Breeds Prone to Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It is the most common endocrine disorder in dogs, typically developing in middle-aged dogs. The condition affects metabolism and can impact virtually every organ system.
Symptoms
Weight gain without increased appetite, lethargy, cold intolerance, hair loss or thinning coat, dry skin, recurrent skin infections, and mental dullness. Symptoms develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging.
Prevention & Management
No proven prevention, but early detection through routine blood work is important. Once diagnosed, hypothyroidism is easily managed with daily thyroid hormone supplementation. Regular monitoring ensures proper dosing.
49 Breeds Prone to Hypothyroidism
49 dog breeds

Afghan Hound
Dog · Large · Afghanistan
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Hypothyroidism

Airedale Terrier
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Hypothyroidism, Bloat

Alaskan Husky
Dog · Medium-Large · United States (Alaska)
Health risks: Generally healthy, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism

Alaskan Malamute
Dog · Large · United States (Alaska)
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Hypothyroidism, Day Blindness

Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Dog · Giant · Turkey
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Entropion, Hypothyroidism

Azawakh
Dog · Large · West Africa
Health risks: Hypothyroidism, Seizures, Cardiac Issues, Bloat

Basenji
Dog · Small-Medium · Congo/Central Africa
Health risks: Fanconi Syndrome, Eye Conditions, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism

Beagle
Dog · Small-Medium · England
Health risks: Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions, Intervertebral Disc Disease

Bearded Collie
Dog · Medium · Scotland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Addison's Disease, Eye Conditions

Borzoi
Dog · Large · Russia
Health risks: Bloat, Heart Disease, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism
Bouvier des Flandres
Dog · Large · Belgium/France
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Bloat, Hypothyroidism
Briard
Dog · Large · France
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism

Brittany
Dog · Medium · France
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions

Canaan Dog
Dog · Medium · Israel
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism, Luxating Patella

Clumber Spaniel
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Hypothyroidism

Dogo Argentino
Dog · Large · Argentina
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Deafness, Hypothyroidism, Laryngeal Paralysis

English Setter
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Deafness, Elbow Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism

Field Spaniel
Dog · Medium · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Ear Infections, Hypothyroidism

Giant Schnauzer
Dog · Large · Germany
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Bloat, Hypothyroidism

Gordon Setter
Dog · Large · Scotland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism

Hovawart
Dog · Large · Germany
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions

Irish Water Spaniel
Dog · Large · Ireland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism, Ear Infections

Jindo
Dog · Medium · South Korea
Health risks: Hypothyroidism, Allergies, Eye Conditions

Keeshond
Dog · Medium · Netherlands
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism

Kerry Blue Terrier
Dog · Medium · Ireland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism, Skin Cysts
Kishu Ken
Dog · Medium · Japan
Health risks: Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions, Generally healthy

Kuvasz
Dog · Giant · Hungary
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions

Manchester Terrier
Dog · Small · England
Health risks: Von Willebrand's, Eye Conditions, Heat Bumps, Hypothyroidism

Miniature Pinscher
Dog · Toy · Germany
Health risks: Luxating Patella, Legg-Calve-Perthes, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism

Old English Sheepdog
Dog · Large · England
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism, Bloat

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

Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Dog · Medium · Poland
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism
Puggle
Dog · Small-Medium · United States
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Respiratory Issues, Hypothyroidism

Rhodesian Ridgeback
Dog · Large · Zimbabwe/South Africa
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Dermoid Sinus

Saluki
Dog · Large · Middle East
Health risks: Heart Disease, Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Anesthesia Sensitivity

Samoyed
Dog · Medium-Large · Siberia, Russia
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes

Schipperke
Dog · Small · Belgium
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, MPS IIIB
Scottish Deerhound
Dog · Giant · Scotland
Health risks: Heart Disease, Bloat, Bone Cancer, Hypothyroidism

Siberian Husky
Dog · Medium-Large · Siberia, Russia
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Skin Conditions

Skye Terrier
Dog · Small-Medium · Scotland
Health risks: Eye Conditions, Orthopedic Issues, Hypothyroidism, Autoimmune Disease

Spanish Water Dog
Dog · Medium · Spain
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism, Allergies
Standard Schnauzer
Dog · Medium · Germany
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Heart Disease, Hypothyroidism

Tibetan Mastiff
Dog · Giant · Tibet/China
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions, Autoimmune Issues
Tibetan Terrier
Dog · Medium · Tibet
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Luxating Patella, Hypothyroidism

Weimaraner
Dog · Large · Germany
Health risks: Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye Conditions

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
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Dog · Medium-Large · France/Netherlands
Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Hypothyroidism