Dogs that are prone to health issues
Want to know more about dogs that are prone to health issues? See all the dogs that fit this criteria and learn more about what it's like to have these dogs as pets.
37 Results
- breed group: hybrid
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: hypoallergenic, requires lots of grooming, low prey drive, good hiking companion, apartment-friendly, easy to train, strong loyalty tendencies, prone to health issues, loves water, good for first-time pet owners
- colors: black, gray, red, brown / chocolate / liver, fawn, cream, white
- coat length/texture: long, medium, curly
- temperament: outgoing, gentle, friendly, playful, anxious
For loving companionship, few breeds compare to the smart, cuddlesome, and playful Cavapoo. This crossbreed might also be a good choice as a low-allergen pet.
- breed group: terrier
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: high prey drive, loves water, high potential for weight gain, apartment-friendly, strong loyalty tendencies, prone to health issues
- colors: fawn, red, gold / yellow, black
- patterns: black and tan, bicolor
- coat length/texture: medium, wiry
- temperament: outgoing, willful, friendly, playful, anxious
Norfolk terriers are spunky, affectionate, and energetic small dogs who make great travel companions and outdoor adventurers. Happy and social, they thrive with active families.
- breed group: non-sporting
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, tolerates being alone, tendency to chew, prone to health issues, highly territorial, apartment-friendly, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, red, cream, fawn, black, blue
- patterns: sable
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, willful, playful, aloof
The Chinese shar-pei is easy to recognize because of her loose, wrinkly skin, sandpaper fur, and a "hippopotamus" muzzle. This independent and loyal breed is best for experienced dog owners.
- breed group: non-sporting
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, good hiking companion, easy to groom, hot weather tolerant, prone to health issues, high prey drive, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: black, white, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: spotted
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: timid, friendly, playful
With his spotted coat, the Dalmatian is one of the most instantly recognizable dogs in the world. His loyalty and playful personality make him perfect for most families.
- breed group: working
- breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, requires lots of grooming, prone to health issues, cold weather tolerant, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: black, brown / chocolate / liver, white
- patterns: tricolor
- coat length/texture: long
- temperament: gentle, friendly, playful, aloof
Bernese mountain dogs are smart, hardworking, and loyal dogs who love to spend time with their human family. Learn more about living with Bernese mountain dogs.
- breed group: hybrid
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: hypoallergenic, requires lots of grooming, prone to health issues, high potential for weight gain, high prey drive, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: black, gray, red, blue, cream, fawn, white, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor, tricolor, brindle
- coat length/texture: medium, long
- temperament: outgoing, willful, friendly, anxious, playful
The shorkie, a crossbreed between a shih tzu and a Yorkshire terrier, is a small, spirited-yet-snuggly companion with a silky, allergy-friendly coat.
- breed group: working
- breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
- other traits: prone to health issues, highly territorial, high prey drive, high potential for weight gain, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: fawn
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, willful
Dogues de Bordeaux are known for their massive proportions—and that applies to the big hearts they have for their owners, too. Learn more about what it takes to care for these sweet, drooly giants.
- breed group: working
- breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
- other traits: easy to train, requires lots of grooming, tendency to chew, prone to health issues, highly territorial, low prey drive, high potential for weight gain, loves water, cold weather tolerant, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: black, gray, brown / chocolate / liver
- coat length/texture: long
- temperament: gentle, friendly, playful
Few dogs fit the description of majestic but gentle giants as well as the loving, sweet, and mild-tempered Newfoundland. Easygoing with children and loyal to their families, they’re devoted pets you’ll want to learn more about.
- breed group: terrier
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: apartment-friendly, strong loyalty tendencies, prone to health issues, high potential for weight gain, high prey drive
- colors: red, gold / yellow, black
- patterns: black and tan
- coat length/texture: medium, wiry
- temperament: outgoing, anxious, willful, friendly, playful
The Norwich terrier is a small breed with a big personality. Hyper and intelligent, he's a fearless pup who thrives with owners who keep his brain busy with tricks and training.
