German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) could be predisposed to health conditions such as arthritis because of the way they have been bred in recent decades, according to a new study published online on July 28, 2017 in the open-access journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. The article is titled “Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK.” Data from nearly half a million dogs collected across 430 veterinary clinics in the UK, via the VetCompass™ Programme at the Royal Veterinary College, reveals that GSDs are most likely to die from complications arising from musculoskeletal disorders (13.6% of cases) or the inability to stand (14.9% of cases). A total of 263 specific disorder types were recorded in German Shepherds, the most common of which were inflammation of the ear canal (7.89% of dogs), osteoarthritis (5.54%), diarrhea (5.24%), overweight and obesity (5.18%), and aggression (4.76%). Dr. Dan O'Neill, lead author from the Royal Veterinary College, said: "German Shepherd Dogs have previously been reported to have the second highest number of health disorders exacerbated by breeding traits, with Great Danes occupying first place.Login Or Register To Read Full Story