Weight is a pretty big issue, and not just in people -- many US dogs are overweight. And while any breed can get fat, some breeds are predisposed to putting on extra pounds. These 7 breeds are some of the most frequently overfed and under-worked around.
It is no secret that America has a few problems with weight
management, but what you might not know is that our dietary
problems don’t end with us — approximately 1 in 5 dogs in
the United States are overweight.* While pet parents should
take care to regulate the diet of — and provide ample exercise for — any
breed of dog, there are a few breeds that are especially prone
to packing on pounds.
These are the dogs that might need extra care (either dietary
or exercise-related) to stay in a healthy weight range.
A small dog with big personality, this wiener dog loves attention and a
good spirited game of catch, but is also perfectly content
sitting on a lap and getting pampered — and therein lies
the problem. Without routine exercise you are going to end up
with an overstuffed sausage on your hands.
A small but brave breed, the Scottish Terrier is known to be a
wonderful watchdog, and makes for a great companion. Typically
lively, if they are not given an opportunity to burn through
their energy, they might start to get a bit doughy. Also,
overfeeding can catch up to this breed quickly, so portion
control is especially important.
This fantastic family pet is known for their bright, colorful
personality, which sometimes errs on the side of
mischief — especially where food is concerned. Almost
perpetually hungry, the Beagle is notorious for being on a “see
food diet” (if they see food, they eat it). Because of this,
they are at an increased risk for becoming overweight. However,
with ample exercise and a carefully monitored diet, your Beagle can maintain a healthy
weight.
The Cocker makes for a superb companion for a family, being
both playful and friendly with children. They are notoriously
cute, making it tough to resist their pleas for more food or
for table scraps. But beware — although these dogs can eat
a lot, without the proper exercise and a good diet, they are bound to get pudgy.
A big-boned breed, the Basset
Hound can be in danger of becoming overweight simply
because of their tendency toward inactivity. While they are
happy to get out in the yard and follow a scent, they are just
as happy laying by the fire and taking a nap. They are not the
kind of breed that will tell you they need a run, so to manage
your Basset’s weight, you might have to give them a little
push.
Quite possibly America’s favorite breed, the Labrador is a fun-loving, family
friendly breed. Ideally this breed should be getting an hour or
two of exercise every day. As such, many of the Labradors in
America are not receiving the proper amount of exercise,
leading to weight problems. Also, because they are a big dog,
people tend to overfeed them. Just because they whine for more
food, doesn’t mean they need it!
Many parents of Rottweilers
assume that, since they are such a substantial dog, Rotties
need more “fuel.” Yes, they are large, but they are not
supposed to be beefy. And while they do need more food than a
smaller dog, there is no reason to fill their bowl to the brim.
A good test to see if they are overweight is looking along
their back — if you don’t see a distinct tapering
from the shoulders to the waist, your Rottie could stand to
trim down.
*State
of Pet Health
The below list has some more breeds that have the tendency to
get fat.
Here are Dog Breeds that Are Prone to Obesity
Obesity is a serious problem all over the world. Not just for
humans as you might think, but also for our beloved pets.
Obesity can have a lot of dire health consequences for your
pet. There are some dog breeds that are more prone to obesity
than others. Some of the things that add to your dog being
obese is an imbalanced diet and the inability to get the right
amount of exercise for his height and build. So if you’re
planning to adopt a dog, it’s important to know his
predisposing conditions and how you can take care of him
accordingly.
-
PugsPugs have a
really strong tendency to withstand exercise. Pugs have a lot
of difficulty breathing because of their flat faces. Although
their flat faces are usually what we find most adorable about
them, these faces can also subject them to difficulty
breathing while exercising. And that’s why they’re so
hesitant to go for a walk or play fetch. Monitor his diet to
prevent obesity.
