GabyFor a long time, it was believed that purebred dogs are more prone to various diseases than mixed-breed dogs or mutts. However, a new study from Texas A&M University has debunked this myth. The university team has challenged the long-held notion that inbreeding harms the health of our furry companions. “There are several well-known diseases that are often seen in certain dog breeds. Because of this, a misconception has spread that purebred dogs get sick more often, but that’s not the case,” said Dr. Kate Krivi, the lead veterinarian for the dog aging project and a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
So, what did the researchers discover? As the name suggests, purebred dogs come from a single breed, while the genetics of mixed-breed dogs represent a combination of more than one breed. In their study, the team aimed to understand whether purebred animals are more or less susceptible to diseases compared to their mixed-breed counterparts. They surveyed owners of over 27,000 dogs regarding any diagnoses. The results revealed that among the 25 most common purebred dog breeds, 53 diseases were reported. “The medical conditions reported by owners of purebred dogs varied significantly. However, 10 diseases were mentioned most frequently,” Dr. Krivi noted.
This top ten list of common ailments included dental calculus (hardened plaque), dog bite wounds, tooth extractions, giardia (parasites), osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, ear infections, heart murmurs, broken teeth, and cataracts.
Meanwhile, mixed-breed dogs exhibited similar common diseases: cataracts, heart murmurs, broken nails, and chocolate poisoning. Some conditions, such as dental calculus and osteoarthritis, occurred with roughly the same frequency in both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. However, medical issues like missing teeth and bites from other dogs were more frequently reported in purebred animals. On the other hand, ear infections were most commonly recorded in mixed breeds, according to the Daily Mail.
“Out of the 53 diseases reported by owners, 26 were common to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs,” Dr. Krivi concluded. By dispelling this old myth, the researchers hope their findings will be beneficial for anyone considering bringing a dog into their home. When choosing a furry friend, it’s important to consider a multitude of factors that will accompany the dog throughout its life, according to the scientists. These include the environment, lifestyle, social interactions, physical activity, and veterinary care. Future dog owners should also consult experienced veterinarians about health issues to which their new dog may be particularly susceptible.
