Only one in five (21%) UK dog owners look into the hereditary health risks associated with a breed before choosing their pet, according to new research by Opinium1, commissioned by Insure Your Paws.
Just 8% of cat owners say they did the same.
According to the RSPCA2, certain breeds have particularly high rates of inherited diseases, including cancer, blindness, diabetes, heart disease, skin conditions, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and deafness.
Some breeds are particularly associated with specific conditions. For example, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are more prone to certain types of cancer3 than other breeds. Additionally, breeds such as Samoyeds, Cairn Terriers, and Tibetan Terriers have a genetic predisposition to diabetes4.
Some small breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, and Havanese, face a higher risk of mitral valve disease (MVD), a common heart condition. Among larger breeds, Dobermans, Boxers, and Great Danes are more susceptible to heart disease5.
With pedigree cat ownership also on the rise, research suggests this is an area of growing relevance for cat owners too. According to Cats Protection’s CATS 2025 report6, over half (51%) of cats acquired in the past year are pedigrees.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet, at Insure Your Paws, said: “These hereditary health risks highlight the importance of research before choosing a pet. Awareness of any potential risks can help owners to take preventative measures, such as regular veterinary check-ups to detect and address any issues early.”
He continues: “That said, no dog or cat is immune from illness or injury. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected treatment if it’s needed. Insure Your Paws provides flexible insurance options to match the unique needs of different pets and owners. You also get access to our Assist Your Paws careline, available 24/7 all year round. Additional benefits include emergency boarding and third-party liability cover for eligible dogs.
Sources
1 Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 3 - 6 March 2026. For those owning both a cat and dog, owners were asked to answer questions based on the one they took ownership of most recently.
2 https://www.rspca.org.uk/documents/1494939/7712578/Inherited+diseases+factsheet.pdf
3 https://wearethecure.org/dog-breeds-prone-to-cancer/
