Study Identifies Dog Breeds Most Prone to Obesity

A new study from Texas A&M University has shed light on the dog breeds most susceptible to weight gain, revealing that nearly half of the UK’s canine population may be overweight or obese—a growing concern for veterinarians and pet owners alike.

Researchers analyzed data from over 13,000 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project, examining veterinary records and owner-reported questionnaires. The findings point to sporting breeds—particularly Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, and Setters—as being significantly more food-motivated than other dogs, increasing their risk of obesity by approximately 10 percent.

Dr. Kate Creevy, lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of dietary management for these popular breeds. “Given that these are two of the most common breeds, it is vital that both veterinarians and dog owners understand the diet management strategies necessary for achieving a healthy weight,” she said.

The study also found that hounds ranked next in food motivation, while dogs living in urban environments or multi-dog households were more likely to overeat—often due to boredom or convenience-based feeding practices like free feeding.

In contrast, nonsporting breeds such as Bulldogs, Dalmatians, and Poodles were least likely to be food-driven. The research, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Medicine, also noted that owners were more likely to monitor their dog’s diet if they personally recognized the animal as overweight, rather than relying solely on veterinary assessments.