St. Patrick’s Day was just two days ago, which means we’ve all either worn something green or questioned why we don’t eat more potatoes year-round. But let’s talk about real luck—specifically, the kind of luck (or lack thereof) that some dog breeds have when it comes to joint health.
Spoiler alert: not all pups hit the genetic jackpot.
So, if you’ve got a large breed dog like an Irish Setter, a Labrador, or a Great Dane, you might be wondering—are they unlucky when it comes to their joints? Let’s dive into the science, and more importantly, what you can do about it!
Are Some Breeds More Likely to Struggle with Joint Problems?
Unfortunately, yes. Some breeds are just built in a way that makes them more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis. Large and giant breeds—think Irish Setters, Labs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Great Danes—are more likely to struggle with joint issues. Why?
- Genetics: Many of these breeds have a hereditary risk for hip and elbow dysplasia or other joint issues.
- Rapid Growth: Bigger dogs grow fast, which can sometimes outpace their skeletal development.
- Weight Factor: More mass = more stress on the joints. Even a few extra pounds can make a big difference!
Now, while we can’t rewrite their DNA, we can be proactive about their joint health. But overall, when it comes to their joints, our bigger canine friends are not the luckiest ones.
What Does the Science Say?
A 2017 review conducted in the United States gathered data on the prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia across different breeds. Some breeds, unfortunately, have the odds stacked against them. Here are the top three most affected breeds for each condition:
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) - Most Affected Breeds
- Newfoundland – 24.8% prevalence
- Bloodhound – 24.7% prevalence
- American Staffordshire Terrier – 24.4% prevalence
Other at-risk breeds include the Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chow Chow, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Mastiff, Gordon Setter, Old English Sheepdog, Giant Schnauzer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
Canine Elbow Dysplasia (ED) - Most Affected Breeds
- Chow Chow – 48.6% prevalence
- Rottweiler – 38.1% prevalence
- Bernese Mountain Dog – 26.0% prevalence
Other breeds frequently affected include the Chinese Shar-Pei, Newfoundland, German Shepherd, American Staffordshire Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, English Setter, Bullmastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Mastiff, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter, and English Springer Spaniel.
But let’s not just talk about bad luck—some breeds do have an advantage!
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) - Least Affected Breeds
🍀 Belgian Sheepdog: 2.8% prevalence
🍀 Belgian Tervuren: 3.1% prevalence
🍀 Flat-Coated Retriever: 3.7% prevalence
Other lucky breeds include the German Shorthaired Pointer, Shetland Sheepdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Irish Wolfhound, Belgian Malinois, Bearded Collie, Australian Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Keeshond, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Bichon, and Vizsla.
Canine Elbow Dysplasia (ED) - Least Affected Breeds
🍀 Briard: 0.2% prevalence
🍀 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 0.3% prevalence
🍀 Bichon: 0.5% prevalence
Other breeds with lower elbow dysplasia prevalence include the Flat-Coated Retriever, Boxer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Doberman Pinscher, Akita, Border Collie, Portuguese Water Dog, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Great Pyrenees, Weimaraner, Brittany, and Samoyed.
Keeping Their Joints Lucky & Strong
Now, let’s be positive. Let’s focus on what we can do to help our best friends!
🍀 Weight Control: Keep them lean! A healthy weight reduces joint strain.
🍀 Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming, controlled walks, and light fetch sessions keep them moving without overdoing it.
🍀 Supportive Supplements: UC-II® collagen (like in Jope’s Hip & Joint Supplement) is a game-changer for mobility and cartilage support, scientifically proven to outperform glucosamine.
🍀 Orthopedic Beds: A supportive bed (like Barker Beds) helps ease pressure on joints, especially for larger breeds.
🍀 Regular Vet Checks: Catch issues early before they become painful problems.
Final Thoughts: Give Your Dog the Best Odds!
While we can’t change genetics, we can influence our dogs’ joint health through proactive care. Whether you have an Irish Setter, a Bulldog, or a lucky Border Collie, taking the right steps today can help ensure they lead comfortable, active lives.
And speaking of luck, brackets are officially open! If you’re settling in to watch the games, don’t forget to include your pup—whether they’re snoozing on their orthopedic bed or trying to steal your snacks. 🏀🐶
