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12 Dog Breeds You've Probably Been Mispronouncing All Along
Creativebird/Getty Images Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-itz-QUEENT-lee)Even if you master the "xoloitzcuintli" pronunciation, you probably won't see this rare dog breed walking down the street. But if you do, the itz is pronounced "eats." Luckily, this doggo has a fetching nickname that's perfectly acceptable to say: xolo, pronounced "show-low." The xolo is a popular dog breed in Mexico known for its temperament and signature hairless, hypoallergenic coat.
"A xoloitzcuintli is a goofy, playful breed that likes to be with their family," says dog groomer Caitlin Wright, who has owned a xolo herself. Although they're devoted to their family, xolos learn how to be sociable by interacting with humans and animals outside the family. They come in toy, miniature or standard sizes and are generally hairless, but some have coats. And while their lack of hair means sunscreen is a must with prolonged sun exposure, xolos don't need a ton of products to keep their skin healthy. "I find they actually have more skin issues when more lotions and potions are used," says Wright.
Bigandt_Photography/Getty Images Kooikerhondje (COY-ker-HUND-che)The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Club of the USA breaks down the "kooikerhondje" pronunciation so you can say it effortlessly: "koy-ker-hun-juh." Practice it a few times and you'll be able to say it with conviction. But if your mind goes blank, you can stick to their fun nickname: kooiker, pronounced "koy-ker."
Similar dog breeds have similar markings, but this duck-hunting dog from the Netherlands has easily identifiable large, black-tipped ears that sharply contrast its reddish-orange and white coat. Friendly, lively, cheerful and easy to train, the kooiker is a sensitive and loving companion that weighs 20 to 30 pounds and is about 15 to 16 inches tall. And while many pure breeds have a genetic condition or two to be aware of (the kooiker has several), remember that it doesn't always mean they'll be diagnosed with something horrible. "Patella luxation, cataracts, Von Willebrand disease, epilepsy, polymyositis and hereditary necrotizing myelopathy can occur in this breed, but your veterinarian can screen for those," says Amber Karwacki, DVM, a veterinarian at Heart+Paw in Philadelphia.
Samoyed (sam-a-YED)Don't feel embarrassed if you've been saying the "Samoyed" pronunciation wrong. Many people say "sa-MOY-ed," but according to the Samoyed Parent Club of America, you should say "sam-a-YED," with an emphasis on the last syllable.
A super cute Russian dog breed named for the Samoyedic people of Siberia, it was bred for pulling and herding jobs in brutally frigid temperatures. Today, Samoyeds are adored for their plush, snowy white coat and that famously cute doggy smile. You're likely to hear adoring fans call them "Sammy."
"Energetic and active, Samoyed dogs are independent and calm," says Dr. LeHoullier. "They are affectionate and gentle, but also need space and room to run." Sammies grow 19 to 24 inches tall, weigh 35 to 65 pounds and shed a lot. They're a talkative bunch and will let you know what they're thinking—quick to join other Sammies in a good ol' howling fest of melodic tunes.
Veterinarian Reveals Five Dog Breeds That They 'Wouldn't Choose To Own'
A veterinarian has offered his honest opinion on the breeds of dog he personally "wouldn't choose to own."
Ben Simpson-Vernon is based in Essex, England, and has been posting videos to TikTok under the handle ben.The.Vet on the topic of dog breeds for several months to "try to raise awareness of inherited health issues in dogs."
"I was simply growing frustrated seeing the same pedigree dog (and cat) breeds presenting with the same health issues time and time again in my clinic," Simpson-Vernon told Newsweek. "I found that pet owners weren't aware of just how common and predictable these issues are in even some of our most popular breeds."
It's crucial that people know what they are getting themselves into when purchasing a dog. Fail to do the necessary homework on a particular breed and the outcome could be disastrous for all involved.
In 2022, a study published by The Royal Veterinary College highlighted the litany of health risks facing pugs, known for their distinctive flat faces and bulging eyes. The study looked at the health profiles of 4,397 pugs, along with 21,835 other dogs.
They concluded that pugs had an increased risk of developing 23 different disorders. They were found to be 54 times more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, 51 times more likely to have narrowed nostrils and 11 times more likely to have skin fold infections.
