The 7 Breeds Most Likely to Become Fat Dogs If You Have One of These Dogs, Be Sure to Watch Their Weight!

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.

Dachshund

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.

Scottish Terrier

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.

Beagle

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.

Cocker Spaniel

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.

Basset Hound

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.

Labrador

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!

Rottweiler

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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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