Study Finds Similar Health Conditions in Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs

Investigators at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences conducted a study examining the health conditions of over 27,000 dogs. Their research, published in *Frontiers in Veterinary Science*, shows that the frequency of health condition diagnoses in mixed-breed and purebred dogs is largely equal.

The belief that purebred dogs are more susceptible to illnesses than mixed-breed dogs has been challenged by this study. While some breeds are known to be prone to specific diseases, the overall health condition data indicates no significant difference between the two categories. “There are several well-known diseases that frequently occur in specific dog breeds,” said Kate Creevy, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), chief veterinary officer of the Dog Aging Project and a professor at Texas A&M. “This has helped perpetuate the misconception that all purebred dogs are more prone to disease, but that is not the case.”

The research involved a survey of 27,541 companion dogs, where 50.6% were mixed-breed and 49.4% were purebred. The survey revealed that many common diagnoses, such as ear infections and osteoarthritis, occurred in both purebreds and mixed breeds. Of the 53 medical conditions reported by owners, 26 showed no significant differences between the two groups.

The study identified that 25 breeds made up around 60% of the purebred dogs surveyed, including the Labrador retriever, golden retriever, and German shepherd among others. Common health issues reported included dental calculus, dog bites, and heart murmurs. For mixed-breed dogs, the most frequent conditions were similar, although some conditions specific to purebreds were less common.

One major takeaway is that breed is only one element in assessing a dog’s health. Factors such as environment, lifestyle, and physical activity also play crucial roles in health management. “People should consider many factors when choosing a dog,” Creevy noted. Additionally, common conditions like dental disease and allergies affect dogs broadly, regardless of breed.

The study is notable for its size, but further investigation is planned. Creevy emphasized the need for more research on factors that might put dogs at risk for certain issues, stating, “We were surprised by the number of owners who reported that their dogs had experienced a bite from another dog.”

References:

Price C. New study dispels myth that purebred dogs are more prone to health problems. News release. Texas A&M University. April 30, 2024.

Forsyth KK, McCoy BM, Schmid SM, et al. Lifetime prevalence of owner-reported medical conditions in the 25 most common dog breeds in the Dog Aging Project pack. Front Vet Sci. November 23, 2023.