Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
Each has its own list of positive and negative attributes, and it’s important to take plenty of time to think about what breed will fit into your lifestyle the best - for instance a smaller dog if you live in a flat, or a hypoallergenic dog if the mere mention of dog hair makes you think about sneezing.
There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
One thing to bear in mind when looking for a new dog is that certain breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions which, in some cases, may shorten their life.
This doesn’t mean that they don’t make great pets – in fact some are amongst the most popular and loved dog breeds in the UK – but it’s important to know that there are potential issues so you know what symptoms to look out for so you can make sure your pooch gets the best possible early treatment.
Here are the 12 breeds of dog that have the most known health issues.
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9. Cocker Spaniel
Owners of friendly and loyal Cocker Spaniels should be aware that their pet is susceptible to a range of health issues, including a variety of orthopaedic issues, epilepsy, heart disease and liver disease. | Getty Images
10. Boxer
The Boxer's cute short snout may look cute but, combined with its excitable nature, it means this dog is particularly susceptible to heatstroke. They are also known to have a high cancer risk, with a predisposition to lymphoma and brain tumors. Cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and allergies can also be issues to look out for. | Canva/Getty Images
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11. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have two main health concerns - a predisposition to bone cancer and an abnormality in the heart muscle called cardiomyopathy. Owners should keep a close eye on their pets to look out for signs of pain when the dog walks, or changes in breathing indicative of a heart problem. | Getty Images
12. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland's huge size is responsible for its most common health problem - a condition called Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis which decreases the blood flow to the heart causing cardiac arrest. They are another breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. | Getty Images