Is true that Old English Sheepdogs are very suceptible to illness?

Question

I love Old English Sheepdogs- they're so adorable and my favorite breed. But I heard they are very suceptible to illnesses compared to other dogs. This is what my dad told me but he's basing that one sheepdog his friend owned who had kidney problems all the time no matter how much treatment and surgeries he got.

Answer 1

Suprisingly they aren't one of the heartier breeds, but no more succeptible to illness than some of the really fragile breeds. They're seriously loyal & protective, yet very gentle dogs. If you need a true campanion then get past this & give one a good home. You won't regret it.

Answer 2

Mainly, like any other large breed, they are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and IMHA. With the hip dysplasia, not taking it out for long runs / walks when they are a puppy will help tremendously.

IMHA is a disease in which the body's immune system, which is designed to attack and kill germs, attacks and kills the body's own red blood cells. The attack begins when antibodies, which are molecules made by the immune system to target germs, instead attach to and target the animal's own red blood cells for destruction. The red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues, and the animal cannot survive without adequate oxygenation of the tissues.

While any breed can be affected, certain breeds develop IMHA more often than others do, such as the cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, poodle and Old English sheepdog.

Answer 3

No breed is more prone to illness in general.

Go to an ethical Registered Breeder who has done all the health testing required for that breed and you'll get a healthy dog.

Answer 4

Regular vet care & premium food (Science Diet or similar) will go a long way to keeping a dog healthy.

Answer 5

i don't think they'd be any more so than others, though larger breeds do tend to have joint/bone problems.

Answer 6

yes ive heard that

Answer 7

no they are healthy dogs