Hypothyroidism

American Foxhounds have a slightly higher than average risk of hypothyroidism compared to all breeds.

American Leopard Hound

Prevalence: 8.2% Severity: 2/5

Prevalence is average compared to all breeds. Early signs include unexplained weight gain and dull coat in middle-aged dogs.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Prevalence is higher than the all-breed average; unexplained weight gain and coat thinning in middle-aged dogs are early signs.

American Water Spaniel

Prevalence: 2.8% Severity: 2/5

AWS have a higher-than-average risk of hypothyroidism compared to all breeds. The condition is easily managed with medication.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 3.7% Severity: 2/5

Moderate prevalence; lower than some breeds but higher than average for all breeds. Unexplained weight gain and dull coat in working dogs may be early signs.

Australian Terrier

Prevalence: 5.2% Severity: 2/5

Australian Terriers have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with most cases presenting in middle-aged dogs.

Barbet

Barbets have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among medium breeds.

Basenji

Hypothyroidism is more common in Basenjis than in many other breeds.

Beagle

Prevalence: 8.5% Severity: 3/5

Beagles are at higher risk for hypothyroidism than many breeds, with excellent prognosis when treated.

Bearded Collie

Bearded Collies have a higher-than-average risk for autoimmune hypothyroidism, with 8.5% of those tested positive for autoimmune thyroiditis.

Belgian Laekenois

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is documented in Belgian Laekenois and may be more common than in the general canine population. Early coat changes or unexplained weight gain in middle-aged dogs may be early signs.

Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdogs have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Early signs include unexplained weight gain, dull coat, and recurrent skin infections.

Belgian Tervuren

Prevalence: 4.7% Severity: 3/5

Higher than average risk; subtle coat thinning and unexplained weight gain are early signs.

Berger Picard

Prevalence: 8.5% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism occurs at a rate similar to other medium/large breeds in Berger Picards. Subtle behavioral changes and mild weight gain may be early signs.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are in the top 20 breeds for hypothyroidism prevalence, with autoimmune thyroiditis being the most common cause.

Black and Tan Coonhound

Prevalence: 5.2% Severity: 2/5

Black and Tan Coonhounds have a higher risk of hypothyroidism than the average dog breed, with 7.1% abnormal results in OFA data.

Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terriers have a slightly higher than average risk of hypothyroidism, which is easily managed with medication.

Bloodhound

Prevalence: 9.2% Severity: 2/5

Bloodhounds have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, most commonly due to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Bluetick Coonhound

Prevalence: 1.6% Severity: 2/5

Bluetick Coonhounds have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism. Unexplained weight gain is a common early sign.

Border Collie

Border Collies have a slightly increased risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Borzoi

Prevalence: 10.1% Severity: 3/5

Borzoi may have subtler symptoms and lower thyroid hormone reference ranges than other breeds, complicating diagnosis.

Bouvier des Flandres

Bouviers are at increased risk for autoimmune thyroiditis, with subtle coat changes or decreased activity before overt symptoms.

Boxer

Prevalence: 9% Severity: 2/5

Boxers are at increased risk for autoimmune hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Braque du Bourbonnais

Prevalence: 3.7% Severity: 3/5

Slightly above average risk for sporting breeds. Unexplained weight gain and coat thinning in middle-aged dogs are common early signs.

Briard

Prevalence: 8.8% Severity: 2/5

Briards have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism compared to other breeds.

Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs have a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism than the general canine population.

Cairn Terrier

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 2/5

Cairn Terriers have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Canaan Dog

Prevalence: 5.7% Severity: 2/5

Canaan Dogs have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, primarily due to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Carolina Dog

Severity: 3/5

Hypothyroidism is rare in Carolina Dogs compared to other breeds, but screening is recommended for breeding animals.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Prevalence: 8.6% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is reported in Central Asian Shepherd Dogs, with risk similar to or slightly above average for large breeds.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Prevalence is higher than the all-breed average; unexplained weight gain, dull coat, and recurrent skin infections are early warning signs.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Prevalence: 7.6% Severity: 2/5

Shar-Pei have a higher-than-average risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism compared to other breeds.

Chinook

Prevalence: 3.6% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Chinooks, with a slightly higher than average prevalence compared to other breeds.

Chow Chow

Prevalence: 6.2% Severity: 2/5

Chow Chows are at increased risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Cirneco dell'Etna

Prevalence: 2.9% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is not a major concern in Cirneco dell’Etna, but screening is recommended as a precaution due to its prevalence in many breeds.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Dalmatian

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 2/5

Dalmatians have a slightly increased risk of hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 3/5

Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism, as confirmed by OFA data.

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Prevalence: 8.5% Severity: 3/5

Average to slightly above average risk for medium sporting breeds; manageable with medication.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism, often due to lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Dogo Argentino

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 2/5

Dogo Argentinos have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among large breeds, with unexplained weight gain and poor coat quality as early signs.

Dutch Shepherd

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Dutch Shepherds have a slightly increased rate of abnormal thyroid function compared to the general canine population.

