Dog Breeds by Size
When you look around you, you’ll notice that there isn’t too much variation between people’s height. Most of us stand somewhere between 5 feet and 6 feet tall.
The same can’t be said for our dogs. Chihuahuas, at only 9 inches tall, are so much smaller than the Great Dane. These giant breeds grow to a height of 35 inches at the shoulder.
Although all dogs are descended from the wolf, selective breeding has allowed us to create dog breeds of various sizes and shapes to suit our lifestyles. In 1997, researchers identified the specific gene, known as IGF-1, that is mostly responsible for the range of sizes between different breeds. However, within each breed, there are many other genes which are involved in the variation in height between individual dogs.
Your Dog’s Size and Their Health
Both extremely small dogs and extremely large dogs have their own potential health issues.
Small dogs may be more likely to suffer from accidental injury. They can be dropped or stepped on, and will sustain more severe injuries than a larger dog if they are hit by a car or attacked by another dog.
Giant breeds can have orthopaedic problems that are associated with their extreme size. One example is osteochondrosis dissecans, which results in cartilage damage in the joints. This is thought to have a genetic component, but may also be caused by a dog growing too fast.
Apart from this, most health issues are not necessarily related to a dog’s size, but to their breed and conformation. Because of their body shape, Dachshunds are very susceptible to disc disease in their backs. Pugs and Pekingese can have respiratory problems and eye disease because they have a short nose and prominent eyes.
Large dogs have their own breed related health risks. Giant breeds with deep chests such as the Great Dane are more at risk of gastric dilation and volvulus, where the stomach fills with air then twists around itself. This is very serious and can be fatal.
Whatever the breed, don’t forget to keep an eye on the size of your dog’s waistline. Obesity carries with it a range of avoidable health problems including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
Your Dog’s Size and Their Lifespan
Generally, large breeds of dogs don’t live as long as small breeds. Again comparing the two breeds mentioned at the start of this article, the Chihuahua may reach the ripe old age of 18 years, but the average lifespan of a Great Dane is only 8 years.
This means that if you own a large breed of dog, you will be dealing with age related illnesses at a younger age. Elderly dogs often suffer from stiffness in the limbs, they may become incontinent and they can lose their sight. They can also develop symptoms of dementia, including night waking, confusion, separation anxiety and excessive barking.
While you do need to take into account the health issues associated with the size of a particular dog breed, this is only a small part of choosing the right breed for you. Dogs of any size and shape can have health problems, however you can minimize them by choosing a breeder who performs genetic testing on their dogs, and feeding them appropriately so they don’t grow too fast when they’re young, and they don’t become overweight as an adult.