Bulldogs to Dalmatians: Should these 5 ‘cruelest’ dogs to breed be banned?

In Norway, the campaign against animal cruelty has taken a different turn with the banning of breeding two types of dogs — Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and bulldogs — due to their numerous health issues.

Breeding the dogs, one of the country’s district courts ruled, was a violation of the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act section 25, and provides a “legal framework” for how cross-breeding could possibly be done.

But Cavalier King Charles spaniels and bulldogs aren’t the only purebred puppies with an increased likelihood of inherited diseases. Below is a look at five types of dogs considered “cruel” to breed for the health issues they face.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s roots stretch back to 17th Century England, and King Charles I and his son Charles II were devoted to the spaniel, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

With a life expectancy of around 12-15 years, the AKC website noted that “there are several health issues that Cavaliers are prone to,” including eye issues such as cataracts and “a neurological condition called syringomyelia.”

The spaniel is “one of the poster dogs of heart disease,” Jaime Freyer, a veterinarian, said.

Bulldogs

A mascot for many sports team and an icon of British culture, the bulldog has a life expectancy of about 8-10 years. “Bulldog owners should be vigilant to ensure their dog does not become overheated,” the AKC warned. “If a Bulldog is overexcited or breathing too hard, his tongue will hang out unusually far and have a bluish cast instead of the normal pink.” Freyer explained that the dog has tiny nostrils that make it difficult to breathe. “They can’t cool themselves down,” she said.

Golden Retriever

The beloved breed is often featured in TV shows and on social media. With a life expectancy of around 10-12 years, the Golden Retriever has a higher chance of developing cancers, such as lymphoma, than other breeds. A Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine study “looked at the cause of death in more than 72,000 dogs in North America by breed” and “found Golden Retrievers ranked second.”

Dalmatians

Long a part of pop culture with the movie, “101 Dalmatians,” the whiteand-black- spotted dog has the ability to win hearts. The AKC has the breed’s life expectancy from 11-13 years. Deafness is prevalent in the breed, Freyer said. Owners should watch out for kidney stones as well.

German shepherds

The German shepherd has a life expectancy of around 7-10 years and is prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and difficulty moving.

“If the hip socket is too shallow, there is an abnormal motion in the hip,” Freyer said, adding that this can lead to arthritis.