Who's Healthier: Purebreds or Mixed Breeds?

image of dogs.

For years, pet owners have disagreed about whether purebred or mixed breed dogs are healthier. Until recently, there was no scientific data to back up their opinions, but UC Davis researchers recently helped answer the question with a landmark health study.

The Arguments

Pet owners who thought that mixed breed dogs were healthier argued that inbreeding in purebred dogs increased the likelihood of genetic disorders. Other owners felt that purebred dogs were healthier because many start their lives in professional breeding facilities and are not exposed to infectious diseases that may circulate through animal shelters.

Hip Dysplasia Is a Purebred Problem - Or Is It?

Hip dysplasia is often used as the prime example of an inherited health problem that primarily affects purebred dogs. The condition, which occurs due to a malformation of the ball and socket joint in the hip, causes pain and weakness in the hind legs and can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Contrary to popular belief, the UC Davis revealed that hip dysplasia was just as likely to occur in mixed breed dogs as it was in purebreds.

Other Disorders with Similar Rates in Both Purebreds and Mixed Breeds

Researchers reviewed the records of 90,000 dogs who were patients of the UC Davis veterinary teaching hospital from 1995 to 2010. In addition to hip dysplasia, they noted that a number of other genetic disorders occur equally often in both groups. They include:

  • Heart Disorders. Mitral valve dysplasia, ventricular septal defect, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patent ductus arteriosus occurred at about the same rate in both purebred and mixed breed dogs.
  • Cancer. Cancers, including osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor and lymphoma, also occurred at about the same rate.
  • Orthopedic Disorders. Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) was seen in both purebred and mixed breed dogs.
  • Eye Disorders. Both groups also suffered similar rates of lens luxation, a condition that happens when the clear lens located behind the iris of the eye becomes dislocated.
  • Endocrine Disorders. Both hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) occurred at about the same frequency in both groups of dogs.

Disorders More Common in Purebred Dogs

Some disorders were more common in purebreds, although the chance that your dog will develop these disorders depends on its breed. For example, large dogs like Saint Bernards and Great Danes are most likely to suffer from bloat. The disorders include:

  • Cataracts
  • Bloat
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Allergic Dermatitis
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Epilepsy
  • Portosystemic Shunt
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease

What About Mixed Breed Dogs?

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture was the only disorder more likely to occur in mixed breed dogs. The ligament helps keep the knee joints in the hind legs stable.

What Is the Bottom Line?

Although purebred dogs do have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, they are no more likely to develop many serious health conditions, such as cancer, heart disorders and endocrine disorders, than mixed breed dogs. It's crucial to ask questions about health when you consider adding another pet to your family, but it's equally important to consider the animal's temperament, personality, ability to get along with your other pets and the dog's fit with your family.

Regular veterinary care is the key to keeping your purebred or mixed breed dog healthy. If it's been a while since your dog has seen a veterinarian or if your pet is experiencing a health problem, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Healthy Pets: The Surprising Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs, 7/5/13

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/07/05/pet-genetic-disorders.aspx

Mercola: Prevalence of Inherited Disorders Among Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs, 6/1/13

http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/HealthyPets/InheritedDisordersOfDogs.pdf

Dogs Naturally: Are Mixed Breed Dogs Healthier Than Purebreds?

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/genetic-dog-diseases-in-purebreds-and-mixed-breeds/

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Thanks for everything you did for Ready !
    Obviously he loved you all !"
    Bart V.
  • "I will continue to bring my furkids to Buck Road. They are absolutely wonderful with my dog and have been a great resource for my cat who suffers from allergies and kidney problems. They really care about their patients and their humans, and listen to me when I have concerns. They are never, ever overcrowded. Usually there is maybe one other dog in the waiting room. That is a relief and keeps everyone's stress levels down! The facility is clean and staff is always friendly and willing to walk you through, step by step, the treatment plan ahead. I never leave feeling confused. I love this place - and we keep coming back despite moving pretty far away!"
    Courtny S.
  • "Awesome staff ~ great veterinary care ~ Dutch is lucky to have such wonderful professionals looking after him!"
    Beverly B.
  • "A top notch practice. Highly recommend."
    Jason D.
  • "I've been bringing my pets to Buck Road Animal Hospital almost from the time they started and I have never had anything but positive experiences there. The staff feel like friends to me and they always make you feel like they're happy to see you and your pets. The vets take their time with you and your pets and they go out of their way to give you any information you might need about a pet's condition or treatment. I have A LOT of pets and some of my dogs have aggression issues but you'd never know it to see them there. They understand how to make any animal feel at ease and even my most difficult dog is welcomed there. I'd never go anywhere else. Best veterinary practice anywhere."
    Mary K.
  • "I have been a client of Buck Road Animal Hospital for 30 years..and they are the all the greatest caring friendly kind people..I would not go anywhere else..They go out of there way to accommodate you..They are Number 1..Hats off to Caroline Renee Leanne Donna Lindie and to the best vets Dr Steve and Dr Mary Pat."
    Carole M.
  • "Probably the greatest animal hospital of all-time. The staff is superb, and the Doctors are as kind and knowledgeable as they come. Can't wait for our next visit!"
    Andrew S.