20 Dog Breeds Prone to Obesity

Any person who has had to shed a few extra holiday pounds understands how difficult it can be. Our canine companions are no exception to being susceptible to weight gain. If they eat too much or don’t get enough exercise, they, too, may face being overweight.

While genetics play a part in how people gain weight and in which people are more prone to being overweight, the same is true of dogs. Some breeds are more likely to have weight issues if owners aren’t vigilant about their diets and exercise. We’ve researched the dog breeds most at risk for gaining weight and have included them in our list of 20 dog breeds prone to obesity.

Basset Hound

Basset hounds were bred to hunt deer and rabbits, their low-to-the-ground bodies helped them navigate the rough terrain. However, their unique bodies are also susceptible to extreme weight gain. A healthy basset hound should weigh between 40 to 65 pounds for their 15-inch body. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 13 years if they get the optimal care, nutrition, and exercise needed.

Beagle

Many beagles are active hunting dogs — their constant running through fields in search of rabbits maintains their fitness. However, those beagles who are more pets and companions are prone to obesity. Healthy female beagles weigh about 20 pounds or less, especially if they’re 13 or fewer inches. Male beagles weigh in at 20 to 30 pounds for their 13- to 15-inch bodies. If given the proper care required for healthy lives, beagles can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

Bichon Frise

Bichon frises were once integral members of European royal courts. At one point, they were turned out onto the street as their owners were arrested and executed. They then became circus stars or street entertainers until eventually becoming the cuddly little companions of today. Healthy bichon frises are 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 12 and 18 pounds. If kept at a healthy weight, these little white powderpuff pups can live between 14 and 15 years.

Border Collie

Border collies are bred-in-the-bone herders. Their physical prowess allows them to run, crouch, creep, and display sudden bursts of energy. However, if these dogs aren’t given copious amounts of exercise, they can become obese. The average male border collie is 19 to 22 inches tall in comparison to their female counterpart’s 18 to 21 inches. Both sexes weigh 30 to 55 pounds on average. With proper care and nutrition, this breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Boxer

Powerful, active, and full of energy, boxers require plentiful exercise to keep them fit and mentally stimulated. Physically fit boxers have muscles that are visible beneath their short coats. They are usually athletic dogs as long as they’re cared for properly. Healthy male boxers stand about 23 to 25 inches high, while females stand about 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall. Males weigh anywhere from 65 to 80 pounds, with females weighing in at 55 to 65 pounds. A healthy dog of this breed can live happily for 10 to 12 years.

Bulldog

The American Kennel Club describes this breed as being “thick-set,” “well-muscled,” and a bruiser. This definitely describes the uniquely front-heavy physique of the bulldog. The bulldog is one of the 20 breeds we’ve researched that are prone to obesity. Both male and female bulldogs are 14 to 15 inches tall. Females typically weigh about 40 pounds, while males weigh up to 50 pounds. However, if your bulldog is heavier than 50 pounds, you may want to check with their vet to ensure they live up to their happy and healthy 8- to 10-year life expectancies.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These little spaniels belong to another athletic breed that needs exercise to keep their small frames healthy and fit. Because they’re so adaptable and affectionate, they are content to be couch potatoes, chilling out with their owners. However, being prone to obesity, their owners need to be vigilant in giving them adequate exercise and proper nutrition. Average cavalier King Charles spaniels are 12 to 13 inches tall. Their average weight is 13 to 18pounds. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Chihuahua

These tiny canines pack a lot of personality into their diminutive forms. Average chihuahuas stand 5 to 8 inches tall. They should weigh no more than 6 pounds. Obese chihuahuas face spinal problems, osteoarthritis, and a bounty of other health issues. That’s why giving them adequate daily exercise and good nutrition, along with regular vet check-ups, is essential in helping them to reach their life expectancies of 14 to 16 years.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels belong to the sporting group and have been bred to use their sturdy frames for flushing out game birds. Both the American and the English cocker spaniel should weigh between 25 and 30 pounds for the 14.5 -15.5-inch males and 20 to 25 pounds for the 13.5 – 14.5-inch females. When brought to the vet for regular check-ups, given adequate exercise, and fed with vet-recommended food, cocker spaniels have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.

