Labradoodles, Basset Hounds and Border Collies are among the dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections, researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have found.
According to their analysis of 22,000 dogs, breeds with floppy and long ears are at much higher risk of infection compared to dogs with pointy ears, due to dirt and bacteria becoming trapped more easily. While ear infections affect most pups, certain breeds are more susceptible to inner ear infections than others due to overbreeding.
Elsewhere in their study, scientists found that 7.3% of dogs had suffered from ear infections, with other breeds including Boxers, Labrador Retrievers and West Highland White Terriers.
"Humans invented dog breeds with all sorts of extreme body shapes over a hundred years ago. But it is only now that we are fully realising just how much these body shapes affect the health of these breeds," Dr Dan O'Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, told MailOnline.
"This study explores the health issues associated with floppy ears in dogs that many people find so appealing but the results may prompt us all to question whether we have gone too far in our quest for variety in how our dogs look. Avoiding breeds with extreme body shape is a conversation everyone should now have before deciding which breed to purchase."
Some of the tell-tale signs your dog has an ear infection includes redness, swelling, smelly discharge from the ear, shaking heads or swelling in the ear flap. If you do think your furry friend is suffering, always head to your vet. It's a very painful problem that needs prompt treatment.
Take a look at the full list of breeds below...
30 dog breeds most likely to suffer from ear infections
- Basset Hound
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Labradoodle
- Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- Cockapoo
- British Bulldog
- American Bulldog
- Cavapoo
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- West Highland White Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Rottweilier
- Bichon Frise
- Boxer
- English Springer Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Border Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
- Shih-Tzu
- Crossbreed
- Other breeds
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Border Collie
- Chihuahua
21 wonderful Christmas presents for dogs
Every dog needs a tennis ball. Designed for fun and endless fetch, these balls from marleybones.com are just the right size for your dog to grip and go.
marleybones.com Limited Edition Turkey & Cranberry 6 x Sausages
Put turkey on the menu for your dog this Christmas with these delicious limited-edition sausages. Created from 60% fresh turkey and wholesome cranberries, they are perfect for your pet to join in with the feasting.
With rope arms and legs, this sweet bear toy is the ultimate Christmas present for your dog. Aptly named Spencer Bear™, it's the perfect tug-of-war companion for your pooch.
We're certain your pet will love this small pet collar, featuring a pretty dandelion print. Ideal for small breeds, it has a buckle clasp and hook for your lead.
Enrichment Set - Liki Mat Brain Training For Dogs
Train your pup over the holidays with this clever enrichment set. The perfect sensory activity for keeping dogs engaged, each pack comes complete with a mat, tube of liver paste and one tub of liki mat sprinkles.
Created for comfort, this stylish dog bed from John Lewis has comfort at its heart. With a plain design on one side and classic gingham on the other, it is made from 100% cotton and filled with polyester.
With rainy weather here to stay, this waterproof dog coat from Regatta is what every pet parent needs. The stylish blue check design will make it easier to spot your pup when out and about.
This dog bowl combines style and functionality in one elegant design. Featuring two bowls for food and water, it can also be personalised with your dog's name.
This set of 10 chew toys for dogs has been designed to distract anxious pups. Each pack includes a variety of rope toys, including a fun carrot-shaped tug and pin teddy bear.
Lily's Kitchen Lily's Kitchen Dog Baked Treats Breaktime Biscuits (8 x 80 g)
Keep your furry friends refuelled with Lily's Kitchen Breaktime Biscuits. This box features eight packets for your pets to snack on during the day.
We love tweed and fleece dog bed from the Country Living Marketplace. With six sizes to choose from, the bed boasts thick memory foam pads and high sides to offer support.
Keep your furry friend safe and secure with this soft dog harness. It has a scratch-resistant outer layer, nylon webbing to ensure good visibility at night, a sturdy handle, and a comfortable and ergonomic design. It's available in five different sizes.
This soft dog bed, made from non-toxic materials, has been designed to keep anxious dogs calm. It has a silky feeling, a raised rim to create a sense of security, and head and neck support for when they are sleeping. But that's not all: the super-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief to relieve a pet's anxiety. Clever!
Excellent for aggressive chewers, this blue chew toy helps pups to release their extra energy by chewing. Suitable for larger breeds, it also helps them to develop healthy chewing habits that can clean their teeth, relieve anxiety and reduce boredom.
With the cold weather here, this super soft pet blanket is perfect for keeping your dog warm when the temperatures tumble. We think it would make a wonderful Christmas present.
Perfect for dark winter walks, this light-up dog collar will keep your dog safe and seen. It works for over eight hours of lighting per full charge and is available in a range of colours.
In bright red, this toy is ideal for dogs who like to chew while also playing. Perfect for keeping aggressive chewers occupied.
Give your dog something to chew on with this fun yellow ball. It's the perfect stocking filler.
Buzzing with bees, this khaki-hued small dog bed is the perfect place for pooches to recline on.
Want to treat your dog to something luxurious this Christmas? Ouai's animal range includes this gentle pet shampoo for pampered pets.
Who says perfume is just for humans? Well, Barbour's dog cologne helps to refresh and soothe your pet's skin while also helping them to smell fresh.
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