Have you heard the claim that purebred dogs have more health problems than mixed breed dogs? Is it true, or is it just a myth?
It’s time we busted one of the biggest myths in the dog world! For years, I’ve heard people claim that mutts are healthier than purebreds. Everyone seems to have that friend who insists “Oh, you should get a mixed breed – purebreds are just walking health problems!” But guess what? Science is now telling us that this common belief might not be accurate at all.
The Surprising Truth About Purebred Health
A groundbreaking study from Texas A&M University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has completely challenged what many of us thought we knew about dog health. Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, this research examined over 27,000 companion dogs (that’s a lot of good boys and girls!) and found something really interesting – purebred and mixed-breed dogs actually have about the same overall frequency of health problems.
As Dr. Kate Creevy, chief veterinary officer of the Dog Aging Project and professor at Texas A&M explains: “There are several well-known diseases that frequently occur in specific dog breeds. This has helped perpetuate the misconception that all purebred dogs are more prone to disease, but that is not the case.”
This honestly blew my mind when I first read it! All those years of people telling me purebreds were “less healthy” might have been based on,,, nothing?
Breaking Down the Research
The study from the Dog Aging Project gathered data from thousands of dog owners, covering both purebreds and mixed breeds. They found that out of 53 medical conditions reported by owners, 26 (almost half!) showed no significant difference between purebred and mixed-breed dogs.
The researchers identified the 25 most popular purebred dogs in their study, which make up about 60% of the purebred population These include familiar favorites like
- Labrador retriever
- Golden retriever
- German shepherd
- Poodle
- Australian shepherd
- Dachshund
- Border collie
- Chihuahua
- Beagle
- Pembroke Welsh corgi
And 15 other breeds including popular ones like Boxers, Pugs, and Great Danes.
Common Health Issues in All Dogs
What’s really fascinating is that many of the most common health problems show up equally in both purebreds and mutts. The top reported conditions across all dogs included:
- Dental calculus (hardened plaque)
- Dog bites (being bitten by another dog)
- Extracted teeth
- Giardia (a nasty parasite)
- Osteoarthritis
- Seasonal allergies
- Ear infections
- Heart murmurs
- Fractured teeth
- Cataracts
For mixed breeds specifically, the list was almost identical except for cataracts and heart murmurs being replaced by torn/broken toenails and chocolate toxicity (c’mon people, keep that chocolate away from your pups!).
Some conditions appeared with about the same frequency in both groups – dental calculus and osteoarthritis being prime examples. Other conditions showed some differences – purebreds had more cases of extracted teeth and dog bites, while mixed breeds seemed to have more ear infections.
What This Means If You’re Choosing a Dog
Honestly, this research is super helpful if you’re trying to decide what kind of dog to bring home. Instead of just assuming “mixed breed = healthier,” we should be looking at a much broader picture.
Dr. Creevy suggests: “People should consider many factors when choosing a dog, including environment, lifestyle, social interactions and physical activity that will be available to the dog.”
It makes total sense – a dog’s health isn’t just about genetics or breed. It’s about:
- The care they receive
- Their diet and exercise
- Regular vet checkups
- Preventative care
- Their living environment
- How their specific needs are met
The Real Health Concerns for ALL Dogs
What’s really eye-opening about this study is realizing that many of the most common reasons we take our dogs to the vet have little or nothing to do with whether they’re purebred or mixed.
For example, dental disease, allergies and osteoarthritis are major health concerns for ALL dogs. As a dog owner myself, I’ve definitely learned that dental care is something I can’t ignore, regardless of my dog’s breeding!
Dr. Creevy notes: “Owners should work with their primary care veterinarians on a plan to manage dental health. Regular exercise and maintaining lean body weight may help delay, prevent or lessen the impact of osteoarthritis.”
Breed-Specific Health Concerns Still Matter
Now, this doesn’t mean we should ignore breed-specific health issues completely. Certain breeds definitely do have predispositions to specific conditions – like hip dysplasia in German Shepherds or breathing problems in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs.
The key difference in this new understanding is that while specific breeds may have specific issues, when you look at the OVERALL health picture, purebreds aren’t necessarily sicker than mixed breeds.
Why Did We Believe Purebreds Were Less Healthy?
I think we’ve all heard the concept of “hybrid vigor” – the idea that mixing genetic lines creates healthier offspring. While this can be true in some specific cases, it appears the dog world might have overapplied this concept.
The misconception probably stems from a few highly visible health problems in certain purebred lines. When we see an English Bulldog struggling to breathe or a Dachshund with back problems, we tend to generalize these observations to ALL purebred dogs.
But this research suggests we shouldn’t be making such broad generalizations. Each dog – purebred or mixed – is an individual with their own health profile.
What Surprised the Researchers
One finding that caught the researchers off guard was the high number of dog bites reported. Dr. Creevy mentioned: “We were surprised by the number of owners who reported that their dogs had experienced a bite from another dog. More investigation is needed to determine what this means and what particular factors might put an individual dog at risk.”
