A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to developing dental issues.
This can be for a number of reasons, including some breeds having overcrowded mouths, and the problems can be mitigated by cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly, avoiding sugary foods and regular vet check-ups.
Here are the 10 breeds of dog that are predisposed to developing dental problems, what to look out for, and how to treat the problem.
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1. Border Collie
Border Collies generally have good teeth, but the breed has a propensity for an overbite, when the teeth are misaligned causing excessive tooth wear. German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Whippets and Afghan Hounds are other breeds to commonly have this issue. Vets can use spacers, braces and other orthodontic accessories to try to solve the problem. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. Great Dane
Great Danes are one of a number of dog breeds that tend to develop overgrown or thickened gums due to a condition called gingival hyperplasia. Other dogs affected include Boxers, Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Collies. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another breed that is known to easily develop tartar buildup. It's important not to let the issue go untreated as it can ultimately lead not just to tooth loss, but also heart, liver and kidney disease. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Pug
Pugs, along with other short-snouted dog breeds like Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, regularly develop dental issues due to their tiny mouths being overcrowded with teeth. This means it's easy for plaque to build up causing gingivitis, gum disease and tooth loss. Just like with humans, the key is to keep their teeth clean. Photo: Canva/Getty Images