Vet Talk: What do you know about breed-related traits in dogs?

SINGAPORE – Dog lovers are drawn to particular breeds for their unique characteristics. However, these beloved traits may come with breed-specific health concerns that every owner should know about.

Brachycephalic breeds

Brachycephalic dogs, with their adorable flat faces and short snouts, face numerous health challenges. Breeds such as French bulldog, Pekingese, pug and shih tzu are prone to breathing difficulties due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, caused by narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates and collapsed windpipes.

Their protruding eyes are prone to eye injuries, and they may develop skin infections in facial folds. Their head shape causes dental overcrowding, making them susceptible to gum infection and dental diseases. 

Owners should closely monitor their dog’s condition during exercise, as strenuous activity may cause breathing difficulties and increase the risk of heat stroke.

In general, owners should be prepared to provide lifelong medical care for these pets.

Heat-intolerant breeds

Dogs with double coats have two layers: a short, thick undercoat close to the skin and a longer, thinner topcoat. Such breeds include Alaskan malamute, chow chow, samoyed and Siberian husky.

In Singapore’s sweltering climate, they are at risk of heat-related illnesses and “hot spots” – red and painful skin sores caused by bacteria. Pet owners with heat-intolerant breeds should ensure that their pet is correctly and regularly groomed.

Avoid letting such breeds get overheated by going out during the coolest part of the day, providing cool drinking water, keeping them in a well-ventilated environment and maintaining a healthy weight.

Working dog breeds

Working dog breeds such as boxer, rottweiler, samoyed and Siberian husky are intelligent and loyal, and excel in roles like guarding, sledding and police work.

Their size and energy require proper training, socialisation, ample exercise and mental stimulation. These breeds may not be suitable for first-time dog owners who lack dog handling skills, or busy people, as they need one to two hours of vigorous activity daily.

Herding dog breeds

Herding breeds possess an instinctive ability to control animal movement. These include Belgian malinois, border collie, corgi, German Shepherd and Shetland sheepdog. Originally bred for livestock management, some breeds now serve in police and protection roles. 

These dogs are energetic and intelligent, and require ample physical and mental challenges. While they are typically trainable and make good companions, their working heritage results in a strong herding instinct and the need for plenty of activity provided by their owners.

Hunting dog breeds

Athletic and intelligent, hunting breeds are blessed with an excellent sense of smell. They are loyal and eager to please, and excel in various hunting tasks from locating to retrieving game. These breeds include English springer spaniel, German shorthaired pointer, labrador retriever and vizsla.

Potential owners should consider these dogs’ high energy and substantial exercise needs before choosing these breeds.

How to pick a healthy pup

Other breeds may also come with their own genetic predispositions and often require specialised care from owners.

For example, Siberian huskies are prone to autoimmune disorders, labradors to obesity, shih tzus to patellar luxation (a common condition in small dog breeds where the kneecap slips out from its groove, which may lead to permanent dislocation), dachshunds to back problems, poodles to glaucoma, miniature schnauzers to diabetes, Pomeranians to alopecia, and cavalier King Charles spaniels to heart valve disease. 

Potential owners should research breed-specific health issues and choose reputable breeders who prioritise health over appearance.

Find out the parents’ health history, such as through certification showing that the parents are free from specific genetic diseases, and ensure puppies are screened for breed-related problems. 

Potential owners are also encouraged to consider adopting from an animal welfare group. These rescue animals would benefit tremendously when given a second chance at finding a new home. 

With proper awareness and care, many health concerns can be managed well, allowing pet dogs to enjoy a good quality of life.

• Dr Leow Su Hua is a senior veterinarian at the Animal & Veterinary Service.
• Vet Talk is a fortnightly column where veterinarians offer advice on pet issues.

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