Researchers also found that around 17.4 percent of pugs surveyed as part of the study were obese, compared with 6.9 percent of other dogs. Though the breed was less likely to suffer from heart murmurs and aggression, scientists felt that the risks far outweighed the gains and prospective dog owners should be wary about taking on this kind of responsibility.
Simpson-Vernon has seen this issue firsthand. "The frequency of health issues seen in certain dog breeds, particularly brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs and pugs, is a serious welfare problem," he said. "There is definitely a sort of disconnect between what we as vets see as breeds that we would personally want to own, and the breeds the general public are buying. So I try to use my TikTok videos as a way to try to address this."
In one clip, he highlighted the West Highland white terrier as one breed he would not choose to own. "Ask any vet what dog breeds are commonly affected by skin allergies and I guarantee the Westie will be near the top of their list," he says on the video.
He also highlighted how their feet are often discolored from continuous licking and that the breed struggles with two notable health conditions that are named after them which, Simpson-Vernon notes, is "never a good sign."
One is "Westie lung" or pulmonary fibrosis, where the lungs become scarred and lead to breathing difficulties, while "Westie jaw" refers to a condition that creates abnormal bone growth around the jaw.
Simpson-Vernon also mentioned the Neapolitan mastiff, a breed made famous for appearing in the Harry Potter movies. His main concern was the "amount of drool" generated by the breed, though he noted the amount of loose skin around the heads of canines of this kind can be "problematic." Their eyes can be damaged and surgery is sometimes required to correct skin issues.
Veterinarian Ben Simpson-Vernon has highlighted 5 breeds he would rather not own, based on his own experiences. Ben.The.VetHe then moved on to the Italian greyhound, citing the fact they are "extremely fragile" and prone to breaking or fracturing bones due to their long limbs. They also have thin skin, meaning they develop wounds very easily.
Next is the German shepherd, which Simpson-Vernon acknowledges as an "iconic" dog breed but not one without issues. He cited their temperament, noting that while he has met plenty of lovely ones, German shepherds are often "very protective" of their owners. In his experience, when in the unfamiliar surroundings of a veterinary practice, they can become "aggressive and reactive." However, he also cited their "poor genetic health" as a key reason noting they are predisposed to several conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia.
He has also come across too many German shepherds with the paralyzing spinal condition degenerative myelopathy. He was keen to stress that some of these problems could be screened by responsible breeders.
The last of the five breeds chosen was the Bernese mountain dog, with Simpson-Vernon branding them a "heartbreak dog breed." He explained that while they are adorable and make great family dogs, they carry a "horribly high risk of cancer." He cited a type of cancer that, while rare in other breeds, kills one in seven Bernese Mountain Dogs. He admitted he had been "scarred" by seeing too many of them die this way.
Simpson-Vernon's video has been watched 3.6 million times on TikTok, with viewers flocking to comment on the clip. Despite his warnings, many seemed eager to stick with the breeds mentioned in the clip.
"My Bernese mountain dog is the best decision I ever made. She's 4 right now and very healthy," one wrote. "I will forever be an Italian Greyhound owner. They're precious little dogs," a second added with a third writing: "I have Westie and my previous dog was also Westie...Both perfectly healthy."
Others, however, appeared to heed his warning. "Every Bernese mountain dog I've ever known has died from that cancer," one wrote with another commenting: "Every single reason you listed is so valid and a lot of it has to do with horrible breeding practices over the years for cosmetic reasons."
Simpsons-Vernon has been stunned by the response to the video. "I never expected the huge response but it's great to see users engaging with these issues in the comments," he said. My hope is that the information I share might help guide future puppy owners to make responsible decisions when choosing a breed, or at least encourage them to open discussions with their puppy's breeder about health testing for some of their most common problems."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Dog Breeds With The Highest Chances Of Health Problems
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Many dog owners choose a dog breed based on characteristics that fit their homes and lifestyles. An urban apartment dweller might prefer a mellow companion who doesn't require a lot of space and exercise, such as a French bulldog. Someone with a large home and fenced-in yard might opt for an energetic breed such as a border collie.
Dog owners might also wonder about a breed's likelihood of developing health conditions, such as cancer, cardiac disease or arthritis. The veterinary analytics team at Nationwide pet insurance studied dogs insured by Nationwide pet insurance policies to determine relative rates of health problems among breeds.
