Page 334 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

334 C ARE AND TR AINING

Breed-specific problems Weight issues
Since humans first started breeding dogs, they have been Dogs are scavengers and tend to eat whatever is placed in
tailoring them for different purposes. As a result, there is front of them, because they do not know when they might
huge diversity among dogs, each breed having its own next find food. For pet dogs with regular access to plentiful
special qualities and traits. However, in some breeds food, this natural trait has led to a high incidence of excess
particular characteristics have been greatly exaggerated, weight gain. Overweight dogs, like overweight humans, are
and you will need to take these into consideration if they at increased risk of serious health problems. Changes in your
apply to your chosen pet, because they can cause health dog’s waistline are hard to spot from day to day, so it’s
problems. For example, dogs that have been bred to have advisable to weigh him regularly as a routine health check.
excess, wrinkly skin are very prone to skin infections and Owners of very large dogs may need to visit the veterinary
require their wrinkles to be cleaned regularly. Similarly, dogs office to use their scales. If you find your dog is becoming
with very thick coats designed to cope with extremes of cold too heavy, aim to reduce his weight gradually by increasing
can develop uncomfortable skin conditions when placed in a his exercise levels and cutting down his food intake. For a
relatively temperate climate. Hairless breeds feel the cold dog that is obese, a vet may recommend a low-fat diet.
but are also at risk of sunburn and need to have their skin
protected before they go outside. Long-backed dogs may be
very good at disappearing down holes after small mammals
but have problems when faced with going up and down stairs
and jumping onto couches. Dogs bred to have a short, flat
face are prone to breathing disorders and also heatstroke,
because although they pant, the short muzzle does not give
them the means to keep cool effectively.

OVERWEIGHT
There are many health problems associated with excess weight gain
in dogs. Recent studies have shown that the stress placed on a dog’s
body can shorten his life span by as much as 2 years.

SKIN PROBLEMS
Deep wrinkles like those
of the Chinese Shar-Pei
provide a breeding ground
for bacteria and need
regular cleaning to
prevent infections.

UNDERSHOT JAW
Dogs with undershot jaws, such as the Bulldog, also tend to have
short muzzles. In warm environments, air passing through these
shorter nasal passages does not have time to cool down
properly, and as a result, these dogs tend to warm up quickly.
They must pant to cool down and need to do so for longer than
other dogs.

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