Facts About UK's Top 5 Dog Breeds You May Not Know About

September 02, 2021By Ashleigh Smith

The love for a particular dog breed stems from years of selective breeding to attain that look or desirable trait. Those cute, floppy ears, that sweet nature, or even their high drive for problem solving – all these are desirable traits selected for a specific task. Although we may not need a Labrador Retriever to retrieve our latest catch for dinner, many are still seeking this breed for their friendly temperament and playfulness. And with something seemingly so perfect, there are the downsides which we wish they didn’t have. Below are top 5 dog breeds commonly owned in the UK, along with some surprising facts you may not know about them.

LABRADOR RETRIEVERS

Chocolate, yellow or black, they are one of the more versatile dog breeds known globally. Great as a family companion and suitable for adventures, labs are as quintessential to a family home as tea is to a British. They are not too large to fit in an apartment and not too small that you might accidentally trip over them. As power packed as these breeds are, they have the usual genetic predispositions of medium to large sized breeds.

Obesity

They love to eat and don’t know when to stop. A poor diet and lack of control to eating leads to a whole array of issues, from diabetes to putting strains on their joints. If your pup is already on the heavier side, choosing the right protein would help tip the balance scale. Turkey, lamb and chicken are meats on the leaner side of the food chain.

Hip Problems (Dysplasia)

A genetic issue that is rarely avoided, hip (and elbow) problems would happen at some point of your Labradors life. Supplementation of joint supportive superfoods and powders, such as turmeric and glucosamine would ease the symptoms when they come. Other natural applications are also possible with Benyfit Natural’s Mobility Toppers.

FRENCH BULLDOGS

Those big ears, small round bodies, goofy smiles and friendly personalities – these are some of the many traits which make Frenchies or French Bulldogs one of the more popular dog breeds in today’s urban society. Unfortunately, cuteness doesn’t eradicate genetic issues commonly found in this breed, but with proper care and diet, the effects can be lessened or prevented.

ENGLISH BULLDOG

Slightly larger than the French bulldog, English bulldogs share a similar friendly temperament and crave attention just as much. Making them ideal family pets. Their low energy is also ideal for busy families and smaller living conditions. This bulldog breed shares similar issues to the Frenchie – obesity, skin and stomach sensitivities and hip and spine problems.

Obesity

Being a low-energy breed, it is common to see an overweight Bulldog. Besides controlling their daily intake, it is advisable to feed foods that are low in fat and carbohydrates. These are seen in the form of rice, bread and low-quality kibbles. At this point, a natural diet might be better considered.

Skin & Stomach Sensitivities

One is usually the cause of the other. The first sign of a poor gut system is the intense itchiness, their dry skin and sometimes an obvious odour. In hot and humid weather, yeast might develop in between their folds and under their armpits. This can sometimes be improved by a diet with no carbohydrates and supplementation of foods that promote healthy skin and good digestion, such as fish oils and probiotics.

Hip and Spine Problems

Their stout shapes and disproportionate bodies don’t make these dogs good jumpers, but that wouldn’t stop them and the result is usually tension on their joints and spine. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common condition in Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Dachshunds. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. Depending on their lifestyle, this may not be completely avoidable, but the issue can be elevated with diet rich in collagen and anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as rosehip. This can be found in green-lipped mussels, eggshells and glucosamine. Benyfit Natural provides this a meal topper for easy application.

COCKER SPANIEL

Similar to all the other breeds above, they make great family companions, but are more energetic than a bulldog. Their alert and curious personalities make them interesting to have around and teach tricks.

Dental Disease

Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels are more likely to get dental issues as compared to other breeds. This may start off as something harmful as tartar build-up, but untreated, it’ll progress to the infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. If that happens, infections in other organs may be highly likely and can be treated with the right foods. And prevention with daily brushing or treating with teeth-friendly chews or recreational raw bones, which can be beneficial in other areas.

Skin Sensitivities

Cocker Spaniels may be more prone to dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. This can lead to an itchy, uncomfortable pet, and they make skin infection more likely to occur. They are among the most annoying of diseases to Cocker Spaniel owners because they often make him smelly and unattractive. Before we reach this stage of no return, providing the right diet for your cocker spaniel can prevent this disease. A natural and unprocessed dog food would promote skin health and regulation of natural oils to maintain the shine in their coat.

DACHSHUND

Lively, loyal and smart, Dachshunds or Doxies are known to be fearless and were bred to hunt. Over the years, they’ve evolved from strictly smooth-coated pups of any color, over longhaired specimens that were used for hunting water-dwelling prey, to today’s plethora of varieties. Their short legs and long bodies make them adorable and a high potential to spinal dysfunction.

Skin & Stomach Sensitivities

Since they are so low to the ground, they can get stomach pain and cramps, especially if the weather is rainy or snowy, and they stay wet for a long time during their walks. Like most dogs, they are also prone to specific food allergies, that can manifest either on their skin or as stomach problems. In that case, it would be wise to consider feeding them dog food that would help their stomachs and minimize allergies. And raw might be the way to go to get rid of issues, such as yeast infections.

We’re hoping this list would help your furry friend journey through life with more comfort.

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