14 breeds affected

Breeds Prone to Obesity

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in pets, affecting over 50% of dogs and cats. It significantly reduces lifespan and increases the risk of diabetes, joint disease, respiratory problems, and cancer. Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to weight gain.

Symptoms

Difficulty feeling ribs under a layer of fat, visible loss of waist definition, reluctance to exercise, difficulty breathing, and lagging behind on walks. Veterinarians use a body condition score to assess weight.

Prevention & Management

Measure food portions precisely, limit treats to 10% of daily calories, provide regular exercise appropriate to the breed, avoid free-feeding, and schedule regular weigh-ins with your veterinarian.

14 Breeds Prone to Obesity

9 dog breeds and 5 cat breeds

American Shorthair - breed prone to Obesity

American Shorthair

Cat · Medium-Large · United States

Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia, Obesity

Basset Hound - breed prone to Obesity

Basset Hound

Dog · Medium · France

Health risks: Ear Infections, Obesity, Bloat, Eye Conditions

British Longhair - breed prone to Obesity

British Longhair

Cat · Medium-Large · United Kingdom

Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Obesity, PKD

British Shorthair - breed prone to Obesity

British Shorthair

Cat · Medium-Large · United Kingdom

Health risks: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Obesity, Polycystic Kidney Disease

Caucasian Shepherd Dog - breed prone to Obesity

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Dog · Giant · Caucasus Region

Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Heart Disease, Obesity

Dachshund - breed prone to Obesity

Dachshund

Dog · Small · Germany

Health risks: Intervertebral Disc Disease, Obesity, Dental Issues, Epilepsy

Dorgi

Dog · Small · United Kingdom

Health risks: Intervertebral Disc Disease, Obesity, Eye Conditions

English Mastiff - breed prone to Obesity

English Mastiff

Dog · Giant · England

Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Heart Disease, Obesity

Goldador - breed prone to Obesity

Goldador

Dog · Large · United States

Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Obesity, Ear Infections

Japanese Bobtail - breed prone to Obesity

Japanese Bobtail

Cat · Small-Medium · Japan

Health risks: Generally very healthy, Obesity

Labrador Retriever - breed prone to Obesity

Labrador Retriever

Dog · Large · Canada

Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Obesity, Elbow Dysplasia, Eye Conditions

Pug - breed prone to Obesity

Pug

Dog · Small · China

Health risks: Brachycephalic Syndrome, Eye Problems, Pug Dog Encephalitis, Obesity

Russian Blue - breed prone to Obesity

Russian Blue

Cat · Medium · Russia

Health risks: Obesity, Bladder Stones, Generally very healthy

Springador

Dog · Large · United States

Health risks: Hip Dysplasia, Eye Conditions, Ear Infections, Obesity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Obesity?

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in pets, affecting over 50% of dogs and cats. It significantly reduces lifespan and increases the risk of diabetes, joint disease, respiratory problems, and cancer. Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to weight gain.

What are the symptoms of Obesity?

Difficulty feeling ribs under a layer of fat, visible loss of waist definition, reluctance to exercise, difficulty breathing, and lagging behind on walks. Veterinarians use a body condition score to assess weight.

How can Obesity be prevented?

Measure food portions precisely, limit treats to 10% of daily calories, provide regular exercise appropriate to the breed, avoid free-feeding, and schedule regular weigh-ins with your veterinarian.

Which breeds are most prone to Obesity?

14 breeds in our database are predisposed to Obesity, including American Shorthair, Basset Hound, British Longhair, British Shorthair, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, and 9 more. 9 dog breeds and 5 cat breeds are affected.

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