This highlights how much we still have to learn about canine health and behavior, regardless of breeding status!
Practical Advice for All Dog Owners
Based on this research, here are some practical takeaways for anyone with a dog (or thinking of getting one):
- Focus on preventative care – Regular check-ups, dental care, and vaccinations are important for ALL dogs
- Maintain healthy weight – Obesity contributes to many health problems including osteoarthritis
- Consider lifestyle match – Choose a dog (purebred or mixed) whose energy level and needs match your lifestyle
- Research specific breeds – If going purebred, be aware of breed-specific issues you might encounter
- Regular exercise – All dogs need appropriate physical activity
- Dental hygiene – Brush those doggy teeth! Dental issues are common in all types of dogs
- Safe socialization – Given the high reports of dog bites, proper socialization is crucial
The Future of Dog Health Research
The Dog Aging Project isn’t done yet! With over 50,000 dogs enrolled so far, they’re continuing to gather data and insights that could help all our furry friends live longer, healthier lives.
Their research has implications beyond just dogs too – many of their studies lead to translational research that helps human health as well. It’s pretty cool how understanding our dogs better can actually help us understand ourselves!
At the end of the day, whether you choose a purebred or mixed-breed dog, what matters most is providing them with proper care, regular veterinary attention, appropriate exercise, good nutrition, and lots of love.
This study doesn’t suggest that breed-specific health issues don’t exist – they absolutely do. But it does challenge the oversimplified notion that “purebreds = unhealthy” and “mixed breeds = healthy.”
The reality, as with most things in life, is much more nuanced. Every dog is an individual with their own unique health profile, influenced by genetics, environment, care, and many other factors.
So next time someone tells you that you should only adopt mixed breeds because “purebreds have more health problems,” you can politely share this fascinating research with them!
And if you’re passionate about dog health and aging, consider enrolling your own dog in the Dog Aging Project at dogagingproject.org. Your data could help contribute to our understanding of what helps dogs live long, healthy lives!
What’s your experience been with purebred vs. mixed breed dogs? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Are Mutts Healthier Than Purebreds?
If you ask any mutt parent if they think that mutt dogs are healthier than purebreds, they will usually say yes, because there is more diversity in a mutt’s gene pool. But if you ask a conscientious breeder the same question, however, they will tell you that because of genetic testing, inherited disease testing and temperament testing, a purebred is healthier.
As far as I can tell, there are no studies that back up either claim, so everything I have to share on this topic is based on 16 years of clinical practice experience. Generally speaking, I think mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier and tougher and tend to live longer than many of the purebreds I see in practice. Mutts, in my experience, tend to have lower incidences of inherited disease, such as some cancers, back problems and hip dysplasia.
Mixed Breed Dogs and Hybrid Dog Breeds
In contrast, mixed breed dogs (aka mutts) are defined as the offspring of dogs that are not from the same breed and usually have unknown ancestry. But there is another category you might not have heard of—hybrid dogs.
According to the American Canine Hybrid Club, a hybrid dog is the intentional offspring of two purebred dogs from different breeds. Usually hybrids are the offspring of a purebred Poodle and something else, and the offspring can have fantastical names, like Goldendoodle, Maltipoo or a Saint Bernadoodle. Some breeders are taking it one step further, crossbreeding hybrid dogs to create second-, third- and fourth-generation hybrids.
The Bizarre Truth About Purebred Dogs (and Why Mutts Are Better) – Adam Ruins Everything
FAQ
What dog breed has the most issues?
- Bulldog. Bulldogs are prone to many congenital and hereditary problems. …
- Boxers. Boxers are prone to cancer, such as brain, skin, and bone cancer. …
- Dachshund. …
- Goldendoodle. …
- Great Dane. …
- Labrador Retriever. …
- Poodle. …
- German Shepherd.
Is it better to get a mutt or purebred?
Neither mutts nor purebreds are definitively “better”; the ideal choice depends on what an owner is looking for in a dog’s health, temperament, and appearance, as each type has potential advantages and disadvantages. Mutts benefit from genetic diversity, which can lead to improved health and longevity, but their specific traits and behaviors can be less predictable. Purebreds offer predictability in appearance and temperament, which can be desirable, but are also more prone to breed-specific genetic health issues, though responsible breeding practices can mitigate this.
What are the cons of owning a purebred dog?
Higher Cost: Purebred dogs often come with a higher price tag, which can include initial purchase costs, registration fees, and potential ongoing health issues. Genetic Health Issues: Some purebred breeds are prone to inherited health issues due to a limited gene pool, which can lead to higher veterinary costs.
What purebred dog has the least health problems?
While no purebred dog is entirely without health issues, breeds with fewer major genetic problems include the Australian Cattle Dog, Siberian Husky, Havanese, Shiba Inu, and Greyhound. These dogs are often healthy due to their working origins and sound physical structures, but it is always essential to work with a reputable breeder and ensure regular veterinary care to mitigate any potential inherited health concerns.