There are always people around me who say that crossbred dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. Although this kind of statement is not completely correct, it is not a rumor.

There was previously a BBC documentary "The Sorrow of Purebred Dogs", which had a Douban score of 9.1. It describes the health problems suffered by purebred dogs, who have been inbred for decades to compete with "good blood" dogs.

From epilepsy to cancer, a series of life-threatening diseases have not stopped humans from inbreeding. They are like breeding machines, producing "products" that can be compared...

The limbs of Dachshunds around a hundred years ago began to become shorter.

The brain structure of the original and current Bull Terriers has undergone drastic changes.

The pug with a flat face has to resist the possibility of suffocation throughout his life.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, whose skulls are too small and have insufficient brain space, often experience pain like broken bones.

For many novice parents, their awareness of the risks of dog genetic diseases is very poor. But we should really look at and face the current genetic disease problems in purebred dogs. Because this is a risk that all parents of dog breeds should take.

​As for this risk, we can only prevent it if we know it.

Here are some common dog breeds and potential health problems.

1. Labrador Retriever

Lauded for their high intelligence and docile nature, they are perfect family dogs, loyal, docile, lively and energetic. This breed has relatively few health problems if it gets enough daily exercise. However, some Labradors who lack exercise are prone to increase the risk of joint disease due to obesity. In addition, their hips and elbows are also prone to stunted development. Other genetic disorders include: Eye disease, such as progressive retinal atrophy, which may lead to blindness.

　2. German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd is an extremely intelligent and easy-to-train breed that excels at guard duty but generally requires extensive exercise to maintain optimal health. German Shepherds are prone to hereditary hip dysplasia, which may lead to arthritis or lameness. In addition, degenerative myelopathy is also common in German Shepherds. This disease has no cure and can lead to progressive paralysis.

3. Basset Hound

They have hunched ears and sad eyes. Although these are cute traits, the droopy ears may make them look cute.It affects their vision and is very susceptible to infection, requiring regular inspection and cleaning. Additionally, they have a penchant for constant sniffing (easier to sniff due to their short legs). Basset Hounds may suffer from disc disease, a spinal disorder that can make movement difficult and painful if not treated promptly.

4. Jack (Parson) Russell Terrier

These energetic, intelligent terriers are known for their good health and remarkable longevity, with the average lifespan of the larger breeds ranging from 10 to 12 years, while the average lifespan of the Jack Russell (and close relative, the Parson Russell) is 14 years. ~16 years, provided they receive adequate and regular exercise. Their genetic disorder includes lens dislocation, which can lead to vision loss.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are very popular in China. They are short in stature and have extraordinary personalities. They have silky tan fur and look extremely gentle and well-behaved. But it is actually very prone to digestive problems, so your daily diet needs to be carefully monitored. They, like other toy dogs, may suffer from a collapsed trachea, with clinical signs including coughing that may be aggravated by a collar. Additionally, they have a genetic defect, a portosystemic shunt, which may reduce liver function and cause toxins to accumulate in the blood, which may lead to behavioral and neurological problems.

6. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian has a gentle personality, rich emotions, and is very cautious in its actions. It is a family dog ​​that is very dependent on its owner. However, their body functions are weak and they are prone to endocrine disorders, leading to skin inflammation. Pomeranian's bones are very fragile, especially in the forelimbs, which are prone to knee dislocation, so you need to be very careful when running and jumping. Other medical conditions include eye diseases such as cataracts and retinal atrophy, heart disease, and respiratory problems such as tracheal collapse common in toy dogs. Clinical symptoms include coughing, which may be aggravated by the collar.

7. Cocker Spaniel

They are famous for their long flowing hair, but these beauty come at a price. Cocker Spaniels need to be bathed and combed frequently to keep their long hair from getting tangled. In addition, Cocker Spaniels are prone to eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, as well as heart disease, epilepsy, liver disease, etc. Their ears must also be cleaned regularly to prevent infections from developing.

8. Bichon Frize

They are small in size, lively in character, usually have strong curiosity and cheerful mood, and are very friendly in character. They are good family dogs. But they also have some common legacyTransmitted diseases include cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases, patellar luxation, intervertebral disc degeneration and heart disease.

9. Pug

Pugs are a very healthy and long-lived breed, and their flat faces are part of their charm. However, this charm can lead to long-term breathing problems, which can evolve into snoring at night or difficulty breathing in hot weather and humid environments. Parents should avoid temperatures that are too high or too low. Additionally, proper exercise is necessary as this breed has a common problem with being overweight.

10. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a lively, cute and muscular dog that is very curious but very kind. Like pugs, they have persistent breathing problems and need to be protected from temperatures that are too high or too low. Other medical issues include cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases.

11. Chihuahua

This breed of dog weighs about 6 pounds or less and has a very gentle temperament. Their lifespan is relatively long, usually around 12 to 15 years old. However, Chihuahuas also have some health concerns, the most common of which is patellar luxation, which can lead to arthritis. Other medical problems include heart disease and eye disease.

12. Corgi

The Corgi is a small dog with a very calm personality, and usually stays quietly by its owner's side. It is a very popular dog breed at present. But their short limbs may also cause many joint problems, such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and other eye diseases such as lens dislocation and retinal atrophy.

Finally, I still want to say something that is often said: no business, no harm. Only by jointly calling for the rejection of morbid aesthetics can we slowly cut off the business opportunities of dog dealers and allow healthy dogs to appear in front of us.

In addition, if you own it without knowing it, be sure to take responsibility for it throughout your life. Although the incidence rate of genetic diseases is not 100%, we should not leave it to chance. Please be sure to understand their physical characteristics in advance and take good care of them.