Dogs With the Highest Cancer RiskOwners of boxers have the highest chances of filing a cancer pet insurance claim, among the 25 most popular breeds, according to Nationwide's analysis of more than 1.6 million dogs insured by Nationwide pet insuranceover a six-year period. The average age for a boxer's first cancer claim is around age 8. Beagles and golden retrievers are also among the popular dog breeds most likely to get cancer.
Nationwide's analysis also found that purebred dogs are almost twice (1.9 times) as likely to develop cancer compared to non-purebred dogs.
The average cost of cancer treatment for a dog is $4,100, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of vet visit costs.
A claim risk of 1.0 means the dog breed has an average risk of having an insurance claim for the health condition. In the tables below, numbers above 1.0 indicate a higher risk. A claim risk of 6.0 would mean the dog has six times the average risk of an insurance claim for the health condition.
Popular Dog Breeds With the Highest Cancer RiskFeatured Partner Offers
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Dogs With a High Chance of Pancreatitis and Diabetes in Their Senior YearsToy and small dog breeds dominate the list of dogs with the highest relative risk for pancreatitis and diabetes in their senior years, according to Nationwide's analysis. At the top of the risk list are miniature pinschers and miniature schnauzers.
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory disease in the pancreas with symptoms that include abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Risk factors for dog pancreatitis include obesity, hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of fats in the bloodstream) and eating things such as table scraps and trash.
Diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. It is a known disease of aging dogs. Female dogs and dogs that have other health conditions are at a higher risk. Symptoms of diabetes include increased urination, hunger and drinking, with or without weight loss. If the condition is not well-controlled, dog diabetes can be life threatening.
The average cost to treat dog diabetes is $2,700, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis.
If you own a toy or small-breed dog, be aware that they have the highest chances of cardiac disease as they age. In particular, Cavalier King Charles spaniels stand out as having the highest risk, according to Nationwide's analysis.
Cardiac disease can be broadly defined as valvular diseases and cardiomyopathies (diseases of the heart muscle). Dog breeds with the lowest risk for developing cardiac disease as seniors include Labrador retrievers, English bulldogs and pugs, among the 69 breeds in Nationwide's analysis of cardiac problems.
The most common outcome of canine cardiac disease is congestive heart failure, which occurs when a dog's heart cannot meet its body's needs, causing fluid to accumulate in its lungs. Symptoms of canine heart disease include coughing, difficulty breathing and not tolerating exercise.
Nationwide notes that it assumed that congenital heart disease (present at birth) is not included in the data because it's a pre-existing condition, which is not covered by pet insurance and thus not reflected in claims.
Shetland sheepdogs have the highest chance for senior kidney disease, among the 67 dog breeds in Nationwide's analysis. At the top of the risk list are Yorkshire terriers and silky terriers.
One of the kidney's critical roles is to filter blood and remove waste products. Kidney failure in dogs is diagnosed when the kidneys have lost more than 75% of their functionality. This can happen over time (chronic kidney failure) or suddenly (acute kidney failure). Acute kidney failure can happen because of an infection or swallowing something toxic. Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss.
Both chronic and acute kidney disease can be medically treated, although only acute kidney disease is potentially reversible. Treatment may include a prescription diet that reduces the amount of protein wastes or metabolic toxins.
Rough collies have the highest risk of arthritis in their senior years compared to 81 other dog breeds in Nationwide's analysis. Large and extra large dog breeds are most susceptible to arthritis in their later years.
The Nationwide Pet Health Analytics and Insights Team looked at primary osteoarthritis (OA) and medically managed causes of secondary OA in dog breeds.
Primary OA is a disease that arises spontaneously. Risk factors include age and obesity. Secondary OA is the most common form of OA and occurs because of an incident such as a cruciate ligament injury, hip or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation (kneecap moves out of its normal location) or trauma. Risk factors for secondary OA include breed, genetics, age, sex and neuter status and body weight.
Dog owners with senior purebred dogs are more likely to submit pet insurance claims for arthritis compared to dog owners with mixed breed dogs, according to Nationwide. Treatments for OA might include physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
Dogs with significantly shortened faces and muzzles are known as brachycephalic breeds. This includes Boston terriers, boxers, bull mastiffs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs and Shih Tzus. Brachycephalic dog breeds can have a higher risk for certain health problems compared to non-brachycephalic dog breeds, according to Nationwide's study of pet insurance claims. Bulldog and mastiff breeds are among the 20 most expensive dogs to insure.
