Q: Are purebred or mixed breed dogs healthier?
A: “Although any breed of pet can get sick, some purebred dogs are closely inbred and may be at greater risk of developing genetic diseases or congenital problems resulting from inbreeding,” said Dr. Liff. Although each animal’s health is unique, purebred dogs have less genetic diversity than mixed breed dogs and are generally at a higher risk for genetic or inherited diseases.
Mixed-breed dogs have a more diverse gene pool, so if a dog has a health problem, there’s a higher chance that it will go away in the next generation. Responsible breeders can reduce the risk of some of the most common genetic diseases by performing specific tests before breeding a dog, but not all breeders invest the time and money to do so. Buy only from reputable breeders who test for common genetic conditions to ensure your pup’s good health.
Q: What health issues do purebred dogs have?
A: Purebred dogs are at a higher risk of contracting various hereditary and congenital diseases. “A few examples are that Cavalier King Charles spaniels have a higher risk of heart disease, as do boxers, great danes and doberman pinschers,” Dr Liff said. “Doberman pinschers also often suffer from a blood clotting disorder called von Willebrand’s disease. Purebred Poodles may have an increased prevalence of epilepsy and Addison’s disease.
Hereditary diseases are genetically inherited and may not appear until later in life. Birth defects develop while the animal is still in utero and, even if these conditions are present at birth, they may not be apparent without a veterinary examination.
- Common hereditary conditions — Hip and elbow dysplasiaheart disease, epilepsy, and certain eye conditions
- Common congenital conditions — Heart defects, liver abnormalities and cleft palate
Q: Are purebred or mixed breed dogs more expensive to own?
A: Owning a pet represents a significant financial commitment. Although the cost of owning a dog varies, popular breeds, such as french bulldogs, are expensive to purchase and are more prone to certain genetic diseases, which can increase their health care costs. Breed-related conditions can range from mild to severe and require costly lifelong medical management (i.e. medication, rehabilitation, or weight management) or surgical correction.
Q: Are purebred dogs more expensive to insure?
A: Although race is taken into account in hedging cost, pet insurance premiums are based on several other factors. “Insurance is usually based on the age, breed and size of the animal as well as where you are looking for insurance. So it may not be as price sensitive depending on the breed,” Dr. Liff said. “For example, a 100-pound mixed-breed dog living in New York would cost more to insure than a Havanese living in Cleveland, Ohio.”
Q: Which insurance plans are best for purebred dogs?
A: Dr. Liff recommends that all pets have accident and illness coverage with an 80-90% reimbursement rate and a minimum annual coverage limit of $25,000, whether they are purebreds or not. Additional wellness cover can often save you money on preventative care, which can help keep your purebred dog healthy. When researching pet insurance plans for your purebred dog, look for inherited or congenital conditions common to your pet’s breed, consider their medical history, and carefully review each policy to make sure your dog is well protected.
Q: Which insurance plans are best for mixed breed dogs?
A: Although mixed-breed dogs are at a lower risk of genetic or inherited diseases, quality veterinary care, especially for unexpected illnesses and injuries, is expensive. The right pet insurance plan can lower the cost of all of your mixed breed dog’s health needs., from routine veterinary services to emergency care. Coverage and plan options, as well as their cost, can vary greatly depending on the provider and the specific policy. It is therefore important to spend time researching your options to help you find the best pet insurance plan for your mixed-breed dog.
Q: What advice do you give to owners of purebred dogs?
A: “All pets, regardless of breed, need regular veterinary care to stay healthy,” Dr. Liff said. She advises following your veterinarian’s recommendations for preventive care and annual diagnostics for your pet to monitor your pet’s health and identify problems before they become serious. She also recommends keeping your pet informed of his vaccinations and parasite screenings, and manage fleas and ticks year-round and heartworm preventative products to protect your pet.
Q: What advice do you give to owners of mixed breed dogs?
A: Many pet insurance companies cover animals as young as 8 weeks old, so get pet insurance for your mixed breed dog when they are young and healthy. Most Pet Insurance Plans do not cover pre-existing conditionsand buying coverage for your young pet means your plan will likely cover future health issues.
Whether you bring a purebred or crossbred dog into your home and into your hearts, you want to make sure they live a long, healthy life by your side. Purchasing a health insurance policy can help you meet their medical needs, whether routine or unexpected, so they stay in excellent health.