-
DachshundsDachshunds have
bodies that are disproportionate to their legs. Their bodies
can support their abdomens but it puts pressure on their tiny
legs. Especially if he’s obese. There are other spinal
conditions that can become severe by the added weight.
Monitor his diet closely to prevent this from happening.
-
Labrador
retrieversAlthough these dogs are one pf the breeds
that are the most likely to become obese, their strong build
allows them to handle lots of exercise. Feed him properly and
exercise him on a daily basis.
-
Scottish
terriersThese adorable dogs are more prone to
hypothyroidism. This leads them to gain more weight, and
develop other medical conditions. Scottish terriers are
perfectly capable of exercising. Exercise them well and if
you have any further questions, direct them to your vet.
-
Basset
houndsAlthough these dogs have no trouble staying thin
through a moderate dry food diet and adequate exercise, they
can gain weight quickly if you take your eyes off of them. He
enjoys good food and is one of the laziest dog breeds out
there. Although their puppy dog eyes are hard to resist, be
sure to exercise him daily for his own good.
-
BeaglesThese
charming dogs are also at risk of gaining weight really
quickly. The key is to find a balance between exercise and
diet. An added bonus is that they love to exercise and play
so you can lose the weight rather quickly through proper
exercise.
-
Rough colliesThese
are remarkably vigilant and agile dogs. Never overfeed your
collie no matter how tempting it is. Although they can stay
thin, they also put on weight easily. You can exercise them
twice a day as a remedy. They love to play and are naturally
energetic creatures.
Other dogs prone to obesity are English bulldogs, German
shepherds, boxers, and bulldogs.
Obesity is a serious problem all over the world. Not just for
humans as you might think, but also for our beloved pets.
Obesity can have a lot of dire health consequences for your
pet. There are some dog breeds that are more prone to obesity
than others. Some of the things that add to your dog being
obese is an imbalanced diet and the inability to get the right
amount of exercise for his height and build. So if you’re
planning to adopt a dog, it’s important to know his
predisposing conditions and how you can take care of him
accordingly.
-
PugsPugs have a
really strong tendency to withstand exercise. Pugs have a lot
of difficulty breathing because of their flat faces. Although
their flat faces are usually what we find most adorable about
them, these faces can also subject them to difficulty
breathing while exercising. And that’s why they’re so
hesitant to go for a walk or play fetch. Monitor his diet to
prevent obesity.
-
DachshundsDachshunds have
bodies that are disproportionate to their legs. Their bodies
can support their abdomens but it puts pressure on their tiny
legs. Especially if he’s obese. There are other spinal
conditions that can become severe by the added weight.
Monitor his diet closely to prevent this from happening.
-
Labrador
retrieversAlthough these dogs are one pf the breeds
that are the most likely to become obese, their strong build
allows them to handle lots of exercise. Feed him properly and
exercise him on a daily basis.
-
Scottish
terriersThese adorable dogs are more prone to
hypothyroidism. This leads them to gain more weight, and
develop other medical conditions. Scottish terriers are
perfectly capable of exercising. Exercise them well and if
you have any further questions, direct them to your vet.
-
Basset
houndsAlthough these dogs have no trouble staying thin
through a moderate dry food diet and adequate exercise, they
can gain weight quickly if you take your eyes off of them. He
enjoys good food and is one of the laziest dog breeds out
there. Although their puppy dog eyes are hard to resist, be
sure to exercise him daily for his own good.
-
BeaglesThese
charming dogs are also at risk of gaining weight really
quickly. The key is to find a balance between exercise and
diet. An added bonus is that they love to exercise and play
so you can lose the weight rather quickly through proper
exercise.
-
Rough colliesThese
are remarkably vigilant and agile dogs. Never overfeed your
collie no matter how tempting it is. Although they can stay
thin, they also put on weight easily. You can exercise them
twice a day as a remedy. They love to play and are naturally
energetic creatures.
Other dogs prone to obesity are English bulldogs, German
shepherds, boxers, and bulldogs.
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