Latest news with #dogbreeds
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Study reveals the dog breeds most prone to being OVERWEIGHT – so, is your pup on the list?
Roughly half of the dogs in the UK are estimated to be overweight or obese. But particular breeds are more likely to be porky pooches compared to others, according to a study. In what will come as no surprise to some owners, breeds such as Retrievers and Labradors are more motivated by food than other dogs, researchers found. And it's 'vital' that these owners understand how to help their dogs achieve a healthy weight, they said. The team, from Texas A&M University, analysed data on more than 13,000 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project in the US. They looked at vet records and asked owners to complete questionnaires on their dogs' physical condition and their appetite. Analysis revealed popular sporting group breeds – including Retrievers, Spaniels and Setters – are about 10 per cent more likely to be motivated by food than other dogs. And, unsurprisingly, dogs with higher food motivation were more likely to be overweight. 'Our study confirmed that dogs in the sporting group — which in our study group were largely Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers — have a greater likelihood to have high food motivation', Dr. Kate Creevy said. 'Given that these are two of the most common breeds… it is vital that both veterinarians and dog owners understand the diet management strategies necessary for achieving a healthy weight.' The data showed that hounds were next most likely to be motivated by food, while dogs living in urban environments and those from multi–dog households are more likely to have higher food motivation. 'It's likely that these factors influence the amount of exercise that dogs get in addition to their access to food,' Dr Creevy said. 'Some dogs may seek food out of boredom, which may increase in environments where exercise and enrichment are less available. 'Additionally, owners with multiple dogs may choose certain feeding practices — including free feeding — out of convenience, which can lead to more food being available.' In contrast, nonsporting breeds such as the Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle were least likely to be food motivated, they found. The study, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Medicine, also found that owners are more likely to monitor their dog's diet closely if they were the ones that reported their dog was overweight, rather than if only the vet recognised the animal's overweight status. Even when owners are aware that their dogs are overweight – and are interested in helping their pet achieve a healthy weight – the process isn't always straightforward. 'Previous research has shown that weight loss interventions for dogs are not always successful, especially if they're not followed consistently,' Dr Creevy added. 'Sometimes there are issues in communication between the veterinarian and the owner, and given what we learned from this study, it's also possible that some breeds require even stricter feeding practices.' While they may look cute, overweight dogs are prone to numerous health problems including skin disease, diabetes and arthritis. Overweight people are more than twice as likely to have overweight dogs, a 2019 study found. The team of Danish study authors said this is at least partly because they are guilty of feeding their pets fattening treats. Writing in their study the authors claim this lends credence to the saying 'like owner, like dog'. 'The prevalence of heavy or obese dogs is more than twice as large among overweight or obese owners (35 per cent) than among owners who are slim or of a normal weight (14 per cent),' the researchers from the University of Copenhagen said. Of the 268 dogs studied, 20 per cent were found to be overweight. Average–weight owners tend to use treats for training purposes while overweight owners prefer to provide treats far more often.
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Ten ‘lap lounger' dog breeds that need hardly any walking – and are content with 15 minutes or kept happy with a garden
FINDING a dog that matches your lifestyle can be tricky, especially if you're a first-time owner. While there are plenty of dog breeds we love the look of, their needs and personalities may not be best suited to us. 11 Fortunately, a dog expert has shared the 10 top breeds that need the least walking for those with busy lifestyles. While it's always a good idea to give your dog exercise, smaller breeds typically will need shorter walks and some will even be happy just roaming the garden. Pug 11 While Pugs have a playful and cheeky personality, you don't want to over exercise them. These pooches have been bred to have an inwards nose, which means they find it hard to catch their breath. The dog pro at Pet Pyjamas said: " Giving an adult Pug two 20-minute walks a day is the most they will need and then space either in your home or a secure garden for them to play is perfect." Chow Chow 11 Unlike most of the dogs on this list, the Chow Chow is a medium size dog so you'd expect it to need lots of walking. But these guard dogs would much prefer guarding your home and the garden instead of being dragged on a long walk. The experts suggest one short walk to keep them happy. Bichon Frise 11 Nicknamed the 'lap lounger,' these small pups aren't a fan of moving off the sofa. The Bichon Frise prefers to let out short bursts of energy in the form of racing around the garden. Watch hero puppy Duke defend street from pack of bloodthirsty coyotes fighting off beasts for 45 agonizing minutes French Bulldog 11 The French Bulldog only needs a 15-20 minute walk to keep it healthy so these are perfect for those living in the city or with busy lives. They are susceptible to heat so it's best to take them out in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 11 Unlike other dogs in the spaniel breed, the King Charles Spaniel is all about relaxation. They love nothing more than curling up on the sofa or on your lap, but can be energetic around kids, making them the perfect family dog. Shih Tzu 11 "The Shih Tzu is a small dog that was bred to sit on its owner's lap," say the dog experts. A short daily walk will keep them happy but on days you can't get out they'll happily race about the house or garden. Lhasa Apso These fluffy dogs were bred as temple watchdogs in Tibet and are happy sitting around and keeping a watch out for trouble. One or two brief walks a day is enough to keep them satisfied. Britain's favourite dog breeds HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK.... Labrador Retriever Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature. Popular as both family pets and working dogs. French Bulldog Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament. Ideal for city living due to their small size. Cocker Spaniel Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition. Excellent companions for active families. Pug Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature. Adaptable to various living environments. