If you're looking for a new puppy, here's one more thing to consider besides the space you have, family members, and disposition of the breed. How illness prone is the breed and what could you expect for vet visits and treatment, especially as the dog matures?

Here's a sample list of some dog breeds and the common problems that may develop:

Breed

Possible Condition

Treatment

 

Australian Shepherd

 

hip dysplasia, autoimmune diseases

Surgery for dysplasia and prescription treatment for autoimmune disease.

Akita

 

bad knees, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia

 

surgery for dysplasia ($1500+) and meds for the other problems

Alaskan Malamute

 

hip dysplasia,  skin disorders, thyroid problems

 

reconstructive surgery for dysplasia, medication for other ailments

American Cocker Spaniel

 

abnormalities, skin conditions, ear infections, heart disease, epilepsy

 

Ear surgery and medications, solutions for skin, prescription for epilepsy.  Surgeries would be a minimum of $200 and meds would vary.

Labrador Retriever  - the most popular breed in the world

 

hip dysplasia

hip surgery/reconstruction a minimum of $1500, depending on geography and damage

Lhasa Apso

 

kidney problems and skin conditions

 

Potential prescription diet and medications.  Food costs could triple.

Mastiff

hip dysplasia, eyelid problems

both need surgical procedures

Pug

 

eye lacerations, eye prolapse, eyelid abnormalities, respiratory illness, heatstroke, collapsed nostrils, and heart problems

 

Surgery, surgery, surgery! And medication, too.

Surgeries are expensive in part due to the sedation process.

Rottweiler

 

Hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, heart problems, Juvenile Cataracts, Elbow Dysplasia.

 

Lots of surgery.  May use laser for cataracts in areas where available.

 

 

 

Saint Bernard

 

hip dysplasia, bloat, tumors, skin conditions, heart disease, eyelid problems

 

hip reconstruction surgery and medications

Welsh Terrier

 

skin and eye problems

Medication treatment.

Weimaraner

 

hip dysplasia, bloat, bleeding disorders, allergies, cysts, tumors

 

hip reconstruction, medication, and possible surgery for tumors

Yorkshire Terrier

 

knee problems, eye  infections, skin sensitivity

surgery for the knee, medication treatment for the others


You may have noticed a trend across the breeds. The bigger breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the cup area of the hip socket. Several of the larger breeds also tend toward thyroid problems. As breeders 'create' newer breeds, it's best to consider from 'whence it came."

The smaller dogs tend toward skin and eye trouble. As the breeders get more and more carried away, more possible problems may occur within a breed.

So, if you have your heart set on a particular breed, or a good opportunity comes along, look up the possible medical problems the breed may have and get some quotes on pet insurance. Several policies restrict coverage to certain breeds and do not cover some pre-disposed illnesses or conditions.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of how big your canine friend is going to be. If it is a large purebred, then make sure you get an idea of what vet bills and other costs will be when he is grown. Medications are prescribed with weight in mind.

Before you take an impetuous plunge into pet ownership, be sure and look at the long-term health and care of your pet. Some dogs may live upwards of 15 years. Then check out an insurance policy from the many quotes available.