Dachshund

Rewarding your fur baby with snacks makes them happy, but too much can cause obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes. You may want to consider healthier alternatives to some of the commercial dog snacks with empty calories. Standard dachshunds are 8 to 9 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds. Miniature dachshunds are only 5 to 6 inches tall and 11 pounds or less. Even though these dogs aren’t as athletic as others, they still need exercise in order to live out their 12 to 16 years healthy and happy.

German Shepherd

Medium to large-sized dogs, German shepherds have surprising agility for their husky, deep-chested build. Despite their innate athleticism, this breed is another one that’s prone to obesity. It’s important to keep German shepherds fit through diet, exercise, and vet supervision so they can live out thier 7 to 10 years in good health. Full-grown males of the breed grow to 24 to 26 inches and can weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Females are typically 22 to 24 inches tall and 50 to 70 pounds.

Golden Retriever

The golden retriever breed is an iconic one and a favorite the world over. However, as beautiful and well-known as these dogs are, they are also prone to getting obese. These beauties are part of the sporting group. Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall, weighing 55 to 65 pounds. With enough exercise, good nutrition, and vet check-ups, they can live from 10 to 12 years.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell terriers pack a lot of energy and personality into their 10 to 12-inch frames. They are highly active and require abundant exercise. If they don’t receive daily exercise and the right nutrition, their 9 to 15-pound bodies can be obese. Walking, running around, and playing with their owners are great activities for keeping these pups at ideal weights.

Labrador Retriever

Loyal, intuitive, and possessing wonderful temperaments, Labrador retrievers have long been America’s sweethearts. They’re also, unfortunately, prone to becoming obese. Physically fit males stand about 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall and weigh 65 to 80 pounds. Their female counterparts are usually 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 70 pounds. With the proper care and good nutrition, they can live for 11 to 13 years.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands, or Newfies, are the gentle giants of the dog world. Reaching 28 inches (males) and 26 inches (females), these dogs tower over other breeds. Males weigh between 130 and 150pounds, while females weigh 100 to 120 pounds. However, this breed can become obese if not fed a high-quality, low-fat diet. Unfortunately, obese Newfies are at risk of not living out the 9 to 10 years of their life expectancy.

Pug

Pugs are the little clowns of the canine world. They have a penchant for being silly and lovable, as well as for begging for food. Their 10 to 13 inches of cuddly body usually weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. Most of us have seen pictures of pugs that weigh more than their ideal weight, having succumbed to obesity. However, it’s never too late for owners to consult with their dogs’ vets and change their pug’s exercise and nutritional habits so their dogs can live out their 13 to 15 years in happiness and good health.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is the quintessential guard dog. Its strong, muscular build makes it highly recognizable to everyone who sees it. Males are typically 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh 95 to 135 pounds. Females are 22 to 25 inches tall and generally weigh 80 to 100 pounds. Since Rotties are prone to obesity, proper nutrition and exercise can go a long way to helping them live out their life expectancy of 9 to 10 years.

Scottish Terrier

Scotties are unpretentious farm dogs at heart. Despite their humble origins, King James I of England — born in Scotland — gave them to favored people as gifts. Additionally, the breed is inclined to become overweight if not given adequate daily exercise and proper nutrition. In order to live out their typical 12 years of life, their 10-inch bodies should remain between 18 and 21 pounds for females and 19 and 22 pounds for males.

Shih Tzu

Some people speculate that shih tzus are an ancient cross between Pekingese and Lhasa apso breeds. Like the other Sino-Tibetan dog breeds, shih tzus were one of the preferred lap-warming breeds of Chinese royalty. If these little dogs are overfed, their underactive lifestyle can contribute to their predisposition for obesity. Conversely, adequate daily exercise — like short walks and playing games — along with high-nutritional, low-calorie diets can help these 9 to 10.5-inch pups stay within their 9 to 16-pound weight designations. If so, they can live 10 to 18 years.

West Highland White Terriers

West Highland white terriers were bred for catching and killing rodents that threatened Scottish farmers’ crops. Their small size enabled them to get into small places where rodents hid. Males are about 11 inches, and females are typically 10 inches tall. Both sexes generally weigh 15to 20 pounds — excellent measurements for dogs that once needed to get into rat holes. However, these dogs can get overweight without the proper diet, which can impede their 13 to 15-year life expectancy.

Summary Table of Dog Breeds Prone to Obesity

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