Nature & Travel

Purebred dogs aren’t sicker than mutts — what a 27,000‑dog study found

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For years, many people assumed purebred dogs were more prone to illness than mixed breeds. A new study from Texas A&M University challenges that idea. The university team examined long-held assumptions about inbreeding and pet health. “There are several well-known diseases that are often seen in certain dog breeds. Because of this, a misconception has spread that purebred dogs get sick more often, but that’s not the case,” said Dr. Kate Krivi, the lead veterinarian for the Dog Aging Project and a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

Purebred dogs aren't more prone to illness than mixed breeds: debunking the myth.

So what did the team find? Purebred dogs come from a single registered breed, while mixed-breed dogs have genetics from more than one breed. Researchers surveyed owners of more than 27,000 dogs about medical diagnoses. Among the 25 most common purebred breeds, owners reported 53 different diseases. “The medical conditions reported by owners of purebred dogs varied significantly. However, 10 diseases were mentioned most frequently,” Dr. Krivi noted.

This top-ten list included dental calculus (hardened plaque), dog bite wounds, tooth extractions, giardia (parasites), osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, ear infections, heart murmurs, broken teeth, and cataracts.

Purebred dogs aren't more prone to illness than mixed breeds: debunking the myth.

Mixed-breed dogs showed many of the same common issues: cataracts, heart murmurs, broken nails, and chocolate poisoning. Some conditions, such as dental calculus and osteoarthritis, occurred at roughly the same rate in both purebreds and mixed breeds. Other problems, like missing teeth and bites from other dogs, were reported more often in purebred animals, while ear infections were recorded more frequently in mixed breeds, according to the Daily Mail.

“Out of the 53 diseases reported by owners, 26 were common to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs,” Dr. Krivi concluded. The researchers say their findings should help people choosing a dog. When picking a pet, consider factors that will affect its life: the home environment, daily activity level, social interactions, and access to veterinary care. Talk with a veterinarian about any health issues the specific breed or mix you’re considering may be prone to.