Breeds Prone to Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy (genetic, with no identifiable cause) typically appears between one and five years of age. It is one of the most common chronic neurological conditions in dogs.
Symptoms
Seizures that may include collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth. Some dogs may appear confused or disoriented before and after episodes.
Prevention & Management
No way to prevent genetic epilepsy, but seizures can be effectively managed with daily anti-epileptic medications. Keep a seizure diary, avoid known triggers like stress or flashing lights, and ensure consistent medication timing.
33 Breeds Prone to Epilepsy
33 dog breeds
American Water Spaniel
Dog · Medium · United States
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Cardiac Issues, Epilepsy
Aussiedoodle
Dog · Medium · United States
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Drug Sensitivity
Australian Shepherd
Dog · Medium-Large · United States
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions, Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)
Barbet
Dog · Medium · France
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy
Beagle
Dog · Small-Medium · England
Health risks: Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions, Intervertebral Disc Disease
Belgian Malinois
Dog · Large · Belgium
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy
Belgian Tervuren
Dog · Large · Belgium
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions
Border Collie
Dog · Medium · Scotland/England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Collie Eye Anomaly, Deafness
Brittany
Dog · Medium · France
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions
Cane Corso
Dog · Large · Italy
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Eye Problems, Epilepsy
Curly-Coated Retriever
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Bloat, Epilepsy
Dachshund
Dog · Small · Germany
Health risks: Intervertebral Disc Disease, Obesity, Dental Issues, Epilepsy
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dog · Small · Scotland/England
Health risks: Intervertebral Disc Disease, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Cushing's Disease
English Foxhound
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Kidney Disease, Epilepsy
Finnish Spitz
Dog · Medium · Finland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Dog · Medium · France
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Dog · Giant · Switzerland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions
Hamiltonstovare
Dog · Medium-Large · Sweden
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions
Irish Setter
Dog · Large · Ireland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions
Keeshond
Dog · Medium · Netherlands
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism
Lagotto Romagnolo
Dog · Medium · Italy
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Storage Disease, Eye Conditions
Mudi
Dog · Medium · Hungary
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy
Norwich Terrier
Dog · Small · England
Health risks: Epilepsy, Tracheal Collapse, Luxating Patella, Heart Disease
Otterhound
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Epilepsy, Thrombocytopenia
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Dog · Small-Medium · France
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism
Pointer
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism
Pyrenean Shepherd
Dog · Small-Medium · France
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Luxating Patella
Schnoodle
Dog · Varies · United States
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Addison's Disease
Stabyhoun
Dog · Medium · Netherlands
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy
Tamaskan
Dog · Large · Finland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Generally healthy
Vizsla
Dog · Medium-Large · Hungary
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Eye Conditions, Lymphoma
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Dog · Medium · Wales
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism
Welsh Terrier
Dog · Small-Medium · Wales
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Allergies, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism