Once a dog reaches the age of 10, he’s got an approximately 50 percent chance of developing some type of cancer. That’s not necessarily a death sentence, as certain cancers are more treatable or slower-growing than others. Breeds at high risk of cancer usually are vulnerable to different types of the disease.Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

High-Risk Breeds

Approximately 60 percent of golden retrievers eventually succumb to cancer, according to the Wall Street Journal. Other breeds with high cancer risks include the boxer, rottweiler and the Bernese mountain dog. The latter breed runs a 50 percent risk of dying from histiocytosis, a type of cancer for which these big dogs are genetically predisposed. The flat-coated retriever, a close relative of the golden retriever, is another susceptible breed, as are cocker spaniels, English bulldogs and Boston terriers.

Medium-Risk Breeds

Many breeds have only a moderate risk of developing cancer, often of a specific type particular to that breed. Medium-risk breeds include the standard and miniature poodle, the standard and miniature schnauzer, the dachshund, the Brittany, the Jack Russell terrier, the Alaskan malamute, the bichon frise, the Pekingese, the shih tzu and the Weimaraner.

Low-Risk Breeds

In some breeds, cancer is a relative rarity. That doesn’t mean other potentially fatal diseases or conditions don’t affect them, but there is less likelihood of malignancy. These “lucky dogs” include the border collie, the Australian shepherd, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, the greyhound, the Havanese, the Maltese, the miniature pinscher and the Welsh corgi.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, often affects large breeds, although any dog can come down with the disease. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this rapidly spreading cancer usually isn’t good. Breeds most likely to develop bone cancer include the Saint Bernard, the Doberman pinscher, the Great Dane, the German shepherd, the Irish setter — and the golden retriever.

Risk Reduction

While it’s not possible to completely prevent cancer in your dog, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Spaying or neutering your dog eliminates or significantly reduces the likelihood of your pet developing mammary, uterine or testicular cancer. Check your dog for lumps on a weekly basis. Since oral carcinomas are common, inspect his mouth frequently for any lesions or bumps. If you find a lump or growth on your dog, schedule an appointment with your vet to have it checked out. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference in your dog’s longevity.

While all dogs are individuals and athleticism can be found in every AKC breed, as well as in non-recognized and mixed breeds, certain breeds are consistently winners in agility competitions. The same is true for competitors in obedience titles, where athletic ability is not as important as intelligence and willingness to please.Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now! Border Collies Agility competitions occur all over the world and teams compete on local, regional and international levels. Border collies are consistent winners in agility among the large breeds. Border collies are known for their strong work drive and are happiest when they have a job to do. They are energetic, intelligent and responsive, all traits that make for a winning agility competitor. Tops in both agility and advanced obedience competitions, the border collie is a member of the AKC sporting group. Shetland Sheepdog Shetland sheepdogs, or “Shelties” as they are affectionately called by fanciers of the breed, are almost always ranked among the top 10 breeds in both agility and obedience. The Sheltie is a consistent winner in the small breed category in agility, and placed sixth in Dr. Stanley Coran’s list of 10 most intelligent breeds, as noted in his highly acclaimed book “The Intelligence of Dogs.” Ninety-five percent of the Shelties tested were able to carry out a command after being told what to do just once. Along with their extraordinary intelligence, they are athletic and have an enthusiastic willingness to please—a winning combination for both agility and obedience competitions. Golden Retriever While golden retrievers may not be found at every agility show, they do compete and win often, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America. Not only do goldens compete in agility, but they can be found taking part in all sorts of other competitions that highlight their hunting, retrieving and companionship capabilities. In obedience, the golden retriever is a high achiever. Thirty-two goldens earned high obedience titles in the 2013 AKC National Obedience Championship, more than any other breed taking part in the event. Poodles Standard and miniature poodles are also big winners in both agility and obedience trials. Known to be both highly intelligent and athletically inclined, poodles are smart and eager to please, and catch on to what they are being asked to do very quickly. Poodles are among the top 10 most popular breeds, according to 2012 AKC registration statistics, and ranked number two in Dr. Stanley Coran’s list of the 10 most intelligent breeds.

Most people allergic to dogs are allergic not to dogs themselves, or their fur, but to the dog’s dander or saliva. Fur can harbor other allergens, like pollen and dust, that trigger allergies, though. Generally speaking, some dog breeds are worse for people with allergies than others.

Big Dogs

Saint Bernards, hounds and bulldogs are known for excessive drooling. If you’re allergic to dog saliva, avoid these breeds. German shepherds, Irish setters and English springer spaniels have lots of hair, which means more dander is produced and released into the air. Such dogs require regular baths and brushing, which allergic people should avoid.

Small Dogs

Some dogs are prone to allergies, like Boston terriers, Shih Tzus and Lhasa apsos, which means they may suffer dry skin, itchiness, watery eyes and extra mucous output; these allergy symptoms may stir up your own allergies. West Highland white terriers are prone to seborrhea, which causes their skin to renew quickly, increasing the dander produced. Dog breeds like the Pekingese and pug have skin folds that require regular care and produce dander.

Basic Tips

Avoid dogs who require frequent grooming, have double coats, are prone to allergies, have skin folds, are known droolers or produce excess dander.

