Mixed Breed Dog Health Problems
While it has long been thought that mixed breed dogs were healthier overall in relation to their purebred cousins, general health still depends on genetics, care and good luck. Mixed breed dogs today differ vastly from those from 20 years ago through the influx of designer dogs produced for the pet public. These intentional blends must be included in the full spectrum of mixed breed health considerations.
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History
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Wild dogs that were cultivated as pets were among the first mixed breed dogs. Mixed breed dogs can be traced back more than 14,000 years to wild dogs that became the first companion pets. Variations of these dogs were eventually created by breeding for specific qualities that, once captured, became purebred dogs. In the wild, dogs that survived long enough to become dominant in the pack produced individuals that carried strong, healthy genes. This natural selection process allowed these dogs to be healthy animals.
Variations
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DNA tests can determine foundation breeds. Today's mixed breeds can cover a wide range--from a dog intentionally bred by crossing two purebreds to one that requires canine DNA testing in an attempt to trace its roots. Based on the variations of any breeds that can be identified as influencing the makeup of a mixed breed, pet enthusiasts can tell more about what to expect in regard to the dog's overall health.
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Size
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Joint problems can be troublesome for any large dog. In examining and predicting the health of a mixed breed dog, the adult size of the animal can tell a veterinarian about prospective health problems. For instance, any large dog, no matter the breed, can be prone to joint problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions where the joint is not properly formed, causing the dog lameness and pain. Symptoms often involve an altered gait or trouble getting up or down. Dysplasia is less common in small and medium dogs.
Head Shape
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The pug is among the purebred dogs referred to as brachycephalic. Problematic head characteristics can be found in mixed breed dogs. Purebred Shih Tzus, pugs, bulldogs, boxers and some of the mastiffs are among a number of breeds referred to as brachycephalic, meaning broad, short head. Any mixed breed dog that has the appearance of a pushed in face is capable of health problems associated with this characteristic. Eye anomalies, breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance and dental problems are among health problems associated with brachycephalic dogs.
Organs
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Purebred dogs plagued with organ diseases can provide insight for mixed breed cousins. No matter the breed, if you know organ problems are a family trait, they can appear in your dog. Mixed breeds made up of foundation breeds having known problems with any internal organ can be a factor. Some of the most common of these health problems might be cardiomyopathy, regularly found in some large breed dogs such as Doberman pinschers. Another example would be renal disease that tends to plague miniature schnauzers. The gene pool of your mixed breed dog may give you insight to the potential for organ disease.
Care
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Get proper care for your dog and note any changes that may point to health problems. Pest-borne diseases, communicable diseases and some common infections can be prevented by caring properly for your pet. Owner awareness, vaccinations, use of preventatives and regular veterinary checkups are basic components of care.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dog image by CiberZoom from Fotolia.com Dog Playing in the Snow image by Deby Cohernour from Fotolia.com Tibetan Terrier image by wickenden1974 from Fotolia.com big dog image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com happy fawn pug image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com Doberman image by Stana from Fotolia.com man with his dog on the beach image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