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels are among the top breeds for hypothyroidism, with an estimated prevalence of 2–5%.

English Foxhound

Prevalence: 4.7% Severity: 2/5

English Foxhounds have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among large breeds. Poor coat quality and decreased stamina in working dogs may be early signs.

English Setter

Prevalence: 8.5% Severity: 3/5

English Setters have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, most commonly due to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Eurasier

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 3/5

Eurasiers have a higher than average risk. Early onset of skin and coat changes, especially in middle-aged dogs, is common.

Finnish Spitz

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 3/5

Finnish Spitz have a higher than average prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to all breeds. Early signs include unexplained weight gain and dull coat.

French Spaniel

Prevalence: 2.1% Severity: 3/5

Prevalence is average for medium-large breeds.

German Longhaired Pointer

GLPs have a similar or slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Unexplained weight gain and dull coat are early warning signs.

German Pinscher

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 2/5

German Pinschers have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Early detection and daily medication result in an excellent prognosis.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Slightly higher prevalence than average for all breeds. Early signs include unexplained weight gain and dull coat.

German Spitz

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Hypothyroidism is slightly more common in German Spitz than in the general canine population. Early signs include unexplained weight gain, dull coat, and recurrent skin infections.

German Wirehaired Pointer

Prevalence: 5.6% Severity: 2/5

GWPs have a slightly higher than average risk of hypothyroidism. Sudden coat thinning, especially in middle-aged GWPs, may be an early sign.

Giant Schnauzer

Prevalence: 7.6% Severity: 2/5

Giant Schnauzers have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with a significant proportion of affected dogs showing autoimmune thyroiditis.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Prevalence: 10.2% Severity: 3/5

OFA thyroid registry data indicate a moderate prevalence of hypothyroidism in Glen of Imaal Terriers.

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setters have a higher than average prevalence of hypothyroidism, with unexplained weight gain and coat changes often seen in young adults.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Prevalence: 10.6% Severity: 2/5

GBGVs have a slightly higher than average rate of hypothyroidism compared to other breeds.

Great Dane

Great Danes have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with a prevalence of over 10% in tested individuals.

Great Pyrenees

Prevalence: 8.1% Severity: 2/5

Great Pyrenees have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among large breeds.

Greyhound

Greyhounds commonly have low thyroid hormone levels without clinical disease; true hypothyroidism is rare and overdiagnosis is common.

Hamiltonstovare

Prevalence: 2.3% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism occurs in Hamiltonstovare at a slightly above average rate compared to all breeds. Early signs include unexplained weight gain and coat changes in middle-aged dogs.

Harrier

Hypothyroidism is documented but not highly prevalent in Harriers; prevalence is slightly higher than average compared to other breeds.

Hypothyroidism is an emerging concern in Hokkaido dogs, with prevalence estimated at 3–5% in Japanese breed surveys. The risk is slightly higher than average compared to the general canine population.

Hovawart

Prevalence: 2.1% Severity: 2/5

Hovawarts have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among large breeds.

Irish Red and White Setter

Hypothyroidism is slightly more common in Irish Red and White Setters than in the general canine population. The condition is easily managed with medication.

Irish Setter

Prevalence: 7.6% Severity: 3/5

Irish Setters have a higher than average prevalence of hypothyroidism, most commonly due to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Irish Terrier

OFA registry data shows a slightly higher prevalence in Irish Terriers compared to the general canine population.

Irish Water Spaniel

Prevalence: 10.2% Severity: 2/5

Irish Water Spaniels have a higher-than-average prevalence of hypothyroidism, often presenting with unexplained weight gain and coat thinning.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds have a moderately increased risk of hypothyroidism compared to the general dog population.

Italian Greyhound

Prevalence: 2.3% Severity: 2/5

Italian Greyhounds have a slightly increased risk compared to the general canine population.

Jindo

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Jindos have a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population, and symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for behavioral issues.

Kai Ken

Hypothyroidism is documented but not highly prevalent in Kai Ken. Unexplained weight gain and a dull coat may be early signs.

Karelian Bear Dog

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 2/5

Karelian Bear Dogs have an average to slightly above average risk for hypothyroidism. Early signs include unexplained weight gain and a dull coat.

Keeshond

Keeshonden have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Early detection and management are key.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Prevalence: 5.1% Severity: 3/5

Kerry Blue Terriers are at increased risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general dog population.

Kishu Ken

Prevalence: 5.6% Severity: 3/5

Kishu Ken have a slightly higher prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population, but lower than some other Japanese breeds. Most cases are manageable with medication.

Komondor

Prevalence: 5.1% Severity: 2/5

Komondors have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism. Early coat changes or unexplained weight gain may be early signs.

Kuvasz

Prevalence: 4.1% Severity: 3/5

Kuvasz are at higher risk for hypothyroidism compared to the all-breed average. Unexplained weight gain and coat thinning in middle-aged Kuvasz may be early warning signs.

Manchester Terrier (Standard)

Manchester Terriers have a slightly higher prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to the general dog population.

