Comparing Health: A Word on German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers

Many readers may wonder why two of the world’s most popular large breeds, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the Golden Retriever, are absent from our top 5 list. While both breeds can make wonderful companions, they are unfortunately predisposed to a number of serious health problems that affect a large percentage of their populations.

The goal here is not to stigmatize these breeds, but to provide a realistic perspective for prospective owners. Understanding the risks is a key part of responsible pet care.

German Shepherd Health Issues: The GSD is particularly prone to debilitating mobility issues. Severe hip and elbow dysplasia are very common, sometimes exacerbated by the sloping “show line” conformation that has become popular. They also have a high incidence of Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a progressive and incurable spinal cord disease similar to ALS in humans. Bloat (GDV) and a variety of allergies and digestive issues are also prevalent. Responsible breeders are working to improve the breed’s health, but the risks remain significant.

Golden Retriever Common Ailments: The Golden Retriever’s loving nature has made it a family favorite, but the breed is sadly afflicted with extremely high rates of cancer. It is estimated that over 60% of Golden Retrievers will be affected by cancer in their lifetime. Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma are particularly common and often aggressive. Like GSDs, they also suffer from high rates of hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as certain heart conditions (subvalvular aortic stenosis) and eye diseases.

Choosing a GSD or a Golden Retriever requires careful research into breeders who perform extensive health clearances. It also means being financially and emotionally prepared for the possibility of managing chronic conditions or a devastating cancer diagnosis. Pet health insurance is highly recommended for these breeds.