- breed group: terrier
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: hypoallergenic, easy to train, easy to groom, prone to health issues, high potential for weight gain, high prey drive, apartment-friendly, hot weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: black, blue, white, red, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: sable, bicolor, tricolor, blue and tan, black and tan, brindle, flecked / ticked / speckled
- coat length/texture: hairless
- temperament: friendly, outgoing, playful
American hairless terriers are a lively, courageous, and loyal breed that descended from the rat terrier. Learn more about living with this rare hairless breed.Â
- breed group: working
- breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, prone to health issues, low prey drive, high potential for weight gain, cold weather tolerant, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: red, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor
- coat length/texture: long, medium
- temperament: gentle, friendly, outgoing, playful
Patient and caring Saint Bernards aren’t just known for their massive size—they have huge hearts, too, full of devotion for their human companions. Intelligent, mellow, and playful, learn how they can serve and adore a family like yours.
- breed group: toy
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: requires lots of grooming, prone to health issues, high potential for weight gain, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: black, gray, red, blue, cream, white, fawn, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor, tricolor, sable, brindle, black and tan
- coat length/texture: long
- temperament: gentle, friendly, willful, aloof
Pekingese are intelligent, affectionate, and friendly. These compact lion-maned dogs were first bred as companions for Chinese emperors. Learn more about living with Pekingese.
- breed group: toy
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, prone to health issues, apartment-friendly, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, black, gray, blue, white, fawn
- patterns: bicolor, tricolor, brindle, merle, black and tan, liver and tan, blue and tan
- coat length/texture: short, long
- temperament: gentle, anxious, playful
Chihuahuas are charming, smart, and sassy. Small in size, but big in personality, Chihuahuas are beloved by owners for their unique appearance and entertaining attitudes. Learn more about living with this pint-sized breed.
- breed group: hybrid
- breed size: small (0-25 lbs.)
- other traits: hypoallergenic, easy to train, prone to health issues, high potential for weight gain, apartment-friendly, strong loyalty tendencies
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, black, white
- patterns: tricolor, bicolor
- coat length/texture: medium, curly
- temperament: friendly, playful
The Cavachon is a spunky companion crossbreed between a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a bichon frise. The compact pup sports a silky coat and friendly personality.
- breed group: none
- breed size: extra large (101 lbs. or more)
- other traits: prone to health issues, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: black, gray, fawn, gold / yellow, red
- patterns: brindle, bicolor
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: aloof
Spanish mastiffs are a rare breed in the United States. These extra-large dogs are loyal, hardy, and self-confident but might be aloof around people outside of their beloved family.
- breed group: hybrid
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, requires lots of grooming, prone to health issues, loves water, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion, hypoallergenic
- colors: black, gray, red, blue, cream, white, fawn, gold / yellow, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor, brindle
- coat length/texture: short, medium, curly
- temperament: friendly, playful
The adorably playful boxerdoodle is a rare, fairly new crossbreed that can range from small to large in size. This boxer and poodle mix makes a delightful addition to all kinds of families.
- breed group: none
- breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to train, requires lots of grooming, prone to health issues, high prey drive, loves water, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: black, gray, white, cream, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: bicolor
- coat length/texture: medium, curly
- temperament: friendly, willful, outgoing, playful
A German shepherd and poodle mix, the shepadoodle is an intelligent, athletic dog. He needs an active family and time spent outside to be happy and healthy.
- breed group: hound
- breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, tolerates being alone, high prey drive, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion, high potential for weight gain, prone to health issues
- colors: black, blue, gray
- patterns: brindle
- coat length/texture: wiry
- temperament: gentle, aloof, outgoing, playful
A giant sighthound who used to hunt deer in the Scottish Highlands, Scottish deerhounds these days are still rare. Now, they instead prefer spending time with their families or patrolling a big yard.
- breed group: hound
- breed size: large (61-100 lbs.)
- other traits: easy to groom, high prey drive, loves water, good hiking companion, prone to health issues
- colors: black, brown / chocolate / liver
- patterns: black and tan
- coat length/texture: short
- temperament: gentle, friendly, willful
Black and tan coonhounds are gentle family dogs, but don’t mistake their calm demeanor as laziness. These hounds are active hunting dogs and want to put their super-sensitive nose to work.
- breed group: herding
- breed size: medium (26-60 lbs.)
- other traits: hypoallergenic, easy to train, prone to health issues, loves water, apartment-friendly, cold weather tolerant, strong loyalty tendencies, good hiking companion
- colors: brown / chocolate / liver, cream, black, white
- patterns: bicolor
- coat length/texture: medium, curly
- temperament: outgoing, playful
Spanish water dogs are intelligent and energetic pups that adapt quickly to new situations and are loyal to their families. Learn more about living with Spanish water dogs.