Dr Alex Crow, a veterinary expert and team vet at Pooch and Mutt, has shared a list of five dog breeds he genuinely loves but would not take home. Speaking on his TikTok channel, he cautioned that while he adores these breeds, they often suffer from serious health problems due to selective breeding. He stressed that his comments are not criticism of the dogs or their owners but stem from concern about how these breeds have been developed.
The Five Breeds and Their Health Issues
In his video, Dr Crow listed the breeds in reverse order, starting with the Dachshund. He noted that around one in four Dachshunds develops intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a painful spinal condition that can lead to paralysis. Next, he mentioned the Pug, a brachycephalic breed with flat faces that often cause breathing difficulties, narrow airways, bulging eyes prone to ulcers, and twisted spines. He said these dogs suffer in silence doing basic tasks.
Third on the list is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which Dr Crow said breaks his heart. Many develop syringomyelia, where the skull is too small for the brain, pressing on the spinal cord, and the majority develop mitral valve disease by age 10. The French Bulldog, the UK's most popular breed, has been flagged by the Royal Veterinary College for multiple chronic health issues, including breathing trouble, slipped discs, eye issues, and skin problems. Topping the list is the English Bulldog, whose extreme features mean most cannot give birth naturally, cannot exercise without overheating, and are prone to skin infections. Norway banned breeding of English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in 2022 on welfare grounds, according to Dr Crow, citing The Independent.
A Message to Owners
Dr Crow emphasized that these dogs can still have lovely lives with proper care. He advised potential owners to buy from health-tested parents and understand the challenges. "The real issue is that we've put looks ahead of health for generations," he said in his caption.
Bad Breath in Dogs: A Sign of Disease
In a separate video on the Pooch and Mutt TikTok channel, Dr Crow warned that smelly breath in dogs often indicates dental disease. Plaque and bacteria build up, harden into tartar, and irritate gums, leading to infection, pain, loose teeth, and tooth loss. He recommended brushing dogs' teeth at home, even a few times a week, to prevent these issues. If the smell is strong, sudden, or accompanied by red gums, drooling, or difficulty eating, owners should see a vet. He added that bad breath can also signal digestive issues or heart and kidney disease, concluding, "Prevention is always better than a cure."