Moles, gophers and groundhogs aren’t the only animals with an innate predisposition for digging. Add Scruffy the burrowing dog to the list. Virtually any dog may find digging amusing, but several dog breeds in particular were selectively bred for their digging qualities.

Meet the Terriers

Deriving from the Latin word “terra,” meaning earth, the terrier breed group encompasses several dog breeds selectively bred to chase and kill a vast array of ground-dwelling critters. Not all dogs in the this group are avid diggers, though; the real experts in the field include many short-legged terriers, such as Bedlington terriers, border terriers, Parson Russell terriers, Norfolk terriers, Norwich terriers and Yorkshire terriers, to just name a few.

Burrowing Dogs

Another dog breed with a reputation for digging includes the dachshund. With a name originating from the German word for “badger dog,” you can’t go wrong on this fellow’s digging abilities. Indeed, this breed’s long-bodied appearance and short, stubby legs makes him perfect for flushing out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals from their hiding spots.

Amatuer Diggers

While terriers and dachshunds are the diggers of the dog world, any dog breed may enjoy digging activities. Whether digging for curiosity, fun or frustration, or to hunt, it’s just one of those normal traits dogs will persist doing for one reason or another. And purebred dogs aren’t the only specimens blessed with this desire; indeed, even the average mutt may enjoy making a mine field out of your back yard.

The ears of a dog are often described as a canine’s greatest tool. With such receptor organs, dogs can hear vastly better than humans. Their ears also help them to maintain balance. Some canine breeds have ears that are short and stand straight up, while other dogs have long, floppy ears. It is also possible to manipulate a dog’s ears to create a vertical appearance. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Pembroke Welsh corgi

The Pembroke Welsh corgi – a favorite of the Queen of England – is known for having ears that point to the sky. This small, sturdy herding breed is described by the American Kennel Club as possessing ears that stand erect and are pointed at the tip. A cousin of the Pembroke is that of the Cardigan Welsh corgi, a breed that is generally differentiated from the Pembroke by its long tail. The Pembroke’s tail is short and/or is docked by its owners. While Cardigan corgis’ also have vertical standing ears, their pinnae is more rounded than that of the Pembroke.

Chihuahuas

As puppies, Chihuahuas are born with floppy ears that fold over. But by the time they are adults, Chihuahuas’ ears become pointy and radar dish shaped. This erect shape helps Chihuahuas get rid of excessive body heat and aids them in identifying predators. Chihuahuas generally don’t develop severe ear infections thanks to the design of their ears. However, their ear shape makes Chihuahuas more at risk for attracting foreign bodies.

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland white terrier, also called a “Westie,” is a small breed with ears that stand up naturally. Like the corgi, Westies are compact, sturdy dogs who love people. Adults males measure about 11 inches in height and females stand about 10 inches. The breed was developed for the rigorous work of getting rid of vermin. While West Highland white terriers may seem like cuddly lap dogs, most do not have the patience to be held for long periods of time. They also are not a good breed for gardeners because of their propensity to dig.

Breeds With Cropped Ears

Some breeds known for having pointy, erect ears, do not derive the appearance naturally. Boxers, Great Danes and Boston terriers are all breeds who regularly have their ears cropped by their owners. Cropping refers to the surgical altering of a dog’s ears to achieve a distinctive vertical appearance. Some animal activists argue that the cropping a dog’s ears is akin to animal cruelty, while other dog lovers say a cropped ear prevents certain canal infections. Animal experts say dog owners should consider carefully whether to crop or not.

Bloat is a potentially deadly condition in which the stomach distends. It can twist out of shape, causing a dangerous retention of gas and cutting off circulation. Dogs suffering from bloat need immediate medical attention. According to the ASPCA, even dogs who get treatment right away have a mortality rate between 25 percent and 40 percent. It can strike any breed at any age, but some large breeds are more likely to develop this emergency condition than others. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Dogs and Bloat

Symptoms of bloat include a distended abdomen, lethargy, pale gums, abnormally fast heart rate, struggling to breathe and more. The condition can be caused by numerous factors, including eating too fast or exercising before or after a meal. This condition can affect any breed, but large, deep-chested breeds are especially prone to it. These breeds include Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, standard poodles, boxers and others whose chests are deeper than they are wide. If you are concerned about your dog’s susceptibility to bloat, ask your veterinarian for advice on avoiding the condition. If you suspect that your dog has symptoms of bloat, contact your vet, or take your dog to an emergency veterinarian, immediately.

Degenerative myelopathy in dogs is a progressive disease affecting the white matter of the spinal cord. It is similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in humans. Symptoms in early stages of the disease include progressive weakness, stumbling and loss of muscle, especially in the rear legs. As the disease progresses, paralysis and organ failure can occur. While the condition can occur in any breed or mixed breed, certain breeds show a predisposition.

Breed Disposition

Degenerative myelopathy most often occurs in German shepherds and Welsh corgis. Other breeds predisposed to degenerative myelopathy include American Eskimo dogs, Bernese mountain dogs, borzois, boxers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, golden retrievers, great Pyrenees, Kerry blue terriers, poodles, pugs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Shetland sheepdogs, soft-coated wheaten terriers and wire fox terriers.

DNA Testing

Researchers have identified the DNA mutations responsible for degenerative myelopathy. DNA tests are available to identify if a dog is clear, a carrier or are at increased risk for disease development. Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of DNA testing.