Vets reveal the seven dog breeds you should never buy – check to see if you have one

Veterinary experts have detailed a list of dog breeds that may look “cute” but should be avoided as they suffer from various issues impacting their health and welfare. A recent study sheds light on the significant variation in lifespan among different dog breeds, reports MailOnline. 

Researchers from Dogs Trust examined data from over 580,000 dogs in the UK to investigate how breed, body size, face shape, and sex influence lifespan.

The results highlight certain breeds, like Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, Presa Canarios, and Cane Corsos, which face a higher risk of premature death. Conversely, owners of Lancashire Heelers, Tibetan Spaniels, and Bologneses can take comfort in the knowledge that their dogs tend to enjoy longer lives.

From pugs to dachshunds and Cavalier King Charles spaniels, here are the seven dog breeds that suffer from “extreme conformation, a condition where exaggerated body shape negatively affects their health and welfare. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have faced bans in certain places like Norway since 2022 due to concerns over their health. 

Organisations like PETA have labelled them as one of the unhealthiest breeds, suffering from various genetic issues resulting from extensive inbreeding since World War II. 

These problems include breathing difficulties, impaired hearing and vision, joint issues, and a too-small skull for their brains. Additionally, a 2021 study linked them to a common and deadly heart condition called myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). 

Despite historical admiration from figures like King Charles I and II, their appearance changed significantly in the late 17th century due to inter-breeding with flat-nosed breeds.

The English Bulldog, also called the British Bulldog, faced a ban in Norway two years ago due to health issues caused by human intervention. 

Vets have cautioned that centuries of inbreeding have led to painful deformities in bulldogs. Their exaggerated physical features, like narrowed nostrils, make breathing difficult, especially during activities like walks or play. 

This limited exercise capacity increases the risk of obesity, exacerbating joint, metabolic, and digestive problems. Additionally, their misshapen skulls cause bulging eyes, leading to infections and ulcers, while excessive wrinkles make them prone to skin issues like dermatitis. 

Originally bred for athleticism, bulldogs now have a short skull and protruding jaw, with loose skin, as they have been bred for companionship rather than function. Similarly, French Bulldogs, with their smaller size and large bat ears, face similar health challenges due to their flat faces.

The pug, known for its friendliness and love of human attention, belongs to the group of flat-faced, or “brachycephalic” breeds. 

Its skull bones are shortened, giving its face and nose a pushed-in look. Despite its popularity, features like its flat face, bulging eyes, and wrinkled skin, as well as its tendency towards obesity, are considered cute by the public, according to the Royal Veterinary College. 

However, these traits can lead to serious health issues, as noted by Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux, junior vice president of the British Veterinary Association. 

Pugs originally had longer legs, noses, and straight tails, with a slimmer build, but selective breeding has resulted in shorter legs, flatter noses, curly tails, and a stockier build, leading to health concerns.

Known for their patience and protective instincts, Boxers are highly regarded as excellent companions for children and are a favoured choice among families.

However, similar to many other purebred dogs, Boxers are susceptible to various health conditions, including breathing difficulties, ear infections, and hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis. 

In addition, Boxers are prone to specific ailments such as eye ulcers, gum problems, and even certain types of cancers, as indicated by a recent study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College. 

The UK Kennel Club estimates that 38.5 percent of Boxers may develop some form of cancer during their lifetime, possibly due to genetic factors. 

Despite these health concerns, Boxers remain one of the most popular breeds in the UK, with approximately one out of every 100 dogs in Britain being a Boxer.

For centuries, Dachshunds, affectionately known as sausage dogs, have been selectively bred to emphasise certain features, such as their elongated, sausage-shaped bodies, in an effort to enhance their cuteness.

However, this breeding practice has resulted in severe back problems for Dachshunds, mainly due to their elongated spines and short, bowed legs, which can lead to difficulties in walking.

Additionally, Dachshunds are susceptible to various leg and joint issues, as well as conditions like PRA, an inherited eye disorder associated with achondroplasia.  Recognizing the problems, Germany is now planning to ban the breeding of Dachshunds amid concerns that the dogs live a life of pain and suffering. 

Paul Manktelow, chief vet at Blue Cross told MailOnline: “Dachshunds (are also known as sausage dogs) are a breed that are characterised by disproportionately long backs compared to their short legs. While they often have lovely personalities and cute looks, they can suffer from health problems due to the body shape. 

“Their long backs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (slipped discs), which can lead to back pain, spinal cord damage, problems walking and paralysis.”

The Bull Terrier stands out as one of the most peculiar-looking dogs worldwide, characterised by its egg-shaped head, erect, pointed ears, and triangular eyes. However, this distinctive appearance is not natural but rather a result of selective breeding practices over time.

The Bull Terrier originated in the early 1800s through the crossbreeding of the old English Terrier and the Bulldog. During this period, dog fighting was a popular form of entertainment in Europe, driving people to breed dogs for enhanced fighting abilities.

Initially, Bull Terriers had a slender, curved body and a more defined nose, as reported by Science and Dogs. Over time, selective breeding led to mutations resulting in a distorted skull and a thicker abdomen, along with the development of a compulsive tail-chasing behaviour.

Known for its characteristic long, drooping face that often appears sad, the Basset hound commonly faces health issues related to its skin and eyes. The excessive skin folds on the face and body can trap debris and moisture, leading to potential skin or ear inflammation. 

Additionally, the Basset hound’s sunken eyes and sagging lower eyelids increase its vulnerability to various eye problems, including primary glaucoma and a condition known as ulcerative keratitis.

Originally, this breed possessed shorter ears, a less droopy face, and a more curved back. However, human intervention has resulted in changes, such as lower bellies, rear legs seeming lower due to excessive skin, and larger, floppier ears.