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 Can You Hear Me Now?
  
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | What are some dog breeds known for being relatively healthy. By that I mean a decreased chance (I know they all have their problems) of things such as hip dysphasia, degenerative joints, etc.... Even bloat (I know it tends to be narrow back broad chested dogs).
I have my old GSD and I love him to death but I have spent a lot of money on him. He got bloat as an 8 year old and it cost $5500 to fix, at the time I got X-rays to check his hips, back and elbows to make sure he looked good before I spent the $$. Fast forward 8 months and he starts having hip problems (no signs on X-rays so maybe an injury although he never shows signs of being hurt.... He just started falling and losing ability with the back legs and it doesn't hurt anywhere on him) which is costing me more to keep him comfortable. He's 10 now and I think I have spent close to $7500 in the past 2 years (which I don't regret).
I watched a friend spend several thousand dollars on a Portuguese Water Dog only to find out she had hip problems as a 4 year old and an overbite as a pup. Another friend has a 2 year old rottie with bad hips :( that started as a 10 month old pup.
I'm slowly looking for another pup so it can learn some from my big guy and need ideas. Love border collies but I am hesitant, and prefer big dogs. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
 
Location: Southeast Louisiana | The first thing that came to mind was a smaller breed... Then I read you want a larger breed. I think you would be ok with another shepherd or rottie, just be careful about the breeder you go to. Any breed can be plagued with problems from irresponsible breeding. The parents should at least have OFA certifications and the breeder should offer guarantees.
As a side note, it sounds like your GSD might be having more of a degenerative myelopathy problem than a hip problem. I'm sure you've gone over a lot of possibilities with your vet, don't know if it came up, tho. It's a very hard thing to diagnose. |
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Can You Hear Me Now?
Location: When you hit the middle of nowhere .. Keep driving | Nita - 2014-02-14 1:05 AM
The first thing that came to mind was a smaller breed... Then I read you want a larger breed. I think you would be ok with another shepherd or rottie, just be careful about the breeder you go to. Any breed can be plagued with problems from irresponsible breeding. The parents should at least have OFA certifications and the breeder should offer guarantees.
As a side note, it sounds like your GSD might be having more of a degenerative myelopathy problem than a hip problem. I'm sure you've gone over a lot of possibilities with your vet, don't know if it came up, tho. It's a very hard thing to diagnose.
I have certificates for both his parents and my guy from a very well known vet school. I don't know about my friends rottie but the water dogs parents were clean with certificates too. |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | I know the european lines are known for healthier dogs. The Czech GSDs are bred more square so they don't have many of the hip problems the American bred ones have. I've seen some Malinois that have lived long lives. Of course, they are high drive and can be a handful!
Your post got me thinking, and it's a slow night, so I have been looking at a few articles on the internet. They all say pretty much the same thing. The breeds over 30 lbs. are going to live shorter lives. Breaks my heart to think about it. I have two German Shepherds and an older Jack Russell. I hate it that they don't all live longer.
I think I have heard that Border Collies generally live longer. They are notoriously independent, though. From what I've read, I don't think they're the breed for me. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | I love my German shepherds too much to not have one. I've learned to look for working bred European bloodlines with the more square conformation--less hind leg angulation and a straighter back. My last one was an American bred that had TPLO surgery twice for torn CCLs when she was young (conformation issue, too much angulation) and then died of cancer of the spleen when she was 11, but I wouldn't have traded those years with her for anything. I did better picking a breeder and litter with my current dog. She's 6 and has been very healthy and sound. My mom lost one at the age of 15 that came from unremarkable bloodlines in someone's backyard, but she was put together well. |
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Hungarian Midget Woman
Location: Midwest | We had a Czech bred GSD. He did have hip arthritis (starting from age 11ish) but it was controlled by an NSAID. He lived until 13, when his gastro system failed (we think cancer, but not sure).
He was active until the end, and very good health overall for most of his life.
I'd personally avoid the american and west german lines. Too much slant to the back/hip. I don't like the "crouchy" GSDs myself. I never understood breeding for something that was a conformation defect. JMO
Otherwise, I'd say get a mutt. lol |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | I never had any issues with my blue heelers, maybe that is why I love them so much. My grandma use to have a golden retreiver who was with us for 14 years before her hip was to the point to where she couldn't move. Grandma never had any issues with her health wise, just as she grew old she had the same issues we face ourselves. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| I will tell you this ... Border Collies can be independent but more importantly they tend to be one person dogs.
For example, my male will acknowledge my SO , will sit, fetch, kennel, load, etc for him BUT when it comes to work and I'm around, the SO can't get my dog to do squat. They are fiercely loyal to that one person. Mind you my dog has outlasted college, a fiance that got canned, and saved my life from a rank momma cow, sooooo he and I have a history that explains the behavior.
Be mindful that they can also have hip issues and are prone to arthritis. Also, in our line of dogs if they come out with completely white ears, they will be deaf.
