Which dog breeds are still truly healthy?
If you are looking for a dog, you naturally want to choose an animal that is as healthy as possible. Many dog lovers are aware that a number of dog breeds suffer from health problems. Some breeds have been overbred to such an extent that they almost always have one or more hereditary health issues. But is it still possible to find a truly healthy dog breed?
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1 February '26 • 3 min reading time
The Raad van Beheer, the umbrella organization for, among others, Dutch pedigree dog clubs, advocates buying a pedigree dog with an official pedigree certificate. Dutch pedigree dogs are subject to strict European breeding regulations. This means, for example, that female dogs may only have one litter per year and that there are rules in place to prevent inbreeding. According to the Raad van Beheer, Dutch pedigree dogs are therefore healthier than other pedigree dogs, such as those from large-scale breeding operations in Eastern Europe.
Breeds to be cautious with
If you ask animal welfare organizations such as Dier en Recht, you will hear a different story. They warn against a large number of breeds because these dogs carry many hereditary diseases. Only a few dog breeds are classified as “healthy” on their website, while many popular breeds such as the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever fall well into the danger zone. The best-known dogs with genetic disorders are those with short muzzles, which restrict breathing and often cause headaches. Examples include the French Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which also frequently suffers from heart disease. About the French Bulldog, Dier en Recht writes: “According to the law, the muzzle must be at least half the length of the head, and the nostrils must be open. The dog must also not snore while breathing at rest.”
“Green breeds”
The dog breeds that receive the label “few genetic problems” from Dier en Recht are the Hollandse Smoushond and the Nederlandse Schapendoes. A low risk applies to the Whippet, Wetterhoun, and Tamaskan. The remaining breeds listed on the website (around 100) have a significant to high risk of hereditary conditions, according to the organization.
The advantages of mixed-breed dogs
Pedigree dogs are often bred within a limited gene pool, which increases the risk of hereditary diseases. A dog without an official breed or pedigree—a mixed-breed dog—is often healthier. This is because its parents usually have a much wider variety of genes. The genetic diversity is therefore greater, significantly reducing the chance of hereditary disorders. Pedigree dogs are often bred for extreme physical traits that humans find attractive or cute, such as very short muzzles. These extreme traits are often not beneficial for the dog itself. A dog that is a mix of different breeds will, on average, have fewer of these problematic or disease-causing extreme traits. Mixed-breed dogs therefore tend to live longer on average than pedigree dogs and usually develop health problems later in life. However, keep in mind that these are averages. Every individual dog is different. The health of a particular dog always depends on its unique genetic makeup, upbringing, nutrition, healthcare, and living conditions.
Prefer a pedigree dog after all?
If you still prefer a pedigree dog, make sure you buy from a responsible breeder. For any purchase, the rule applies: know your dog’s background, do thorough research, and if in doubt—don’t do it. Responsible breeders test for hereditary conditions and aim for healthy bloodlines. Unfortunately, there are also breeders who are less careful, which can lead to health problems. Scientific research has shown that breeds with lower levels of inbreeding tend to live longer than breeds with higher levels of inbreeding. This is also associated with negative breed traits such as a short muzzle. With mixed-breed dogs, the background may sometimes be less well known, but if the parents are healthy, the offspring can be healthy as well.
Get well informed
The best advice is to choose a dog whose health history you know and that fits your lifestyle—whether it is a pedigree dog or not. Visit the Dier en Recht website for information on different breeds and tips on buying a dog. The Raad van Beheer also provides guidance on purchasing a healthy pedigree dog.
Bronnen:
Keijser, S. F. A., et al. "Disease burden in four populations of dog and cat breeds compared to mixed-breed dogs and European shorthair cats." Preventive veterinary medicine 140 (2017): 38-44. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167587717301708
Bannasch, Danika, et al. "The effect of inbreeding, body size and morphology on health in dog breeds." Canine Medicine and Genetics 8.1 (2021): 12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40575-021-00111-4
www.houdenvanhonden.nl www.dierenrecht.nl