Dog owners with brachycephalic breeds are almost three times more likely to submit a pet insurance claim for respiratory issues compared to non-brachycephalic breeds, according to Nationwide. This includes claims for pneumonia, inflammatory upper airway diseases and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
Unfortunately, brachycephalic breeds are prone to some pretty intense, often chronic, health problems." – Dr. Jacqueline Brister, Embrace pet insurance
Eye problems are another common issue, such as cherry eye. Dog owners with brachycephalic breeds are almost four times more likely to submit pet insurance claims for ocular disease compared to non-brachycephalic breeds, according to Nationwide. Other common health problems for brachycephalic breeds include complications of pregnancy, heatstroke and systemic allergic reactions.
Preventive Health Care Tips for Dog Owners"Every dog breed is going to have their own set of quirks, personalities, needs and health concerns," says Dr. Jacqueline Brister, doctor of veterinary medicine and consultant for Embrace pet insurance. Brister recommends that you research breed-specific websites such as the American Kennel Club and consult with a veterinarian to help you decide how to best meet the needs of a future pet.
Preventive care starts with good lifestyle choices. Brister recommends you feed your pets a nutritious diet and make sure they're getting appropriate exercise and keeping a healthy weight. And don't skip regular veterinary exams. Regular checkups are key to catching problems early and helps prevent conditions from becoming more serious, Brister says.
"Dogs can't tell their owner when something is wrong," Brister says. Your vet will examine your dog's body conditions, ears, eyes, teeth and gums, coat and skin to get a clear picture of any issues that need to be addressed. "This keeps the pet happy and healthy and keeps medical care costs to a minimum."
Here are some more dog care tips for pet parents:
No matter what dog breed you own, pet insurance can help pay for expensive veterinary procedures like chemotherapy, surgeries and hospitalizations. The average pet insurance cost for dogs is $44 per month, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of pet insurance costs. That's for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement level.
Pet insurance is like a health insurance policy for your pet that covers veterinarian bills related to accidents and illnesses. The types of problems typically covered by pet insurance include:
Pet insurance also covers common illnesses, such as ear infections, skin conditions and urinary tract infections. Accidents are also covered by pet insurance, such as ACL ruptures, bite wounds, broken bones and cuts.
Many pet insurers offer the option to add a pet insurance wellness plan for routine care. A wellness plan can help pay for routine expenses such as:
It's a good idea to buy pet insurance for your dog as soon as possible. That's because pet insurance companies won't cover pre-existing conditions and you'll want to get a policy before your dog develops any conditions, such as heart or kidney disease.
You'll also generally get better prices for younger pets. We found the best prices for pet insurance were after a pet's first birthday until age six. Your pet insurance premiums may increase as your dog gets older and you renew your policy each year. Some pet insurance companies have an upper age limit for when you can buy a plan, such as age 14. But if you buy a plan before your pet's birthday, they'll be covered for life.
What is the best pet insurance for older dogs?The best pet insurance for older dogs is from Embrace, according to Forbes Advisor's analysis of pet insurance plans.
Embrace scored 5 out of 5 stars in our analysis due to its competitive prices and good coverage benefits, such as a 24/7 pet telehealth line and the option to add a wellness plan. Other top scoring plans include ManyPets and Pumpkin.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?Pet insurance companies consider a pre-existing condition to be an illness or injury that started before coverage kicks in. These types of problems are excluded from coverage, such as cancer or diabetes that your dog developed before you bought pet insurance.
You can find pet insurance for pre-existing conditions for problems that are considered curable. For example, ASPCA's pet insurance covers curable conditions if there are no symptoms for 180 days (excluding knee and ligament conditions). If the condition recurs after 180 days, it will be covered like a new problem.
What is the best pet insurance for French bulldogs?Lemonade, ManyPets and Pets Best were the highest scoring plans in our analysis of the best pet insurance for French bulldogs.
These companies combine good coverage benefits with a competitive price. Common French bulldog health issues include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, heat stroke, eye issues, skin infections, ear infections and hip and elbow dysplasia.
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