HEALTH PROBLEMS IN SELECTED BREEDS OF LARGE DOGS

The aim of the study was to analyse selected large dog breeds in terms of the incidence of their typical diseases. The research part of the study was based on an analysis of questionnaires carried out among owners and breeders of pedigree dogs and veterinarians. The questionnaires asked questions concerning, among other things, the choice of a particular breed for breeding and diseases occurring in dogs. Four large dog breeds were selected for analysis and these were the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog. As a result of the analysis, it can be seen that dog owners are not interested in the health status of a breed before buying a pet, and the main criterion for choosing a dog was disposition and physical appearance. Both dog owners and veterinary surgeons indicated that large breed dogs are most commonly affected by musculoskeletal disorders. The most vulnerable breeds to musculoskeletal injuries or diseases according to owners were the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Accord- ing to veterinarians, all large and giant dogs are at risk of musculoskeletal health problems, but the breeds with the highest risk of these diseases are German Shepherds and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Surveys carried out have shown some inappropriate phenomena – the reluctance of some breeders to talk about the health problems of the dogs they keep. Therefore, it seems advisable to promote knowledge of diseases in pedigree dogs, which will allow more thoughtful breeding, if only through appropriate mating, and consequently increase the comfort of the dogs’ lives.