Last Updated: 18/05/2026
Understanding Breed-Specific Health Risks in Dogs
Understanding breed-specific health risks is key to being a prepared pet parent. From hip dysplasia to breathing issues, learn how to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and budget for a happy, healthy life.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Choosing a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make, and it is also one of the most important. The breed you welcome into your home will shape your daily routines and your heart for the next 8 to 16 years.
Every breed comes with its own set of "blueprints," and while those blueprints give us the adorable looks and personalities we love, they can also include some hidden health hurdles.
This guide is not here to alarm you. It is here to help you make a genuinely informed choice - so you and your dog can thrive together.
Why do breed-specific health risks exist
Selective breeding over hundreds of years has given us the incredible diversity of dogs we see today - from the tiny Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane. But those same selective processes means certain breeds have a higher predisposition to specific health conditions.
Just because a breed has a health-related predisposition, that does not mean that an individual dog of that breed will develop that disease. Many dogs live long, healthy lives without ever developing the conditions their breed is prone to. But understanding the risks means you can:
- Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and budget for potential veterinary care.
- Ask the right questions when selecting a puppy or rescue dog.
- Recognise early warning signs and act quickly.
- Work proactively with your vet on screening and preventative care.
Common health predispositions by breed type
Below, we have broken down some of the most common health considerations by breed group. This is a general guide - always speak with a vet about the specific line and individual dog you are considering.
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Includes: French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Mastiffs
Flat-faced dogs are undeniably adorable, and they are among Australia's most popular breeds. However, their distinctive anatomy comes with significant health trade-offs that every prospective owner must understand.
Vet Squad tip: If you have your heart set on a brachycephalic breed, budget for potential surgical intervention early in life, choose a reputable breeder who health-tests breeding stock (see our guide on How to Find a Good Breeder), and ensure you are prepared to proactively protect against heatstroke.
Large & giant breeds
Includes: German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Dobermanns
Large and giant breeds bring enormous joy - but their size predisposes them to several serious orthopaedic, digestive and cardiac conditions.
Vet Squad tip: Always ask breeders for hip and elbow scoring certificates for both parents. Consider pet insurance from day one, and discuss a preventative orthopaedic plan with your vet.
Small breeds
Includes: Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Pomeranian
Small dogs often live longer than their larger counterparts - some reaching 15 years or more - but they are not without their own set of health challenges.
Vet Squad tip: Be prepared, and budget for lifelong dental care, including professional cleans at the vet. Use a harness, not a collar, for walking, to prevent excessive pressure on the neck and trachea. Keep small dogs at a healthy weight to maintain joint and overall health and longevity.
Chondrodysplastic (long-backed, short legged) breeds
Includes: Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier
Chondrodysplasia is a genetic mutation that affects cartilage and bone development. It is the reason these breeds have their signature short legs and long bodies. It is also the reason this group carries one of the most significant and well-documented sets of orthopaedic health risks of any breed category.
Vet Squad tip: "Spine-safe" your home with ramps, maintain a lean body weight, and prioritise low-impact exercise like steady lead walks. Learn the warning signs of IVDD so you can seek veterinary attention ASAP.
Working & herding breeds
Includes: Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Siberian Husky
These breeds are some of Australia's favourites. They are highly intelligent, athletic breeds and were built to work. They can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions but one of the main considerations is ensuring that their behavioural and mental needs are met.
Vet Squad tip: If you are considering a Collie or Australian Shepherd, always request MDR1 gene testing results from the breeder. Read more in our article on Genetic Testing in Puppies.
Rescue dogs & mixed breeds
Rescue dogs and mixed-breed dogs are a wonderful option and they should absolutely be considered. The idea that mixed breeds are healthier (known as 'hybrid vigour') is partially true but can be overstated.
Vet Squad tip: Adopting a dog is a truly wonderful thing to do and going in with realistic expectations about their health and behavioural needs sets both of you up for success.
Matching breed to your lifestyle
Health is only one piece of the puzzle. A breed that is medically low-risk but completely mismatched to your lifestyle will struggle, and so will you. Ask yourself these questions before choosing:
- Breed-specific exercise needs: Can you genuinely provide 2 hours of vigorous daily exercise for a Border Collie, or would a more moderate breed be a better fit?
- Living situation: Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living if exercised adequately; others truly need space.
- Climate: Remember that brachycephalic breeds and thick-coated Nordic breeds face real challenges in Australia's heat.
- Grooming commitment: Long-coated breeds require significant ongoing grooming, which carries both a time and financial cost.
- Family composition: Some breeds have strong herding instincts and can be challenging around small children. Others are famously gentle. Check out our article with the Top 8 Recommended Pets for Kids.
- Allergies: While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds (such as Poodles and their crosses) are better suited to people with allergies.
- Financial preparedness: Some breeds have predictably higher lifetime costs. Being honest about your budget is an act of kindness to your future dog.
Steps for success: Genetic testing and responsible breeding
The single biggest thing you can do to reduce your puppy's risk of developing inherited conditions is to choose a responsible, health-focused breeder. A good breeder is not just selling you a puppy, they are a lifelong resource and partner in your dog's health.
Red flags to watch for:
- Multiple breeds available at once.
- Puppies available year-round with no waitlist.
- Reluctance to show you the mother dog or the environment.
- No health testing records available for parents.
- Very low prices compared to breed averages (often signals poor breeding practices).
- Pressure to decide quickly or pay a deposit before seeing the puppy in person.
For a comprehensive guide, read How to Find a Good Breeder, where we walk through every question you should ask before committing to a puppy.
Advances in canine DNA testing have transformed what responsible breeders and prospective owners can know before a puppy is even born.
Genetic tests can identify whether a dog is:
- Clear: Does not carry the genetic variant and cannot pass it on.
- A carrier: Has one copy of the variant. The dog may not be affected but can pass it to offspring.
- Affected: Has two copies and will likely develop the condition.
Testing is not just for breeders - it is valuable information for you as a new pet parent. If you are purchasing a puppy, ask whether the parents have been tested. If you have already welcomed a rescue dog home, you can still test your dog with commercially available DNA test kits to understand their genetic health profile.
Want to learn more? Read our guide to Genetic Testing in Puppies, which covers examples of tests available in Australia, what results mean, and how to use this information to plan your puppy's preventative healthcare.
Choosing a dog is not about finding the 'perfect' breed - there is no such thing. It is about finding the right match for you, with eyes wide open about the responsibilities involved.
Every breed has something extraordinary to offer. With the right preparation, any breed can be the dog of a lifetime
The Pet Circle Vet Squad is always here to help you navigate these decisions. If you have questions about a specific breed, a health concern, or how to find a great vet in your area, please reach out!
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 13 May 2026
Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
