Every dog is unique, but when it comes to mobility issues, breed matters more than many pet parents realize. Some of the most popular breeds—like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Dachshunds—are also among the most at risk for joint problems, spinal issues, and mobility problems. Understanding these risks early can help you spot symptoms sooner, provide preventive care, and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Labrador Retrievers
Labs are one of America’s most popular breeds—and sadly, they’re also prone to joint conditions. Their size, active nature, and genetic predisposition make them especially vulnerable to joint issues as they get older.
Common Risks:
- Hip Dysplasia – a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
- Elbow Dysplasia – often seen in growing Labs, causing stiffness and lameness.
- Obesity-Related Mobility Issues – Labs love food, and excess weight adds significant strain to joints.
What Pet Parents Can Do:
- Keep your Lab at a healthy weight.
- Start joint supplements early (with vet guidance).
- Provide low-impact exercise like swimming or walking on soft surfaces.
German Shepherds
Known for their intelligence and loyalty, German Shepherds also face significant orthopedic challenges.
Common Risks:
- Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – much like Labs, Shepherds are genetically predisposed.
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – a progressive spinal cord disease that leads to weakness and paralysis in the hind legs, often mistaken for arthritis.
- Arthritis – worsens with age and high activity levels.
What Pet Parents Can Do:
- Watch for early signs of weakness, stumbling, or dragging paws.
- Consider genetic testing for DM if your dog is from a Shepherd lineage.
- Support mobility with ramps, harnesses, or wheelchairs if needed.
- Ask for genetic information from your breeder; most reputable breeder will test their Shepherds for DM prior to breeding their dogs.
Dachshunds
Their long backs and short legs make them adorable—but also prone to serious spinal conditions.
Common Risks:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – one of the most common mobility issues in Dachshunds, where spinal discs rupture or herniate, causing pain, weakness, or paralysis.
What Pet Parents Can Do:
- Avoid letting your Dachshund jump from furniture.
- Keep them at a lean weight to reduce back strain.
- Learn the proper way to carry your dog and keep their spine supported at all times.
- Know the emergency signs of IVDD (sudden paralysis, loss of bladder control) and seek immediate veterinary care.
Other Breeds to Watch
- Golden Retrievers – prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis.
- Rottweilers – susceptible to cruciate ligament tears.
- Great Danes & Mastiffs – giant breeds often face early-onset arthritis.
- Corgis – like Dachshunds, their long backs make them IVDD-prone.
- French Bulldogs – are at high risk for Intervertebral Disc Disease.
Supporting At-Risk Breeds
Mobility decline doesn’t have to mean the end of your dog’s active life. With the right support, dogs with mobility challenges can continue to thrive. Tools like dog wheelchairs, lifting harnesses, orthopedic beds, and joint supplements can help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
The key is awareness. By knowing your dog’s breed-specific risks, you can take proactive steps to prevent issues—or manage them more effectively when they arise.
✅ Takeaway: If your dog is a Labrador, Shepherd, Dachshund, or another at-risk breed, be proactive. Promote joint health from a young age and give your dog daily joint supplements to keep its joints lubricated and healthy. Watch for subtle changes in mobility, talk to your vet about preventive care, and don’t wait until mobility loss becomes severe to take action.
The Dog Mobility Project 
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