If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, 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’ like the popukar Labradoodle (half Labrador, half Poodle) to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to particular health issues.
One common canine disorder is hip dysplasia – when the dog’s hip ball and socket joint doesn’t fit or develop properly, causing it to rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly.
The condition results in the deterioration of the hip over time, causing pain and drastically reducing a dog’s quality of life.
Here are 15 breeds of dog most genetically predisposed to suffering hip dysplasia.
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1. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is prone to a range of joint degenerative disorders due to its huge size - being that heavy is guaranteed to put strain on the doggy joints. Keeping a dog at a healthy weight is one of the best ways to minimise the risk of developing such issues. | Canva/Getty Images
2. German Shepherd
As a rule of thumb, larger dogs are generally more likely to develop hip dysplasia than smaller pups - and the German Shepherd is a case in point. They are most likely to suffer from the condition later in life, at around the age of seven. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are another breed of large dog that commonly suffer from hip dysplasia. Another early indication of the condition is if your pet is leaning in one direction while walking, in an attempt to protect the troublesome hip. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Labrador Retriever
A combination of a large frame, genetic predisposition and weight distribution mean that lovable Labrador Retrievers commonly develop hip dysplasia. Symptoms of the condition include walking with a limp, lack of interest in exercise, reluctance to climb stairs, and a clicking sound when walking. It's not stopped them being the UK's - and the world's - favourite breed of dog. | Canva/Getty Images