Ask a Vet: Are Purebred Dogs More Prone to Disease?

When choosing a dog, good health should be one of your top priorities. A furry family member who is fit and happy will give you years of pleasure. So, when adopting a pet it is always worth double-checking your choices.

Something that comes up time and time again when speaking with potential pet owners is the mixed breed versus pedigree debate.

In this article, I am going to explore whether purebreds are more prone to disease than mixed breeds. I will also explain how to choose your perfect puppy, as well as some steps to keep them as fit as possible.

Purebreds vs. Mixed Breeds & Hybrid Vigor

Hybrid vigor is the term used to describe mixed offspring that are more fit and well than either of their parents. This is something that many people refer to when discussing mixed-breed dogs.  However, is there any truth in this?

Recent studies suggest the answer is, no. A study published in the journal Frontiers In Veterinary Science found that purebred and mixed-breed dogs are pretty equal when it comes to frequently diagnosed health conditions. Routine health complaints like dental calculus, ear infections, skin allergies, and osteoarthritis occur regularly in both groups of dogs.

While it is true that many pedigree breeds are predisposed to inherited health conditions, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are more likely to visit a vet throughout their lifetime.

Put in basic terms, any dog can suffer from ill health. While mixed breeds may be less likely to suffer from breed-specific diseases, this doesn’t make them immune to vet visits altogether.

Things To Look For in Purebreds

While studies show that mixed breeds are just as likely to be affected by common health complaints as pedigree dogs, it is still worth considering inherited conditions.

According to an article in Scientific America, there have been many consequences to the way that dogs have been selectively bred in the last 200 years. Many pedigree dogs have inherited health conditions that they could pass on to their offspring. In the past, dogs were bred for work and therefore function and fitness were the most important attributes. But in the last couple of centuries, breeders have focussed more on desirable physical features.

To get a certain look, this has led to a small gene pool of animals used for breeding. A highly desirable male dog may be used widely as a stud within the breed group. This means most of his genes are present within that breed, some healthy but some not. Interbreeding has also been an issue in many pedigree breeds, with direct relative matings performed to keep hold of desired features e.g. grandson with grandmother.

This can all lead to an increased chance of inherited diseases being passed along, as well as the health issues that can occur as a direct result of being an extreme size or shape e.g. spinal disease in Dachshunds with long backs and short legs, or joint disease in large and giant dogs.

Thankfully the tide is turning, and reputable breeders are now actively choosing animals with healthier characteristics. This has been helped by pre-mating health screening.

Conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, inherited eye conditions, and respiratory function can all be assessed for. Breeders should only be breeding from healthy individuals, i.e. it is not acceptable to mate a Cavalier King Charles with a diagnosed heart murmur or a French bulldog with extremely narrow nostrils.

While this doesn’t eliminate the risk of a puppy developing an inherited health condition, it does greatly reduce it.

If you want to know what conditions your chosen pedigree dog may be more susceptible to then check out the American Kennel Club’s website for more information.

Advantages of Pedigree vs. Mixed Breeds

Health concerns aside, there are some advantages to purchasing a pedigree pup over a mixed breed. Part of the attraction is that you know what you are getting. Pedigree dogs will have predictable characteristics, in both looks and temperament. While there will always be breed variation, you will generally know what to expect from your dog. Additionally, if you want to professionally show your pet, then having a pedigree is a must.

Adopting a pedigree also admits you into an exclusive ‘club’ with other owners of the same breed. You may be able to find merchandise and gifts with your dog’s breed on them, and people will be able to picture your dog straight away when you talk about them. This sense of belonging is a key part of pet ownership for some.

Breeder Selection Tips

You should choose your pedigree pup carefully to maximize their health chances.  Take time to research your breeder and make sure they are reputable. Puppy mills sadly still exist, and will churn out dogs that have been bred and kept in suboptimal conditions.

There are some key things to look for when choosing a puppy breeder –

1. Health Screenings: They have carried out all the recommended health screens and will provide you with evidence of this. Never take someone’s word, they should always be able to evidence it.
2. Meet & Greet: They will be happy to meet with you and show you the mother of the litter. Avoid breeders that only show you photos or want to meet in a remote location.
3. Vet Visits: The breeder has had the puppies checked by a vet and is following their recommended anti-parasite protocol. This shows they are working alongside a healthcare professional.
4. Recommendations: The breeder comes recommended. Personal and vet recommendations can boost your confidence.
5. Questions & Answers: The breeder will be able to answer your questions – They should be knowledgeable and answer any questions you have about the mother and her litter.
6. Waiting Lists: The breeder has a waiting list or vetting system: A good breeder will be in popular demand meaning they might have a waiting list. They shouldn’t be able to magic a puppy up to order. They might also ask you some questions so they can be happy their puppy is going to a good home.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

As we’ve discussed, mixed-breed dogs are just as likely as pedigree ones to develop certain health complaints. To keep your dog as fit and well as possible I recommend the following –

• Maintaining your pet at a healthy body weight
• Ensuring your dog receives the right level of exercise
• Feeding your dog a high-quality, complete diet that is appropriate for their age and size
• Keeping vaccinations and anti-parasite treatment up to date
• Practicing oral care at home with teeth brushing and regular dental checkups
• Seeking veterinary care as soon as you suspect there is something wrong with your pet
• Insuring your pet so that you have the finances in place to access the care they need

The Final Verdict

Pedigree dogs are more at risk from inherited conditions, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are less healthy. Mixed breeds are just as likely as pedigree dogs to develop common conditions like dental disease, allergies, and osteoarthritis.

If you choose your pedigree dog with your eyes open and take sensible precautions like purchasing from a reputable breeder, insuring your pet, and practicing preventative care, then you will be doing everything you can to keep your furry friend as fit as possible.