)Eye Problems+1 more

English Bulldog

One of the most health-challenged breeds. Requires air conditioning, daily skin care, and limited exercise.

Lifespan: 8-10 yearsVery High Health Risk
BOAS (Breathing)Heat IntoleranceSkin Folds+1 more

Beagle

Generally healthy scent hounds with a food obsession. Weight management is the top priority.

Lifespan: 12-15 yearsLow Health Risk
ObesityEpilepsyEar Infections+1 more

Rottweiler

Powerful large breed with elevated bone cancer risk. Regular leg checks and controlled puppy growth important.

Lifespan: 8-10 yearsMedium Health Risk
OsteosarcomaHip DysplasiaHeart Disease+1 more

Dachshund

1 in 4 will have back problems. Ramps, weight control, and proper handling can prevent spinal injuries.

Lifespan: 12-16 yearsHigh Health Risk
IVDD (Back)ObesityDental Disease+1 more

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Nearly 100% develop heart disease by age 10. Syringomyelia affects 70%. Requires cardiac screening.

Lifespan: 9-14 yearsVery High Health Risk
MVD (Heart)SyringomyeliaEye Problems+1 more

Boxer

One of the highest cancer rates of any breed. ARVC heart disease is common. Bloat risk requires awareness.

Lifespan: 10-12 yearsHigh Health Risk
Cancer (40%)ARVC (Heart)Bloat+1 more

Bernese Mountain Dog

Tragically short lifespan due to very high cancer rates. One of the breeds most affected by histiocytic sarcoma.

Lifespan: 6-8 yearsVery High Health Risk
Cancer (50%)Hip DysplasiaBloat+1 more

Doberman Pinscher

Over 50% develop dilated cardiomyopathy. 70% carry von Willebrand disease. Annual heart screening essential.

Lifespan: 10-12 yearsHigh Health Risk
DCM (Heart >50%)VWD (Bleeding)Wobbler Syndrome+1 more

Great Dane

Highest bloat risk of any breed at 37% lifetime risk. Know the signs - bloat kills within hours without surgery.

Lifespan: 7-10 yearsHigh Health Risk
Bloat (37%)DCM (Heart)Hip Dysplasia+1 more

Shar Pei

Unique breed with Shar Pei Fever affecting 23%. Can lead to fatal kidney failure. Requires specialized care.

Lifespan: 8-12 yearsHigh Health Risk
Shar Pei FeverAmyloidosisEntropion+1 more

Siberian Husky

Generally healthy but prone to eye conditions and autoimmune disorders. Zinc-responsive dermatosis is breed-specific.

Lifespan: 12-14 yearsMedium Health Risk
Eye ProblemsAutoimmune DiseasesZinc Deficiency+1 more

Pug

Extreme flat face causes breathing issues. Eyes prone to injury. Pug Dog Encephalitis is a fatal breed-specific disease.

Lifespan: 12-15 yearsHigh Health Risk
BOAS (Breathing)Eye ProblemsSkin Folds+1 more

Chihuahua

Long-lived but prone to dental issues due to small mouths. Patellar luxation and heart disease common. Watch for low blood sugar.

Lifespan: 12-20 yearsMedium Health Risk
Dental DiseasePatellar LuxationHeart Disease+1 more

Australian Shepherd

50% carry the MDR1 gene causing dangerous reactions to common medications. DNA testing critical before any medication.

Lifespan: 12-15 yearsMedium Health Risk
MDR1 Drug SensitivityEye ProblemsHip Dysplasia+1 more

Collie

70% carry MDR1—highest rate of any breed. Common medications like Imodium can be fatal. DNA testing is non-negotiable.

Lifespan: 12-14 yearsHigh Health Risk
MDR1 (70%)Collie Eye AnomalyDermatomyositis+1 more

Dalmatian

100% cannot metabolize purines normally, causing bladder stones. Low-purine diet essential for life. BAER hearing test recommended.

Lifespan: 11-13 yearsHigh Health Risk
Urate Stones (100%)Deafness (30%)Skin Allergies+1 more

Greyhound

Unique physiology with different normal bloodwork values. Standard reference ranges don't apply. Anesthesia requires special protocols.

Lifespan: 10-14 yearsMedium Health Risk
Anesthesia SensitivityUnique BloodworkOsteosarcoma+1 more

Miniature Schnauzer

Most pancreatitis-prone breed due to genetic high blood fats. Strict low-fat diet essential for life. No fatty table scraps ever.

Lifespan: 12-15 yearsHigh Health Risk
Pancreatitis (#1)HyperlipidemiaBladder Stones+1 more

More Dog Breeds Coming Soon

We're working on guides for Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel, West Highland Terrier, and more.

Understand Your Dog's Health Better

Upload your dog's bloodwork or medical records to VetLens for instant, AI-powered explanations tailored to your dog's breed and results.

Upload Your Dog's Records Free

Popular Dog Health Articles