A veterinarian based in Texas has shared the five dog breeds she would never own herself, one of which suffers 'a lot of genetic health problems'. Dr Rachel Siu, who posts as Dr Rachel on social media, has worked with a wide variety of exotic pets, dogs and cats. In 2022 she shared a video with her more than 260,000 subscribers on YouTube naming five types of pooch she wouldn't want to own herself, including Huskies, Dachshunds, Great Danes, Doodles, and Bulldogs, while identifying issues associated with them. She later put out a follow-up video entitled Top 5 Dog Breeds I Would Not Own As A Vet - Part 2, flagging further types she wouldn't choose to have.
Boxer
The first pick is Boxers, which she says are playful but 'come with a lot of genetic health problems'. She says they're prone to histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), a chronic inflammatory disease; a progressive and incurable spinal issue called degenerative myelopathy (DM); and aortic stenosis, a congenital heart defect. They are also prone to a heart disease known as Boxer cardiomyopathy because of how common it is in the breed, she added. Additionally, they are prone to certain cancers and are brachycephalic, a term referring to short-headed dogs that suffer various health problems due to the way they're bred, and therefore experience breathing issues.
Shar-Pei
Next up is the Sharpei, a breed that originated in southern China and is known for its distinctive thick skin folds. 'Although these dogs are loyal to their owners, they were bred to be guard dogs, and they can be standoffish and even aggressive towards new people - if they're not trained otherwise,' she said. Because of their loose skin, they often get skin infections and entropion, where the skin of the eyelid folds in on itself and causes painful ulcers. Other eye issues they're prone to are retinal dysplasia and glaucoma. They also have a high chance of developing hypothyroidism, which causes the metabolism to slow, triggering weight gain, lethargy and other issues. There is also a condition named after the breed: Sharpei Fever, which 'involves joint swelling, fever, and can even lead to kidney failure', Dr Rachel warns.
St Bernard
The third breed on the list is the St Bernard. The vet says their tendency to drool a lot is her main issue. The other reason she wouldn't have one is its sheer size. Male Saint Bernards can range between 70-75cm in height, and can weigh between 63-81kg (around 140 to 178lbs), according to Hill's Pet Nutrition. The medical professional said she wouldn't want a dog that could 'easily overpower me if things get out of hand', but it's not a problem if they're well trained.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were also included, despite being 'incredibly sweet' and great for families. She says their health risks mean she wouldn't buy one, as they're 20 times more susceptible to mitral valve disease than the average dog. This condition is a serious heart issue, and the leading cause of death among the breed, affecting almost all of them by a certain age. She says they're also at high risk of a neurological condition called syringomyelia, which affects the spine and causes chronic pain. The vet says she has seen many of them die very young due to health problems.
Pug
Her last pick is pugs, and any other breed that's brachycephalic or has a 'smooshed face like a bulldog', for that matter. Dr Rachel says the condition brings a 'lifetime of breathing issues'. She says many of them are exercise-intolerant and has seen a lot of them perish from heat stroke in the summer months. Their 'smooshed faces' also make them prone to skin infections, dental disease, and up the likelihood of their eyes popping out. The animal lover says as a medical professional, she can't support these characteristics continuing to be bred, given the suffering it causes them. Dr Rachel says, despite factors that may prevent her from buying one of these breeds herself, all dogs deserve love and receive the same care in her practice.
