These 7 dog breeds more prone to being overweight
Just like humans, dogs also need the correct quantity of food balanced with daily exercise to live long, healthy, and happy lives. But, according to new research from UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs are overweight — a 5% increase over the last 10 years.
In fact, obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in dogs.
The researchers surveyed 148 vets about the pets coming into their clinics in 2024 and found that those more prone to obesity include Pugs, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and English Springer Spaniels.
Dogs are considered overweight when they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight, and obese when they weigh more than 20% above.
"Overweight pets are more likely to suffer from health conditions including diabetes, and urinary tract disease – symptoms tend to develop when they are younger and are harder to manage," PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, told Country Living.
"Excess fat can also worsen other health problems, such as arthritis and breathing difficulties, as well as increase anesthetic and surgical risks, all of which could dangerously affect your dog's quality of life.
"Any dog can become overweight if they eat more calories than they burn through exercise, but some breeds may be more at risk."
To help an overweight dog, you can increase their activity levels, measure and monitor how much they eat (including reducing the amount of 'table scraps' they are fed), or give them healthier snacks like small pieces of carrots. A vet can confirm if your dog is overweight and screen for any underlying medical issues that could be causing weight gain.
Take a look at the dog breeds more prone to being overweight, plus how you can help manage their weight:
Pugs
Pugs are small dogs with big personalities, however they are more prone to being overweight.
"As they are a flat-faced breed they can have a lot of health concerns due to this, which can be worsened if they are overweight, as excess weight will narrow their airways even further, making breathing more difficult," says Nina.
"This does however mean you also need to keep a close eye on them when exercising to make sure they don't overdo it, so planned, monitored exercise is best to keep them fit and healthy."
Beagles
Although not a large dog breed, Beagles can become overweight if they are fed too much.
"Beagles are great scent hounds and can be real foodies as well. They can be loving, sociable dogs who enjoy nothing more than being involved in whatever is going on in the house," says Nina.
"This may include wanting to keep snacking, so it’s important for owners to be mindful of how much their Beagle is eating."
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are big foodies. With a hearty appetite, they are always excited to eat. If not monitored properly, this could lead to obesity and other issues like heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and respiratory problems.
"They usually have a calm, gentle and loving nature which makes them great family pets. They are a big breed, so will need to watch the pounds as excess weight will cause a lot of strain on their joints."
English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels can pile on the pounds fairly easily.
"They were originally bred as Gundogs, so historically were used to find and retrieve wildlife on hunts," says Nina.
"Given their high energy levels, they need an active family to keep them satisfied and burn off their energy levels. Without a good chance to keep active, they may start to put on excess weight."
Border Terrier
"Despite their small size, Border Terriers are energetic dogs with big personalities to match. They're keen to learn new things and so can be easy to train in the right hands," says Nina.
"They love to play and interact with their owners at any given opportunity so can be great companions. They will also need a good amount of exercise to burn off their energy levels."
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also known to have a great appetite. They are prone to being overweight and hungrier than other dogs, possibly due to genetics.
Nina tells us: "Cavaliers need exercising just as other dogs, but as they're often regarded as lap dogs, this important element can be neglected by some owners.
"However, these fun little dogs, despite them having many breed-related health conditions love the opportunity to run and play. Keeping a Cavalier at a healthy weight is essential as they are prone to heart conditions, which excess weight can worsen."
Cocker Spaniel
"Like Springers, Cocker Spaniels were also originally bred as Gundogs. They tend to be very people-oriented dogs who love to have company with them all day," says Nina.
"They're very adaptable as long as they have somewhere safe and secure they can run about (and have lots of playtime with their owner, of course). Without a good chance to keep active, they may also start to put on excess weight."
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