A large-scale study of the veterinary health records of over 1750 dogs in the UK has identified breed risk factors for the development of osteosarcoma, a painful and aggressive bone tumor in dogs.

While previous studies have shown that larger dogs are more at risk than smaller dogs, this retrospective study identified some breed-specific risk factors for bone cancer.

The findings revealed that the breeds at the highest risk are the Rottweiler and Great Dane.  These two breeds have more than 10x the odds of developing osteosarcoma when compared to mixed breed dogs.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is also at the top of the list, with an 11.31% odds ratio.

The dog breeds with the lowest risk for developing bone cancer are all small.  They include the Bichon Frise, French Bulldog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Their odds ratio was less than .3 compared to mixed breeds.

Overall, a large body mass is more strongly associated with the risk for osteosarcoma than smaller body mass.  Dogs over 40 kg/80 lbs. have much higher odds than dogs under 10 kg/20 lbs.

Chondrodystrophic (short-legged) breeds like the Dachshund, Corgi, and Beagle have a low risk for developing osteosarcoma, although they can have other health issues associated with their body type.

The authors note that since selective breeding for long legs and large body mass does increase the risk for osteosarcoma, this knowledge can influence breed health reforms and raise awareness among veterinarians and dog owners.

You can read the full text of the study HERE.