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Valued for their courageous and loving character. Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children. Dachshund Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality. Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired. Border Collie Celebrated for their intelligence and energy. Excellent working dogs, especially in herding. Golden Retriever Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude. Great family pets and skilled in various service roles. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature. Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs. German Shepherd Admired for their loyalty and versatility. Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability. Skye Terrier 11 The Skye Terrier would much prefer digging and chasing cats to long walks. They're also perfectly happy chilling out on the sofa, so a couple of short walks or playing in the garden will keep them in shape. Pekingese Jumping on and off the sofa is the most exercise a Pekingese wants. While they are happy to have a slow stroll around the park, these are low-active dogs. Yorkshire Terrier It doesn't take a lot to keep a Yorkshire Terrier exercised. These small pooches are happy to have a short walk or a good play session if you can't fit one in.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
It's cute & looks like a teddy – but there's another reason people think a fluffy crossbreed is the ‘perfect' dog
PAW-FECT Scroll down to find out Britains favourite dog breeds A FLUFFY little furball is sending TikTok into meltdown and fans reckon it could be the most paw-fect pup ever. Known online as Honey, this adorable teddy-bear lookalike is melting hearts across social media with his big brown eyes and soft golden coat. 2 2 But there's more to this pup than just cuteness. She doesn't shed at all, making her an absolute dream for allergy sufferers and clean freaks alike. Honey is a Pomapoo, a cross between a Pomeranian and a Poodle, and she's got nearly 30,000 fans swooning over her cuddly good looks. With her tiny size and teddy-like fluff, it's no wonder the internet has fallen in love. One TikTok user gushed: 'So cute!' Another dubbed her: 'the most perfect dog.' Others chimed in with 'Looks like a teddy bear' and 'She's unreal.' Pomapoos are what's known as a "designer dog".\ They're a mix of two breeds, combining the smarts and low-shedding coat of a Poodle with the playful, outgoing personality of a Pomeranian. The result is a clever, affectionate little companion who loves cuddles as much as a game of fetch. Padraig Harrington's dog plays hilariously cute role in Irish golfer's US Senior Open celebrations Standing just eight to 12 inches tall, Pomapoos are perfect for flats or houses alike. But don't be fooled by their tiny size, they've got big personalities and love being the centre of attention. Honey's owner shared her adorable antics on TikTok, showing her prancing around like she owns the place. But while this mix is winning fans left and right, not everyone in the dog world is sold on the poodle cross trend. One dog groomer has warned that these 'doodles' – crosses like Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles and yes, Pomapoos – can be a bit of a nightmare if not properly cared for. Emma Badgley, a professional groomer, says many owners underestimate just how high-maintenance these breeds can be. 'Doodle owners are often clueless about the grooming needs,' she moaned in a post on Quora. 'Some of the most matted dogs I've ever seen have been doodles – and trying to groom them when they're knotted and wriggly is seriously stressful.' She added that big poodle mixes like Goldendoodles and Saint Berdoodles can be especially tough, because they've got the energy of a toddler and coats that demand constant brushing. Even smaller breeds like Pomapoos aren't completely fuss-free. If they inherit the Poodle's curls, they'll need regular grooming to stop their hair turning into a tangled mess. Britain's favourite dog breeds HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK.... Labrador Retriever Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature. Popular as both family pets and working dogs. French Bulldog Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament. Ideal for city living due to their small size. Cocker Spaniel Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition. Excellent companions for active families. Pug Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature. Adaptable to various living environments. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Valued for their courageous and loving character. Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children. Dachshund Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality. Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired. Border Collie Celebrated for their intelligence and energy. Excellent working dogs, especially in herding. Golden Retriever Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude. Great family pets and skilled in various service roles. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature. Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs. German Shepherd Admired for their loyalty and versatility. Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability. And that's not all, some popular breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds and Newfoundlands were called out for being 'anxious' and 'a lot of work' by the same groomer. So, while Honey might look like a living teddy bear, there's a bit of effort behind the fluff. Still, if you're ready to commit to grooming and want a cute, clever, and snuggly sidekick, a Pomapoo could just be your perfect match.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Vet warns dog breeds that are most likely to get heatstroke – and it could lead to seizures, organ damage or even DEATH
