1. English Bulldogs
Vets love their wrinkly faces, but secretly, they wish you’d think twice before bringing one home. English Bulldogs are prone to a laundry list of health problems, from chronic breathing issues to skin infections and joint problems. Their adorable squashed noses can lead to serious breathing difficulties, requiring expensive surgeries just so they can sleep or exercise normally. Plus, their short lifespan often leaves families heartbroken way too soon. Sure, they’re cute, but owning one often means years of medical bills and endless vet visits. If you dream of a low-maintenance buddy, this isn’t your breed. Source: PetMD
2. Dachshunds
Their little hot-dog bodies are irresistible, but vets cringe knowing how fragile their spines are. Dachshunds are highly prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can lead to paralysis if they jump off a couch the wrong way. Surgery for a slipped disc is pricey, painful, and often only partially successful. Keeping them healthy demands constant vigilance, ramps, and no jumping ever, which isn’t exactly easy with a spunky sausage dog. They’re smart and loyal, but their backs are literally accidents waiting to happen. Vets secretly pray you’re ready for that level of commitment before falling for their puppy eyes. Source:Celebrity Dachshunds.com
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
They look like living, breathing storybook characters, but Cavaliers come with heartbreaking health baggage. The breed is highly prone to mitral valve disease, a deadly heart condition that often strikes while they’re still young. Many Cavaliers require lifelong medication or even surgeries to manage heart failure symptoms. They’re also prone to neurological disorders like syringomyelia, which causes intense pain and mobility problems. It’s gut-wrenching for vets to watch such sweet dogs suffer so much. Their personalities are pure gold, but sadly, their genetics can be a real ticking time bomb. Source: American Kennel Club
4. Chihuahuas
Tiny but mighty? Absolutely. But also tiny and terrifying for vets who know Chihuahuas often come with a cocktail of dental problems, luxating patellas (knee issues), and heart disease. Their small size doesn’t mean small medical bills one broken leg or dental surgery can wipe out your savings. Plus, many Chihuahuas are not properly socialized, leading to serious anxiety and aggressive behavior in adulthood. Sure, they fit in your handbag, but the emotional and medical upkeep can be overwhelming. Vets wish more owners understood that tiny doesn’t mean easy. Source: PetMD
5. Shar-Peis
Those adorable wrinkles come at a heavy cost, Shar-Peis are a genetic nightmare for many vets. Their excessive skin folds trap bacteria and moisture, leading to constant skin infections and painful irritation. Many also suffer from entropion, a condition where their eyelids roll inward and eyelashes scratch their eyeballs. To fix it, you’ll often need expensive surgery, sometimes more than once. On top of that, Shar-Peis have a breed-specific fever syndrome that can cause mysterious, recurring fevers. Vets adore their squishy faces but wish fewer people chose them based on looks alone.
6. German Shepherds
Noble and intelligent, German Shepherds are truly amazing dogs, if you can handle the upkeep. Unfortunately, they’re genetically prone to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and a host of digestive issues. Their bodies can break down shockingly early, even when they’re still mentally sharp and eager to work. Vets often see German Shepherds in heartbreaking pain by middle age, requiring expensive therapies or surgeries. While they’re one of the most loyal breeds out there, their health problems are no small thing to manage. You’ll need more than good intentions, you’ll need a good vet and a big budget.
7. French Bulldogs
Vets practically have PTSD from the medical chaos that is the French Bulldog. With their adorable flat faces come chronic breathing issues, skin allergies, spinal problems, and serious birthing difficulties, most Frenchies are delivered via C-section. They can’t really regulate their body temperature well, meaning hot days can become emergency room visits. Plus, their skyrocketing popularity has led to shady breeding practices, worsening all their existing problems. Yes, they’re Instagram darlings, but they’re also one of the least “low-maintenance” pets on the planet. Behind that squishy nose is a lifetime of vet appointments.
8. Great Danes
Owning a Great Dane is like signing up for heartbreak with extra large vet bills. These gentle giants grow so fast that their joints often can’t keep up, leading to skeletal problems and hip dysplasia. Worse, they’re at high risk for bloat a sudden, deadly condition that can kill in hours without immediate surgery. Their short lifespan (often just 6–8 years) means you’ll barely have time to recover from puppyhood before senior care begins. Emotionally, it’s a brutal ride for most owners. Vets secretly hope you realize that adopting a Great Dane means loving hard… and letting go way too soon.
9. Pugs
Pugs are basically tiny, snorting bundles of medical problems wrapped in charm. They suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can make basic breathing a lifelong struggle. Add in chronic skin infections, eye injuries, obesity, and spinal deformities, and you’ve got a recipe for near-constant vet visits. Their personalities are hilarious and loving, but they often live life with significant physical limitations. Vets adore their goofy faces but know how much pain can hide behind that signature snore. If you’re not ready for serious health management, vets secretly hope you’ll think twice before picking a pug.