Manchester Terrier (Toy)

Hypothyroidism is documented in breed health surveys with an estimated prevalence of 2–4%. The breed has a slightly higher risk than average.

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers have an average to slightly higher risk compared to the general dog population.

Mountain Cur

Average risk for medium-sized breeds; rare but present in Mountain Cur submissions.

Norwegian Elkhound

Prevalence: 8.4% Severity: 3/5

Norwegian Elkhounds are at higher risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with unexplained weight gain and dull coat often seen in middle-aged dogs.

Otterhound

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 2/5

Otterhounds have a higher than average prevalence of hypothyroidism, usually due to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Perro de Presa Canario

Prevalence: 6.6% Severity: 2/5

Presa Canarios have a slightly higher than average risk of hypothyroidism compared to all breeds.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 2/5

PBGVs are at increased risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Plott Hound

Plott Hounds have a slightly higher than average risk of hypothyroidism. Unexplained weight gain and coat changes in middle-aged dogs are early warning signs.

Pointer

Pointers have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Early detection and lifelong medication result in an excellent prognosis.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Unexplained weight gain and coat changes in middle age are early warning signs.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians have a higher than average risk. Early detection and lifelong medication result in an excellent prognosis.

Portuguese Pointer

0 Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is rare in Portuguese Pointers. Early warning signs include unexplained weight gain and dull coat in middle-aged dogs.

Portuguese Sheepdog

Prevalence: 1.6% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is not common in Portuguese Sheepdogs, but cases have been reported and screening is recommended for breeding animals.

Pudelpointer

Hypothyroidism is present but not highly prevalent in Pudelpointers. Early signs may include unexplained weight gain and dull coat or skin changes.

Redbone Coonhound

Prevalence: 5.6% Severity: 3/5

Redbone Coonhounds have an average risk of hypothyroidism compared to other breeds.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Hypothyroidism is slightly more common in Rhodesian Ridgebacks than in other large breeds.

Rottweiler

Prevalence: 7.2% Severity: 3/5

Rottweilers have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with 7.2% abnormal in OFA registry.

Saluki

Prevalence: 5.1% Severity: 2/5

Salukis have naturally lower thyroid hormone levels, so breed-specific reference ranges are essential to avoid misdiagnosis.

Samoyed

Samoyeds have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with a prevalence above the all-breed average.

Schapendoes

Prevalence: 3.6% Severity: 2/5

Schapendoes have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism compared to other medium-sized breeds.

Schipperke

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 2/5

Schipperkes are at increased risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general dog population.

Scottish Deerhound

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 2/5

Scottish Deerhounds have a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism than the general canine population, with a suspected polygenic inheritance.

Scottish Terrier

Prevalence: 11.7% Severity: 2/5

Scottish Terriers are in the top 20 breeds for hypothyroidism per OFA data.

Segugio Italiano

Prevalence: 3.1% Severity: 3/5

Less common than in some breeds; unexplained drop in hunting stamina or sudden weight gain may be early signs.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties have a higher than average risk of hypothyroidism compared to many breeds.

Shiba Inu

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 3/5

Shiba Inu have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, often presenting with unexplained weight gain and skin changes.

Shikoku

0 Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is rare in Shikoku dogs based on current OFA data, but screening is still recommended for breeding animals.

Skye Terrier

Prevalence: 10.5% Severity: 3/5

OFA reports a 10.5% abnormal rate in Skye Terriers, higher than the all-breed average.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Average risk for medium/large sporting breeds.

Slovensky Kopov

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism occurs at rates similar to other scent hounds. Early detection and treatment are important for maintaining quality of life.

Small Munsterlander Pointer

Reported but not prevalent in the breed. Risk is lower than in breeds like the Golden Retriever or Doberman.

Spanish Water Dog

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 2/5

Moderate risk in the breed; cases documented in breed health surveys and veterinary literature.

Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, primarily due to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Swedish Lapphund

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Swedish Lapphunds are reported to have a slightly increased risk of hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Taiwan Dog

Prevalence: 1% Severity: 3/5

Uncommon but can occur; risk is average to lower than other breeds.

Thai Ridgeback

Prevalence: 2.7% Severity: 2/5

Hypothyroidism is present in Thai Ridgebacks at a slightly below average rate compared to all breeds. Screening is recommended for breeding stock.

Tibetan Mastiff

Prevalence: 9.6% Severity: 2/5

Tibetan Mastiffs have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among large breeds. Early signs include unexplained weight gain and a dull coat.

Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terriers have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism, with a prevalence of 7.2% reported by OFA.

Tosa

Tosas have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism among large breeds. Unexplained weight gain and coat thinning in middle-aged dogs are common early signs.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

Prevalence: 2.1% Severity: 2/5

Similar prevalence to other medium/large breeds; not higher than average.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Slightly higher than average prevalence for all breeds. Unexplained weight gain despite normal appetite may be an early sign.

Vizsla

Vizslas have a slightly higher than average risk for hypothyroidism compared to the general canine population.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners have a higher than average risk for hypothyroidism. Sudden weight gain and coat changes in middle age are early warning signs.

Welsh Springer Spaniel