Choosing a Healthy Dog: A Practical Guide for Prospective Owners

Ultimately, the health of any dog depends on a combination of its genetics and its environment. Whether you choose a purebred or a mixed-breed, your decisions as a prospective owner play the most critical role. The goal is to make an informed choice, not an emotional one based on labels.

If You’re Considering a Purebred Dog

The key to finding a healthy purebred is to find a truly responsible breeder. This requires significant effort and patience.

1. Research the Breed Thoroughly: Look past the cute photos. Understand the breed’s original purpose, exercise requirements, grooming needs, and, most importantly, its common genetic health problems. Resources like the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine offer valuable health information.

2. Vet the Breeder, Not Just the Puppy: A responsible breeder is a steward of the breed. They should be transparent and passionate about the health and well-being of their dogs. Look for these signs:

• Health Screenings: They perform genetic testing and health clearances on all breeding dogs for conditions common in the breed. They should be happy to show you the results from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hips and elbows or the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).
• Home Environment: They raise puppies inside their home, not in a separate kennel. The puppies should be well-socialized, clean, and confident.
• Lifetime Commitment: They will ask you many questions to ensure you are a good fit, provide a health contract, and insist on taking the dog back at any point in its life if you can no longer care for it.

3. Avoid Red Flags: Walk away from any breeder who is willing to sell a puppy under 8 weeks of age, cannot provide health records for the parents, wants to meet you in a parking lot, or seems to have multiple different breeds available at all times. These are hallmarks of a puppy mill or an irresponsible “backyard breeder.”

If You’re Considering a Mixed-Breed Dog

Adoption is a wonderful path to dog ownership. Being a savvy adopter will help you find the right match.

1. Partner with a Reputable Organization: Shelters and rescue groups are staffed by people who know their animals. They perform health checks and behavioral assessments to help make successful placements.

2. Ask Questions: Inquire about the dog’s known history, medical records, temperament, and any behavioral quirks observed at the shelter. The more information you have, the better.

3. Consider Genetic Insights: For a mixed-breed dog with an unknown background, a canine DNA test (like Embark or Wisdom Panel) can be a fascinating tool. While not a diagnostic device, it can reveal the dog’s breed makeup, which can help you and your veterinarian be proactive about screening for potential health risks associated with those breeds.

Universal Health Checks for Any New Dog

Regardless of origin, every new dog should receive a thorough health evaluation.

Establish Veterinary Care Immediately: Your first stop after bringing your new dog home should be a veterinarian’s office for a complete physical exam.

Prioritize Preventive Care: This is non-negotiable for all dogs. A consistent schedule of vaccinations, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and regular dental care is the bedrock of a long, healthy life.

Manage Their Weight: Obesity is one of the most significant health threats to dogs today, contributing to joint disease, diabetes, and a shortened lifespan. Learn to assess your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS). On a healthy dog, you should be able to easily feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, and they should have a visible waist or “hourglass” shape when viewed from above.

Worked Example: Performing a BCS Check. Gently run your hands along your dog’s ribcage. It should feel similar to the back of your hand—you can feel the bones (your knuckles) just beneath the skin. If it feels fleshy like the palm of your hand, your dog is likely overweight. If it feels bony like your bare knuckles, they may be underweight.