Back in prehistoric times when humans only maintained the populations of animals around their places of habitat, there weren't so many people knowledgeable in canine genetics to breed dogs for specific qualities and characteristics.
Fast-forward to 2021 now that the popularity of selective breeding is surging, and there are so many dog breeds that have become carriers of disease-causing genetic mutations. “As a consequence of selective breeding, specific disease-causing mutations have become more frequent in certain dog breeds,” Erik Axelsson a researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden and other experts in Genetics wrote in their new study published in the journal PLOS Genetics.
Just like their human friends, dogs may suffer from or pass on a variety of inherited disorders. But some of these genetic problems arise from breeding selections especially mating dogs that are close relatives (inbreeding).
“We find that individuals belonging to the breed affected by the most intense breeding – cavalier King Charles spaniel (cKCs) – carry more harmful variants than other breeds. [This indicates] that past breeding practices may have increased the overall levels of harmful genetic variation in dogs,” according to the researchers.
There are eight dog breeds in this list that carry disease-causing genetic mutations—or dog breeds with genetic problems, but they're not ranked in order of genetic mutations, although cavalier King Charles spaniel was most affected in the study carried out by Axelsson.
Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list due to the low number of breeds looked at – only eight, but these can help get you started on your dog ownership journey.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This small breed of spaniel classed in the toy group originated in the United Kingdom, but is ranked as 19th most popular pure-breed dog in the United states, according to the
American Kennel Club (AKC).
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog breed with the the most disease-causing genetic mutations, according to PLOS Genetics — and has been negatively affected by years of inbreeding – putting it at higher risk for heart failure.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has genetic variants linked to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), a common and deadly heart condition.
The dog breed also develop other serious genetic health problems such as early-onset mitral valve disease (MVD), syringomyelia (SM), hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and certain vision and hearing disorders, explained Alex Gough
et al, authors of
Breed predispositions to disease in dogs and cats.
2. Beagle
Beagles aren't just known for their small, compact, and hardy bodies—they're also prone to genetic problems. According to
beaglehealth, the breed is prone to several genetic problems including Musladin-Leuke Syndrome (MLS), Steroid Responsive Meningitis (SRM), Factor VII Deficiency, Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS), Lafora, and Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (NCCD).
3. German Shepherd
The inbreeding practiced early in the German Shepherd's life isn't only responsible for hip and elbow dysplasia — it is also behind other genetic problems including Degenerative Myelopathy, Von Willebrand disease, and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI).
4. Golden Retriever
If you have this medium-large gun dog, carrying out regular
DNA testing and screening can help in offering warnings of risks associated with Hip Dysplasia which is a common genetic problem in this breed.
5. Labrador Retriever
Although arthritis is the major health problem in Labrador retrievers, other genetic problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary myopathy, deafness, autoimmune diseases, and eye problems can also make ownership of this popular dog breed difficult.
6. Standard Poodle
Imagine owning a poodle and winning best-in-show contests. Sounds like a million dreams, right? The standard Poodles might have regal attitude, impressive looks and intelligence, but they also suffer from many genetic problems such as hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, von Willebrand's disease, immune-mediated disorders and gastric dilatation with volvulus (bloat). The good news is — your vet can always help you treat some of these problems.
7. Rottweiler
As
study of UK vet data puts the average lifespan of Rottweilers at 8 to 10 years, other studies have shown that the breeds have genetic problems that might reduce their lifespans. The most common genetic problems in Rottweiler include osteosarcoma, hip dysplasia, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
8. West Highland White Terrier
While you may not be as familiar with Westie as you are with Lab, this medium-size terrier from Scotland has some genetic problems. They include: Craniomandibular osteopathy, atopic dermatitis, globoid cell leukodystrophy, and hydroxyglutaric aciduria.
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