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Mixed breeds are unique and adorable, but are they healthy?
Some studies show that mixed breeds are much healthier than purebred dogs.
These sweet puppies are healthy and rarely struggle with health conditions.
However, some specific mixed breeds are not as healthy as others.
For example, over-breeding toy mixed breeds can result in complications and inheritable health conditions.
It is good to research reputable breeders or look at adoption shelters before deciding on your next best friend.
Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs?
Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes healthier than purebred dogs.
The thing about mixed-breed dogs is they have a larger gene pool, which reduces the risks.
Purebred dogs have two parents with the same possible hereditary conditions.
However, purebred dogs are often chosen without health problems to ensure that breeding is safe!
Interestingly, a study completed by researchers at the University of California found that mixed-breed dogs do not always have an advantage over purebred dogs with certain health conditions.
The conditions they found at a higher rate of development were a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee and hip dysplasia.
However, out of the 24 genetic disorders tested, only 13 were prevalent in both purebred dogs and mixed-breed dogs, while one genetic disorder showed only in mixed-breed dogs.
This means that purebred dogs are still more likely to develop medical conditions like certain types of cancer.
What mixed breeds of dogs have the least health problems?
No dog is 100% healthy.
There is always a risk of developing a health condition, but there are mixed-breed dogs with a low chance.
Health has a lot of facts, including the genetics of both parents and the state of breeding.
If both parents are safe and healthy, there is a small chance they will pass down the genes for genetic conditions.
Dog breeds that are generally healthy include Poodles, Beagles, Havanese, Border Collies, and Huskies.
When a breeder cross-breeds these dog breeds, their puppies have a low chance of developing health conditions.
Most dogs listed above live between 10 and 20 years of age. However, toy poodle mixes are not as healthy.
Because of the mother's health, small toy breeds that undergo overbreeding practices can develop health conditions like eye conditions like cataracts, hip dysplasia, and developmental issues.
What breeds of dogs have the most health problems?
Sadly, not all mixed breeds are healthy. Not all the time are health problems evident, though.
Sometimes, personalities and temperament can lead to health problems.
When a breeder mixes a stubborn dog with another stubborn dog, this can cause anxiety and make it hard to train them.
Anxiety and stress cause many health problems and take time to treat.
Rottle (Rottweiler and Poodle Mix)
The Rottweiler and Poodle mix is a common mixed breed with a lot of anxiety and stress. This mixed breed is beautiful and a true companion, but they are not easy to train.
They need early socialization, or they can develop an anxiety disorder like social anxiety or separation anxiety.
If you don't want to hear your dog cry and make a mess in your home, getting them used to being home alone for short periods is a good idea.
Horgi (Husky and Corgi Mix)
Huskies and Corgis alone are fan-favorite pets amongst pet owners, but when mixed together, they have a lot of health and temperament problems.
Huskies and Corgis couldn't be more unalike.
One is a large dog breed, while the other is a short dog breed with leg and back problems.
Without proper preventative care, Horgis can develop back problems, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia.
They are also prone to leg injuries because of their short legs.
Investing in step stools can discourage your pet from jumping off of high places.
Yorkie-Pom (Yorkie and Pomeranian Mix)
Toy or ‘teacup' breeds suffer greatly from inbreeding and small size. It is much harder to treat medical conditions in tiny dogs as access to their bodies and veins is limited.
Yorkie-Poms are a sweet toy breed that barely stands at 8 inches and weighs less than 7 pounds.
Like all other small breeds, Yorkie-Poms are prone to cataracts, blindness, hypoglycemia, heart defects, obesity, and liver diseases.
Not all Yorkie-Poms develop these health conditions, but there is always a risk.
Komonhund (Komondor-Dachshund)
The Komonhund has a unique name and is a rare mixed breed with many health conditions. The parents of each breed are very different.
Komondors have long curly locks and long legs, while dachshunds have short legs.
Many back, leg, and joint genetic conditions are possible when this mixture is bred together, including obesity.
They sometimes have poor coat and skin health because their long fur tangles easily.
Hug (Husky-Pug)
With such a cute name, you wouldn't think that Hugs have any health problems, but sadly they do. Huskies and Pugs have a massive size difference and fact structure.
Huskies have a great sense of smell and a long snout, while Pugs have short and flat faces, making breathing hard.
Not all Hugs look the same, but they usually inherit small legs, large ears, thick fur, and flat faces.
They can inherit eye conditions, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, and patella luxation.
How to Improve Your Mixed Breeds Health
Mixed breeds are relatively healthy, but some specific breeds have a lot of health conditions.
Thankfully, there are many ways to improve the health of your mixed breed.
Good Diet
Diet is everything.
Not all dog food is the same!
While it is tempting to buy whatever is cheapest, this does not mean that the food is healthy.
Instead, pet owners should feed dogs a high protein and high fiber diet.
I personally stay away from dry dog food high in carbohydrates from potatoes.
This fills your dog's stomach but is hard to digest and lacks nutrients.
Lots of Exercises
Diet is nothing without exercise.
A few pounds of extra weight may not feel like a big difference in large dog breeds, but small and medium dog breeds could mean life or death.
There are a lot more benefits to walking your dog regularly and providing exercise, though, since it can prevent common bone and joint health conditions.
Not all exercise is safe.
Always watch your dog and bring water and hydrating natural foods on walks and pet play dates.
Too much exercise is exhausting and can lead to heat stroke.
Dogify Your Home
This may sound silly, but you should dogify your home for your furry friends.
If your dog has a genetic likeliness to develop a hip or joint problem, I recommend purchasing an orthopedic bed for them to rest.
It acts as a preventative measure and also reduces pain.
Another suggestion for ‘dogifying' your home is to create safe spaces for small-legged fur babies. It is not good for small dogs to jump from high furniture as they can hurt themselves. Strategically place small steps near furniture your dog uses.
Additional Vitamins and Supplements
Many places sell vitamins and supplements, but they are not always necessary for mixed-breed dogs.
If you suspect your dog is missing crucial vitamins and nutrients, speak to your local vet for a solution and a test.
Regular Vet Checks
Vet checks are necessary at least twice a year.
Regular visits can catch potential illnesses and diseases, especially if they are genetic concerns.
Finding a vet to trust is not always easy.
If you are struggling, you can look up reviews and ask for opinions from friends and families with pets.
Socialization
You might be wondering what socialization has to do with a mixed-breed dog's health.
Actually, these two concepts go together!
Dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like social anxiety and separation anxiety. The latter is more common but also completely manageable and preventable.
If you get your mixed breed dog as a puppy, sign them up for socialization once they have all of their vaccines.
Without early socialization with strangers, children, and other dogs, your dog can become stubborn and even aggressive!
Are Mixed Breeds Healthy? Conclusion
In conclusion, mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier than purebred dogs, but this does not indicate that mixed-breed dogs will never get sick.
Certain genetic conditions like luxating patellas, skin allergies, and hip dysplasia have a genetic link in both mixed breeds and purebred breeds.
Either way, as long as you properly care for your pet and take them to the vet yearly, they will live a strong and healthy life.
