Think Mutts Are Healthier Than Purebreds? Here’s What Science Really Says
For years, it’s been commonly believed that mutts are healthier than purebred dogs. After all, the thinking goes, purebreds come from a smaller gene pool, making them more prone to health issues. But a recent 2023 study challenges this idea.
Researchers at Texas A&M’s School of Veterinary Medicine found that purebred dogs didn’t actually have more health problems than mixed-breed dogs. In fact, they discovered that purebreds were just as healthy, if not healthier, than mutts when it came to the most common dog health issues.
The study looked at the 10 most common health problems in 25 popular dog breeds and compared them to mixed-breed dogs. The results? Purebred dogs had just as many, if not fewer, health issues than mutts. In fact, more purebreds had never experienced the health issues studied compared to mixed-breeds.
So, does this mean we’ve been wrong all this time? Are mutts suddenly the ones at risk of health issues? Should we be reconsidering our choice between mutts and purebreds?
Not exactly. The situation is more complicated, and no—mutts aren’t suddenly filled with health problems. Here’s why:
Why Do People Think Purebreds Are Healthier?
The belief that purebreds get sick more often comes from the idea that smaller gene pools (often due to inbreeding) make purebreds more likely to carry recessive genetic disorders. Some purebred breeds do have a higher chance of developing specific health problems, which has helped fuel this belief.
“Inbreeding or line-breeding in dog breeding practices can increase the chances of recessive genetic disorders,” says the study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “But it can also reduce the genetic load over time, eliminating certain health issues.”
What this means is that while purebreds can have higher chances of certain health problems, this doesn’t apply to every breed. In fact, the study shows that both purebreds and mutts have similar rates of common health issues. The key takeaway? It’s important not to lump all purebred dogs into one category.
Purebred or Mutt: Which is Healthier?
This study doesn’t give a simple answer. While, in general, purebred dogs and mutts seem to have similar health profiles, there are still exceptions. For example, French Bulldogs are known for their breathing issues and allergies. The study doesn’t change that—but it does show that health isn’t determined by whether a dog is a mutt or a purebred.
The study wraps up by reminding us that “veterinarians need to consider breed-specific health risks when treating patients.” So, while being a mutt doesn’t automatically make your dog healthier, being a purebred doesn’t guarantee a perfect health record either.
Bottom line? Every dog is an individual. While their breed may play a role in their health, their diet, environment, and lifestyle all have a huge impact too.