Good Luck and happy hunting for a new addition!  |
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Sideways Riding Expert
Posts: 11371
Location: ND--it snows, it floods, it snows, it floods | Look for a reputeable breeder first and foremost. In labs most reputable breeders have a health deal for 2 years. For hips you can do a PennHip test on a pup that will tell you the likelihood of hip problems as well. You will have to find a vet that is certified to do the PennHip but it's fairly non-invasive and easy on the dog. But first and foremost is finding a reputable breeder in case you missed it the first two times. LOL |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | I'm going to agree to find a reputable breeder, no matter what breed you pick, sure the cost will be much higher for a pup but, it's that for a reason because quality of the breed has been a focus!
All breeds have potential for health problems, whether genetic or environmental related! |
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 A Barrel Of Monkeys
Posts: 12972
Location: Texas | Get a nice mutt. The shelters are FULL of them. And the larger dogs are harder for them to place. I will NEVER ever have another dog that is not from a shelter. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1117
Location: MI | I have also heard that mutts tend to be healthier than pure bred dogs (no idea how valid this is). Personally, I know our mutt (Bassett/beagle) who is almost 10 has been super healthy her whole life (knock on wood).. The reasoning I believe is that they have a lower risk of inherting genetic diseases, but again, this may be a myth.
What about Australian Shepherds? What kind of health issues are they prone to? I know quite a few people who love this breed..
Good luck and have fun in your search! |
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 Dr. Ebay
Posts: 8507
Location: Land Of Oz | Make sure dog is from OFA certified parents hips/elbows and have eyes certified. |
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  Queen Boobie 2
Posts: 7521
| Fun2Run - 2014-02-14 1:25 PM
Get a nice mutt. The shelters are FULL of them. And the larger dogs are harder for them to place. I will NEVER ever have another dog that is not from a shelter.
I agree with this. We have had a lot of "mutts" and they were all pretty healthy. Some developed old age maladies but they were in their teens then. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1857
| bennie1 - 2014-02-14 2:02 PM
Fun2Run - 2014-02-14 1:25 PM
Get a nice mutt. The shelters are FULL of them. And the larger dogs are harder for them to place. I will NEVER ever have another dog that is not from a shelter.
I agree with this. We have had a lot of "mutts" and they were all pretty healthy. Some developed old age maladies but they were in their teens then.
I think mutts are more healthy because their usually not inbred. A lot of dogs that have health issues like labs, Golden Retrievers, bull dogs German Shepherds, etc is because they have been over bred. Line breeding has bred a lot of problems into dogs. Find you a good breeder that knows what they are doing and a lot of times their dogs don't have the issues. |
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | FlyingJT - 2014-02-14 2:09 PM
bennie1 - 2014-02-14 2:02 PM
Fun2Run - 2014-02-14 1:25 PM
Get a nice mutt. The shelters are FULL of them. And the larger dogs are harder for them to place. I will NEVER ever have another dog that is not from a shelter.
I agree with this. We have had a lot of "mutts" and they were all pretty healthy. Some developed old age maladies but they were in their teens then.
I think mutts are more healthy because their usually not inbred. A lot of dogs that have health issues like labs, Golden Retrievers, bull dogs German Shepherds, etc is because they have been over bred. Line breeding has bred a lot of problems into dogs. Find you a good breeder that knows what they are doing and a lot of times their dogs don't have the issues.
Totally agree with the mutts living longer... |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | KDS - 2014-02-14 1:50 PM
I have also heard that mutts tend to be healthier than pure bred dogs (no idea how valid this is). Personally, I know our mutt (Bassett/beagle) who is almost 10 has been super healthy her whole life (knock on wood).. The reasoning I believe is that they have a lower risk of inherting genetic diseases, but again, this may be a myth.
What about Australian Shepherds? What kind of health issues are they prone to? I know quite a few people who love this breed..
Good luck and have fun in your search!
I agree! Mutts are the healthiest breed! They have Hybrid Vigor like you'd get from cross breeding cattle. My mixed breed dogs (mutts and rescue pups) have always been healthier and hardier than my purebred dogs. Don't get me wrong I love purebred dogs too but if health is your concern I think mutts are generally going to be less likely to have health problems. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | I love my rotties!!! Just know your breeder |
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Blessed
Location: Here | KatieMac88 - 2014-02-15 8:05 PM KDS - 2014-02-14 1:50 PM I have also heard that mutts tend to be healthier than pure bred dogs (no idea how valid this is). Personally, I know our mutt (Bassett/beagle) who is almost 10 has been super healthy her whole life (knock on wood).. The reasoning I believe is that they have a lower risk of inherting genetic diseases, but again, this may be a myth.
What about Australian Shepherds? What kind of health issues are they prone to? I know quite a few people who love this breed..
Good luck and have fun in your search! I agree! Mutts are the healthiest breed! They have Hybrid Vigor like you'd get from cross breeding cattle. My mixed breed dogs (mutts and rescue pups ) have always been healthier and hardier than my purebred dogs. Don't get me wrong I love purebred dogs too but if health is your concern I think mutts are generally going to be less likely to have health problems.
