6 Dog Breeds Vets Worry About the Most

I like these dogs; in fact, I own two of the six on this list. But I am still concerned about these breeds. Here are six breeds that are prone to needing more care. 

1. Chow Chow

Chow chows are of Chinese origin and are also one of the oldest breeds in existence today. Chows are very prone to having flea infestations, and their thick coats make them hard to spot and treat. To make sure that they don't get matted hair and infected skin, regular grooming is necessary.

2. Basset Hound

Basset hounds are a large breed in a small body because of their shortened legs. Unfortunately, this also means that they are prone to the same ailments that large breeds can have. Bloat is common in bassets, and their large ears are also more likely to become infected with bacteria or mites. Their droopy eyes and wrinkly folds can become infected if not kept clean as well.

3. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are active, healthy little dogs, and many of them live well into their teens with regular wellness care. However, as one of the two most common breeds in many shelters these days, finding homes for them all is a challenge. There is currently massive overpopulation, so the next time you consider rescue adoption, consider a chihuahua.

4. English Bulldog

English bulldogs are blissfully cute and silly but can come with a multitude of health problems. Unfortunately, English bulldogs are a breed that runs into problems, like heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, eye problems, allergies, skin issues, and even hyperthermia (overheating). Despite their health concerns, English bulldogs have an average lifespan of roughly 8–10 years.

5. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound is the largest dog breed in existence. They are often more expensive to board at a kennel if you're leaving town, and even regular medication for simple problems is going to cost you more money. Unfortunately, large dogs are typically prone to more health issues than smaller breeds, and the Irish wolfhound is no exception.

6. German Shepherd

The German shepherd is an awe-inspiring breed. They have long served as military, police, and rescue dogs. However, they are known to be one of the least healthy breeds. German shepherds are prone to epilepsy, vision problems, bleeding disorders, digestive problems, as well as bad hips. This has led to a decrease in German shepherds being used as service dogs in recent years.