What dog is most prone to obesity?
Beatrice Lueilwitz
2025-07-30 09:21:41
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Roughly half of the dogs in the UK are estimated to be overweight or obese. Breeds such as Retrievers and Labradors are more motivated by food than other dogs, researchers found. Analysis revealed popular sporting group breeds – including Retrievers, Spaniels and Setters – are about 10 per cent more likely to be motivated by food than other dogs. Our study confirmed that dogs in the sporting group — which in our study group were largely Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers — have a greater likelihood to have high food motivation. Labradors are some of the most popular dog breeds around the world, but they are known to pile on the pounds. Unsurprisingly, dogs with higher food motivation were more likely to be overweight. Given that these are two of the most common breeds… it is vital that both veterinarians and dog owners understand the diet management strategies necessary for achieving a healthy weight. The data showed that hounds were next most likely to be motivated by food.
Jordane Cummings
2025-07-30 06:09:12
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Labrador Retrievers are the most likely to pile on the pounds. One reason that Labradors are so likely to be overweight or obese is their genetics. Most Labradors have a deleted gene which makes them more food motivated. This can make them easier to train, and makes them more likely to be a successful assistance dog. However, this mutation also means that Labradors can’t recognise when they feel full, so they overeat and put on weight. Another reason why Labrador Retrievers are more likely to be obese is because it’s become normal to see overweight dogs. Since such a large proportion of the breed are chunky, people’s perception shifts to think that’s how they’re meant to look.
In a study by the Royal Veterinary College, Pugs are the breed mostly likely to be overweight. They found that Pugs were 3.12x more likely to be overweight, and in some studies, over 60% of Pugs were obese.
Cocker Spaniels are also one of the breeds most at risk of being a bit chunky.
Dachshunds may be prone to being overweight because of their unique sausage shape.
Another dog breed prone to obesity is the Basset Hound, but there’s no definitive reason why they’re at high risk.
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