I know my bull/cat is tough as nails! 1/2 bulldog 1/2 catahoula |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | I agree get a Mutt. We have purebred dogs (Danes, Mastiff, pug and rat terrier) but they don't love any different the the mutts we've had. You can have all the certificates in the world but sometimes you just get sickly dogs. At least with a mutt you didn't pay the price tag of a purebred and unless you're breeding or showing or really want a specific breed a mutt may be the way to go for you. |
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | If your wanting similar qualities of the GSD try the Belgian Malinois they are loyal and they need a running partner and they are bred square. I currently have English Pointers my oldest is 7 years and shows no signs of slowing down. This breed is well bred and I don't think you'll come across hip dysplasia or artheritis they are bred to be athletes. Their batteries don't stop till you turn the lights out and are extremely smart and will protect you if need be. |
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 A Big Ditto!
Posts: 3600
Location: Jasper, Tx | If you like the GSD then go with them but like everybody has said find a reputable breeder (and I know some in Texas) and get a working line not a show line.
I don't recommend the Belgian Malinois to most people as they have an extremely high drive! They are a GSD on crack!!! x2  with that being said most people have not heard of a Dutch shepherd, now they can have a high drive also but they are not as high strung as the Mal. I know I have a female. Very nice dogs very protective and loyal! They are in between the GSD and the Mal. They don't have the health issues that the GSD and mal have. They don't shed as bad a s a GSD also. :) Heeler are a lot like the Dutchies just in smaller bodies but can be more hard headed than a Dutchie! Good luck with your decision hopefully I have helped some.
Forgot to ad My Dutchie is in my avatar. I do search and rescue and she is also my personal protection dog.
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Edited by Deedoe 2014-02-15 10:22 PM
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 Heeler Hoarder
Posts: 2067
| I have not had any real health issues with my heelers or French Brittany Spaniels, my pitt has a ton of skin issues though. We have also had ALOT of mutts over the years and seems like they never have health problems. We just recently purchased a Border Collie that is finished on cattle and although we love her it would not be my choice for a "pet" dog especially owning horses. |
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 I'm Here!!
Posts: 4583
Location: Is it Summer Yet? | Fun2Run - 2014-02-14 11:25 AM Get a nice mutt. The shelters are FULL of them. And the larger dogs are harder for them to place. I will NEVER ever have another dog that is not from a shelter.
Nothing beats a mutt!! |
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Expert
Posts: 1543
Location: MI | Generally, the lesser known breeds and mutts will be 'healthier', although there are exceptions to the rule. I would vote for Catahoula. I think a Aussie or Border Collie are way different, temperament and drive wise, from GSDs - you'd really want to switch temperaments (we have an Aussie as well). We have a Catahoula, he's 10, will be 11 this year, and hasn't slowed down or had any health problems. He's super tough (accidentally ran him over with my F250 once, oops), and I got the 'chunk' of the litter, he looks pretty pit bull/bull dog stature and no one messes with me when he is around. The Aussie, well, isn't very intimidating, lol, even though he may be more prone to bite than the Catahoula.
I agree with Belgian Malignois - smart dogs, but man, high high drive. The one I knew had a very strong prey drive (no chickens lived around this guy) and he was pretty psychotic, but didn't have a job to do. I'm sure thats what makes them such awesome police dogs.
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
Location: Missouri | There are multiple websites that list basic information on numerous large breeds.
I personally love my Akitas! My mom has bred and showed them for over 20 years, I grew up with them and will always have one. They can be prone to bloat and hip dysplasia, as are almost every large dog, but are over all a pretty healthy and tough breed. |
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 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | KatieMac88 - 2014-02-15 8:05 PM KDS - 2014-02-14 1:50 PM I have also heard that mutts tend to be healthier than pure bred dogs (no idea how valid this is). Personally, I know our mutt (Bassett/beagle) who is almost 10 has been super healthy her whole life (knock on wood).. The reasoning I believe is that they have a lower risk of inherting genetic diseases, but again, this may be a myth.
What about Australian Shepherds? What kind of health issues are they prone to? I know quite a few people who love this breed..
Good luck and have fun in your search! I agree! Mutts are the healthiest breed! They have Hybrid Vigor like you'd get from cross breeding cattle. My mixed breed dogs (mutts and rescue pups ) have always been healthier and hardier than my purebred dogs. Don't get me wrong I love purebred dogs too but if health is your concern I think mutts are generally going to be less likely to have health problems.
I agree.  |
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 That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| Get a mutt and name him lucky. He will last forever! |
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I Really Love Jeans
Posts: 3173
Location: North Dakota | You need to purchase a quality dog from a breeder that actually shows dogs and wins. You will pay BUT a true breeder will NOT breed a dog with problems. Life happens sometimes but they will usually have a contract to cover any inherited issues! If you purchase something from a backyard breeder who doesn't show and live and breath showing you will end up with issues . If you don't want to pay a premium adopt a mutt from the animal shelter, they make the best pets and usually don't have health issues because they have not been reproduced for profit!! |
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