Genetic Link to Obesity In Breeds

obesity - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 19:07

Obesity is a big problem (no pun intended) for many dogs.  Any dog can end up obese with too much food or not enough exercise but sadly some dogs have a harder time keeping off the pounds.  There is a genetic link to weight gain as genes regulate fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis as well as regulate the metabolic system.  Sadly some dogs are just more likely to get fat.  Below are some of the breeds that, because of genetics, have a predisposition to gaining weight.

Basset Hounds
Beagles
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels
Labrador Retrievers
Pugs
Rottweilers
Shetland Sheepdogs

In addition to being predisposed to having slower metabolisms, some of these dogs are highly food motivated and will do anything to get food.