Some dog breeds are more prone to health issues than others due to a combination of genetic factors and selective breeding practices.
The process of selective breeding, which aims to accentuate certain physical or behavioral traits in specific breeds, can inadvertently lead to the concentration of harmful genes and inherited health problems.
Here are some reasons why some dog breeds have a higher incidence of health issues.
Genetic diversity
When a breed's gene pool is limited, such as in purebred dogs with a small population, the likelihood of inheriting certain genetic disorders increases.
A limited gene pool means that a higher proportion of dogs share similar genes, including both desirable and undesirable traits.
Popular sire effect
Popular stud dogs that are heavily used for breeding can inadvertently spread genetic disorders throughout the breed if they carry hidden health issues.
This widespread breeding can lead to a higher prevalence of specific health problems.
Hereditary diseases
Some dog breeds are prone to specific hereditary diseases due to genetic mutations or predispositions.
Examples include hip dysplasia in large breeds and progressive retinal atrophy in certain small dog breeds.
Lack of genetic testing
In some cases, breeders may not conduct proper genetic testing or health screening for breeding dogs, leading to the propagation of inherited health issues within the breed.
