The Heartbreaking Truth: 10 Popular Dogs at the Highest Risk for Cancer
Milka Mullanda
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“Your dog has cancer” are words that can make a dog owner’s world come crashing down in an instant.
Our canine companions hold such special places in our lives, and the scary thought of them getting cancer is something we never want to imagine. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that cancer is, by far, the leading cause of canine deaths, particularly among adult dogs. Devastating? Totally!
What’s more heartbreaking is that some dog breeds are more susceptible to cancer compared to other breeds. In other words, some breeds have a much greater risk of getting and succumbing to cancer than any other disease.
While there are various risk factors that trigger this dreaded disease in dogs, genetics often tops the list. The most cancer-prone breeds have a greater genetic predisposition to develop this awful disease, meaning there’s little an owner can do to avoid a cancer diagnosis.
If (heavens forbid) your beloved pup gets cancer, don’t despair. With early treatment and guidance from your veterinary team, your four-legged can still enjoy a good quality of life.
That said, here are 10 popular dog breeds most prone to cancer:
1. Golden Retriever
Cherished for their friendly, happy nature, unwavering loyalty, intelligence, sweet personality, and fun-loving attitude, Golden Retrievers possess everything you’d desire in a family pet.
This popular, good-natured breed is capable of brightening up the coldest of hearts. Seriously, what’s not to love about Golden Retrievers? Their exceptionally high susceptibility to cancer, maybe.
According to an earlier study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the Golden Retriever is among the dog breeds with the highest cancer rates. In the study, researchers analyzed the leading cause of death in about 72,000 dogs (belonging to different breeds, including Golden Retrievers) during a 20-year period.
The research team found that the prevalence of cancer-related deaths was higher in breeds like Golden Retrievers and Boxers compared to other breeds.
Based on this study’s findings, Golden Retrievers are genetically predisposed to suffer from four main types of cancers:
- Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system; the disease-fighting system in dogs)
- Bone cancer (cancer of the bones)
- Hemangiosarcoma (cancer that affects a dog’s blood vessels)
- Mastocytoma (a type of skin cancer also known as mast cell tumor)
2. Boxer
Described as playful jumpers and excellent runners, Boxers are a perfect match for active households, owing to their superb athletic. While they are tough-looking on the outside, they have the sweetest personality you could ever ask for.
Unfortunately, this high-spirited, deep-chested breed has one of the highest cancer rates. Boxers are more prone to Lymphoma, Gliomas (a form of brain cancer), Mastocytoma, and Hemangiosarcoma.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a true gem in the canine world, thanks to their easy-going personalities, affectionate nature, impressive looks, and hardworking ethic.
This gentle, loving breed makes a fantastic addition to any household as it easily forms strong bonds with its families. Oh, and it doesn’t take long before the Bernese Mountain Dog’s sweet disposition becomes obvious.
Sadly, Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the breeds with the highest cancer rates. Research shows that Berners are more prone to lymphoma and histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer characterized by an abnormal build-up of certain immune cells in different parts of a dog’s body. For instance, in the liver, lungs, spleen, and bones.
In fact, 25% of all recorded early deaths in Bernese Mountain Dogs are attributed to histiocytosis. This type of cancer is considered hereditary.
4. Rottweiler
Intimidating at first glance but extremely lovable when you get to know them — that’s the Rottweiler for you. Beyond their muscular, powerful physique, Rottweilers have an endearing personality that will make you fall ten times more in love with them. They can be very devoted and protective of their families, making them exceptional dogs.
Unfortunately, Rotties are highly prone to cancers such as Bone Cancer, Lymphoma, and Hemangiosarcoma. In an earlier study that looked into the major cause of death in nearly 345 Rottweiler dogs, researchers discovered that 69% of these deaths resulted from cancer.
5. Flat-Coated Retrievers
Extremely sociable, loving toward children, and ever-willing to go to great lengths to please their owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever is an all-around wonderful family pet.
This playful, energetic breed will never be too far from your side, as nothing matters more than being around their loved ones. Sadly, Flat-Coated Retrieves are among the dog breeds most susceptible to cancer.
Flat-coated retrievers are at a greater risk of developing histiocytosis, just like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Statistically speaking, research shows that nearly half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers get cancer by the time they reach eight years old.
6. Labrador Retriever
Considered one of America’s most popular dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers make fantastic canine companions. They are prized for their eagerness to please, intelligence, obedience, affectionate nature………..and ability to help you minimize leftover waste (read: greed).
Labs, however, have a heightened risk of getting cancer. This lovable breed is more prone to Lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma.
7. Beagles
Owning a Beagle is more like signing up for an endless supply of laughter, as this breed is mischievous, playful, and fun-loving.
Beagles are great with kids and aren’t territorial, making them the perfect match for households with other dogs. Undoubtedly, the Beagle will steal your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. Sadly, Beagles are among the dog breeds that are more prone to cancer.
Research shows the Beagle is highly susceptible to bladder cancer, bone cancer, lymphoma, liver cancer, and endocrine cancer.
8. Great Dane
Great Danes have long been favorites for those with a soft spot for large, affectionate dog breeds. While there are many adjectives used to describe Great Danes, “Gentle Giants” tops the list. This statuesque breed’s affectionate nature is as big as its size.
Unfortunately, Great Danes are one of the dog breeds with the highest risk of developing cancer at a younger age. According to research, bone cancer is the most common cause of death in Great Danes.
9. Bouvier des Flandres
We can’t think of the Bouvier des Flandres without obsessing over its fluffy appearance, rugged coat, and muscular legs. This powerful herding breed is an expert at putting its strong work ethic and intelligence to use.
The Bouvier is famous for its loving personality and laid-back attitude, among other endearing traits. Spending quality time with loved ones is one of Bouvier’s greatest life pleasures.
Unfortunately, this large, high-energy breed is highly susceptible to cancer. Bouviers are more prone to lymphoma and gastric carcinoma (a form of stomach cancer).
10. Scottish Terriers
Originating from Scotland, Scottish Terriers possess courage like no other. This brave, intelligent breed can be quite aloof with strangers but extremely loving to their families.
Sad to say, Scotties — as they’re fondly called — have one of the highest cancer rates and are at a greater risk of developing bladder cancer. Experts say that Scotties are 20 times more likely to get bladder cancer than any other dog breed.
Shockingly, a recent study revealed that Scottish Terriers that are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke in their homes are six times more likely to suffer from bladder cancer compared to Scotties living in non-smoking households.