I’m a vet – these are the 5 dog breeds I would never own myself | World | News

A vet has shared five dog breeds he would never own; one of them has “many genetic health problems.” Dr Rachel Siu is a veterinarian based in Texas who works with a wide variety of exotic pets, dogs and cats. But alongside her profession, she’s built quite a presence on social media by posting as Dr Rachel and sharing tips and insights for pet owners.

In 2022, he shared a video with his more than 260,000 subscribers. YouTube He named five dog breeds he wouldn’t want to own, including Huskies, Dachshunds, Great Danes, Doodles and Bulldogs, and identified issues with them that potential owners should be aware of. Shortly after, she posted a follow-up video titled Top 5 Dog Breeds I Would Not Own as a Vet – Part 2, ticking off other breeds she would not choose to own.

He prefaces the video by emphasizing that everyone is open to their own opinions about individual races, and that he bases his opinions largely on medical issues he has observed as a medical professional.

The first choice is Boxers, which he says are fun but “come with a lot of genetic health issues.”

He says they are prone to the following diseases: Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), a chronic inflammatory disease; A progressive and incurable spine problem called degenerative myelopathy (DM); and aortic stenosis, a congenital heart defect.

Unfortunately, he added, because this breed is so common, they are also prone to a heart disease known as Boxer cardiomyopathy.

The vet said they are also prone to certain types of cancer and are brachycephalic, a term referring to short-headed dogs that suffer from various health problems due to the way they were raised and therefore have breathing problems.

Next up is the Sharpei, a species that originates in southern China and is known for its distinctive thick skin folds.

“Although these dogs are loyal to their owners, they were bred as guard dogs and can be aloof and even aggressive towards new people if not otherwise trained.

“Due to their loose skin, they often suffer from skin infections and Entropion, where the eyelid skin folds in on itself, causing painful ulcers.

“Other eye problems they are prone to are retinal dysplasia and glaucoma,” he added. There is also a high chance of developing hypothyroidism, which causes metabolism to slow down, triggering weight gain, lethargy, and other problems.

As with boxers, there is also a condition that bears the name of the breed. Dr Rachel warns that Sharpei Fever “can lead to joint swelling, fever and even kidney failure”.

The third breed on the list is the St Bernard. The vet says his main problem is too much drooling. Another reason it doesn’t have one is its size.

Male Saint Bernards can range in height from 70-75 cm and weigh between 63-81 kg (approximately 140 to 178 lbs) depending on the male. Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

The medical professional said he didn’t want a dog that could “easily overpower me if things got out of control,” but if they were well trained that wasn’t a problem.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were also included, although they are “incredibly sweet” and great for families.

He says the health risks mean he won’t buy them, as they are 20 times more susceptible to mitral valve disease than the average dog.

This condition is a serious heart problem and the leading cause of death among breeds, affecting nearly all by a certain age.

They are also at high risk for a neurological condition called Syringomyelia, which affects the spine and causes chronic pain, he says.

The vet says he has seen many die very young due to health problems.

His final choice is boxers and other breeds that are brachycephalic or have a “softened face like a bulldog.”

Dr Rachel says this leads to “lifelong breathing problems”. He says many are exercise intolerant and he has seen many die from heatstroke in the summer months.

Their “smooth faces” also make them prone to skin infections, dental disease, and their eyes bulging out.

The animal lover says that as a medical professional, he cannot support continuing to breed these traits, given the suffering it causes them.

Despite factors that might deter her from purchasing one of these breeds, Dr Rachel says all dogs deserve love and receive the same care in her practice.