WITH the third heatwave of the summer set to hit this week a vet has issued an urgent warning to dog owners - sharing six breeds that are most at risk of overheating. According to animal experts, 'extremely dangerous' temperatures above 28C can cause a 'life-threatening heat stroke ' for pets. 4 Dr Suzanne Moyes, in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, shares her advice on which dog breeds are most at risk of overheating and how to spot the signs. She advised: 'Heat stress in dogs can happen at temperatures over 25 degrees. And, at 30 degrees or more, the risk of heatstroke increases significantly. 'If your dog shows symptoms such as faster panting, excessive drooling, darkened gums, agitation, staggering, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek advice from a vet immediately. 'If you spot the signs of overheating, take action to cool your pet immediately and consult your vet.' BREEDS AT RISK Dr Moyes advised that Brachycephalic breeds of dogs have very short, flat faces, making it difficult for them to breathe. She explained: 'In hot weather, their facial structure can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature easily. 'While not as extreme as some other brachycephalic breeds, boxers have shorter muzzles and can therefore also struggle with the heat as they can struggle to cool down. 'Boston terriers are another breed with a pushed-in face, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.' And it's not just dog breeds with short, flat faces that are at risk. Those with thick, double coats such as Chow Chows, Golden retrievers, Huskies and German shepherds have thick fur that traps the heat, increasing their chance of overheating. Best and Worst Dogs for Apartment Living: Expert Insights Dr Moyes continued: 'Senior dogs and overweight dogs are also more likely to suffer from heatstroke due to age and weight-related health issues. 'While they've not got a thick coat, surprisingly Greyhounds can be at risk as their thin coats offer little protection from the sun, causing them to overheat quickly. 'While it's important to monitor all dogs' exposure to the sun, if you have a dog breed that is more at risk it's vital to avoid prolonged time in the direct sun, ensuring they have shady spots and plenty of water.' 4 How hot temperature can be 'very dangerous' or fatal for dogs VETERINARY Surgeon Kathleen Pohl, from Pet Health Club, advised that during the summer dogs should be walked early in the morning or late at night, when it's cooler. She claimed that temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees are 'very dangerous to all dogs'. The vet shared that whilst some breeds are more resilient, these temperatures can be life-threatening. Therefore, Kathleen urged dog owners to avoid walking pets during these temperatures and stressed the importance of making sure they have cool places to rest. The animal lover claimed that this is especially important for owners that have flat nose dogs such as Pugs or French bulldogs, as well as older dogs and those with health issues. Finally, the vet shared that anything above 32 degrees is extremely dangerous for dogs. The vet highlighted: 'At this level there's a high risk of life threatening heat stroke. Dogs can suffer from dehydration, rapid heart rate, even organ failure.' As a result, the animal pro advised pet owners to always provide a cool spot for dogs indoors, with plenty of fresh water nearby. Issuing an urgent warning to dog lovers, the expert concluded: 'Remember, a dog has never died from skipping a walk, but they die every year from heat stroke. Don't walk your dog in the heat.' TIPS FOR KEEPING DOGS COOL 1. NOTE WHERE THEIR BED IS SET UP Dr Moyes says: 'It's advisable to never keep your dogs bedding and accommodation in a conservatory, especially in warmer months. 'Conservatories typically have poor air circulation, experience high temperatures and have a lack of cool, shady spots, making the risks of heatstroke more common if pets are kept here.' For indoor pets, such as cats and dogs, make sure they are set up in a room that stays cool - ideally on a lower floor in the house, to avoid heat rising. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to block the heat out. Keep a window open to ensure the room has good airflow or alternatively, place a fan nearby to help circulate the air. Just make sure this isn't blowing directly onto your pet. 4 2. GIVE THEM WATER RICH SNACKS It's important to make simple adjustments to your dog's routine in hot weather to help keep their body temperature regulated. Avoid over-handling them during the hottest parts of the day, especially for older dogs. Ice cubes can be added to water bowls and consider lining a toy with meat or fish paste before putting it in the freezer to create a cooling snack for your dog to lick. It's important to consider that any dietary changes should be made gradually to avoid digestive upsets. 4 3. USE WET TOWELS If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you urgently need to lower their body temperature gradually. To do this, move them to a shaded area and place wet towels near them to lower their temperature. Just remember to never place ice on them as this can cause them to go into shock. 4. GROOM THEM Stay on top of grooming and brush long-haired dogs daily in the summer months as their thick fur can trap the heat. If a prolonged heatwave has set in, consider giving them a summer trim to keep them cool. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebecca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.'
Washington Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
PETA lawsuit says American Kennel Club standards harm bulldogs, other breeds
The animal rights group PETA sued the American Kennel Club on Tuesday over its standards for some dog breeds such as the popular French bulldog, alleging that the requirements endorse unhealthy attributes that cause suffering. In its lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, PETA is seeking an order for the American Kennel Club to abolish its official standards for five breeds — the bulldog, the dachshund, the pug, the Chinese shar-pei and the French bulldog — arguing that the physical traits mandated by those standards cause 'deformities, great suffering, and premature death.'
