Dog breeds most affected by arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common joint conditions in dogs, affecting nearly one in two senior dogs according to Canine Arthritis Management (CAM).

But some breeds are more predisposed. Why? Which signs should raise concern? And how can you best support your companion when mobility becomes a daily challenge? Here's what you need to know.

Arthritis in dogs: a common joint condition… but not harmless

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that involves progressive wear of the cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.

Arthritis affects nearly 80% of dogs over 8 years old but can also appear much earlier in certain breeds, due to genetic, morphological, or weight-related factors.

Canine Arthritis Management

Among the most common structural causes is dysplasia, a joint malformation present from puppyhood. It mainly affects the hip and elbow, resulting in poor alignment between the bone surfaces. This instability, over time, promotes chronic inflammation and early-onset arthritis.

Hazewinkel (2008) highlights the combined role of genetics, rapid growth, diet, and excess weight in the development of dysplasia.

Why some breeds are at higher risk

Three main factors explain the vulnerability of certain breeds:

• Genetics: predispositions to dysplasia, luxation, or growth abnormalities.
• Morphology: large build, distinctive bone conformation, rapid growth.
• Lifestyle: sedentary habits, overweight, or unsuitable physical activity.

These factors often combine: a large dog that grows quickly and gets little exercise will have a significantly higher risk of joint problems.

Breeds most affected by arthritis

Labrador Retriever

Very popular, the Labrador is often affected by hip and elbow problems. A study by Smith et al. (2006) showed that up to 15% of Labradors showed signs of arthritis by age 2, rising to 67% at age 14.

Notably, the study also found that Labradors fed a controlled diet developed arthritis later and less frequently than those fed ad libitum. The average age of first signs was 6 years in the control group, compared with 12 years in the restricted group.

German Shepherd

Renowned for its intelligence and versatility, the German Shepherd is particularly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. A large radiographic study conducted in North America (Oberbauer, 2017) found that 18.9% of German Shepherds had hip dysplasia and 17.8% had elbow dysplasia.

Another study (Witsberger, 2008) found that 10.26% of German Shepherds monitored in university hospitals had hip dysplasia, compared with 3.52% across all breeds.

Golden Retriever

Often compared to the Labrador for its gentle temperament, the Golden Retriever shares its joint vulnerabilities. It can develop problems in the shoulders, hips, and elbows. Its strong appetite, if not managed, can lead to excess weight, a major risk factor for arthritis.

Rottweiler

Powerful and athletic, the Rottweiler is particularly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. A South African study (Kirberger, 2017) of more than 1,100 dogs found a prevalence of 22% for the hip and 39% for the elbow.

Another takeaway: joint scores improved over time thanks to selective breeding criteria. In parallel, a North American study (Paster, 2005) found that healthy radiographs were 8 times more often submitted for OFA certification (official health certificates for breeders), masking a more severe reality with estimated rates between 41% and 69%.

Bulldog (French or English)

With a hip dysplasia prevalence of nearly 74%, the Bulldog is the most affected breed according to historical OFA data. Its stocky build, short legs, and narrow pelvis promote joint problems.

It is also prone to patellar luxation, with a significantly higher frequency than the average across breeds analysed in a British study.

Great Dane

The Great Dane, with its impressive size and rapid growth, is particularly vulnerable. A genetic study (Mikkola, 2021) estimated that 30 to 40% of dogs in this breed were affected by hip dysplasia.

It is also prone to hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), a painful bone disease that affects rapidly growing puppies. It can cause fever, lameness, and loss of appetite.

What about small dogs?

They are not necessarily spared. The Dachshund, due to its long back, or the Poodle, predisposed to patellar luxation, can also suffer from arthritis. Signs are sometimes more subtle: morning stiffness, difficulty jumping, irritability.

Signs to watch for

If you notice any of these signs, early diagnosis is essential so your dog can receive appropriate support.

• Less enthusiasm during walks
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Morning stiffness
• Intermittent lameness
• Excessive licking of a joint
• Loss of muscle mass in the hind legs

Protecting your dog's mobility: the right habits

• Appropriate physical activity: Moderate exercise, such as controlled walking or swimming, helps maintain muscle tone and joint mobility without placing excessive stress on the joints.
• Manual therapies: Massage helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce joint pain. Animal osteopathy, by working on the body's balance, can improve posture and relieve tension linked to arthritis.
• Dietary supplements: Many targeted supplements provide essential nutrients for joint health. Marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), particularly from green-lipped mussel oil or algae oil, have shown benefits in reducing inflammation and supporting joint mobility.

• Weight management: Effective prevention of joint problems starts with careful weight management from a young age. A balanced, tailored diet helps avoid extra load that worsens pain.
• Ongoing prevention: Finally, early screening for joint abnormalities in at-risk breeds, combined with regular monitoring, allows you to intervene early and delay the onset of symptoms.

By integrating these natural approaches into your dog's daily routine, you can support joint health in a holistic way. It is advisable to consult a vet before introducing new treatments or supplements to ensure they suit your pet's specific needs.

Conclusion

All breeds can be affected by arthritis, but some, especially large breeds, need particular attention.

Early screening, good weight management, appropriate exercise, and quality nutrition are the keys to protecting your dog's mobility throughout its life.

Scientific references

• Smith GK, Paster ER, Powers MY, Lawler DF, Biery DN, Shofer FS, McKelvie PJ, Kealy RD. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Sep 1;229(5):690-3. doi: 10.2460/javma.229.5.690. PMID: 16948575.
• Oberbauer AM, Keller GG, Famula TR. Long-term genetic selection reduced prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in 60 dog breeds. PLoS One. 2017 Feb 24;12(2):e0172918. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172918. PMID: 28234985; PMCID: PMC5325577.
• Witsberger TH, Villamil JA, Schultz LG, Hahn AW, Cook JL. Prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Jun 15;232(12):1818-24. doi: 10.2460/javma.232.12.1818. PMID: 18598150.
• Kirberger, R. (2017). Phenotypic hip and elbow dysplasia trends in Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers in South Africa (2007–2015): Are we making progress?. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 88, 10 pages. doi:https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v88i0.1534
• Paster, E. R., LaFond, E., Biery, D. N., Iriye, A., Gregor, T. P., Shofer, F. S., & Smith, G. K. (2005). Estimates of prevalence of hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers and the influence of bias on published prevalence figures. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 226(3), 387-392. Retrieved Oct 16, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2005.226.387
• OFA (2010). Statistics for Hip Dysplasia by Breed (1979–2009).
• O'Neill DG, Meeson RL, Sheridan A, Church DB, Brodbelt DC. The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Canine Genet Epidemiol. 2016 Jun 8;3:4. doi: 10.1186/s40575-016-0034-0. PMID: 27280025; PMCID: PMC4898461.
• Mikkola, L., Kyöstilä, K., Donner, J. et al. An across-breed validation study of 46 genetic markers in canine hip dysplasia. BMC Genomics 22, 68 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-021-07375-x
• Purina Pro Club. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Great Danes.

This article was written by the R&D team at Laboratoire Sensilia, experts in animal nutrition.