Veterinarian Lists Five Dog Breeds He Would Never Own Due to Severe Health Concerns
Veterinary doctor Ben Simpson-Vernon has issued a stark warning to prospective dog owners, revealing five specific canine breeds he would never personally own due to what he describes as "heartbreaking" welfare circumstances. The veterinarian acknowledged that his perspective might be controversial but emphasized that owners of these breeds would likely reconsider if they witnessed the "health problems and difficult situations" he encounters regularly in his practice.
Simpson-Vernon explained that these breeds not only endure significant suffering from various medical conditions but also create distressing and expensive situations for their human families. The veterinary professional stressed that treatment for these hereditary issues often proves both invasive and costly, creating emotional and financial burdens for pet owners.
Dachshund: High Risk of Spinal Problems
First on the veterinarian's list is the popular Dachshund, a breed he acknowledges is beloved by many families but carries serious health risks. "Their risk of painful back problems is just so high that I could never own one," Simpson-Vernon stated. He revealed that Dachshunds have a one-in-four lifetime risk of developing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which frequently leads to slipped discs and potential paralysis.
"Many of these dogs end up paralysed and needing really expensive invasive spinal surgery," the vet warned. "Some never recover or regain use of their hind limbs or bladder control. A lot of people seem to get these dogs and just hope it doesn't happen to theirs—but one in four is not great odds."
'Tiny Dogs': Fragility and Multiple Health Issues
While not a specific breed category, Simpson-Vernon expressed particular concern about extremely small dogs bred for minimal size, including "teacup" Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and similar miniature breeds. "This is not conducive for a great life as a dog," he explained, noting that some of these animals are so fragile they can fracture limbs simply by jumping off furniture.
The veterinarian added that he frequently observes multiple health problems in these tiny dogs, including hydrocephalus (fluid buildup on the brain), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver shunts, dental issues, and heart disease. These conditions collectively create what he describes as a poor quality of life for the animals.
Shar Pei: Genetic Abnormalities and Skin Problems
The Shar Pei represents the third breed on Simpson-Vernon's list, with the veterinarian recalling his initial confusion upon seeing a Shar Pei puppy. "I assumed there was something wrong with it as it looked so facially distorted—but it was just a normal Shar Pei puppy," he remembered.
Simpson-Vernon explained that the breed's excessive loose skin causes their eyelids to often roll inward as puppies, requiring surgical correction to prevent hair from scraping their eyes and causing ulcerations. "Often they need a facelift-style surgery to permanently correct the problem," he noted. Additionally, the Shar Pei's distinctive appearance results from a genetic mutation that produces excess mucin in their skin, making them prone to skin infections and autoimmune problems like Shar Pei Fever, which can lead to kidney failure.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Spinal and Heart Conditions
Fourth on the list is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which Simpson-Vernon acknowledged is "in many ways the perfect family dog" but carries what he called a "dark secret" unknown to many prospective owners. Approximately half of these dogs develop syringomyelia, a spinal condition where fluid accumulates in the spinal cord, potentially causing phantom nerve pain and other neurological symptoms.
"We truly don't know how many of these dogs are in chronic pain," the veterinarian warned, noting that the condition relates to their domed skull shape. "And as if that wasn't bad enough, almost all Cavaliers get Mitral Valve Disease, a heart condition that causes coughing and breathing difficulties and proves fatal for about half of them."
French Bulldog: Multiple Health Challenges
Concluding the list is the French Bulldog, which Simpson-Vernon described as making "great companions" but suffering from numerous health problems. He cited one study placing their average life expectancy at just four-and-a-half years due to premature deaths. "It has become normalised that these dogs snore and breathe noisily—but this is not normal for any dog," he emphasized.
The veterinarian explained that many French Bulldogs require airway surgery simply to breathe adequately and "live a half decent life." The breed also faces susceptibility to slipped discs and other spinal problems causing severe pain and paralysis, along with eye ulcers, ear infections, sleep apnea, heat stroke, and chronic skin conditions. "The list goes on and on," Simpson-Vernon concluded. "It's obviously unpleasant for the dogs to endure this pain and suffering, but it can also be really distressing for the family too."
