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Cancer In Dogs: What You Should Know


Dog Breeds & Cancer

golden retriever in car

While it is important to note that any dog can get any type of cancer, there are certain breeds that are diagnosed with cancer at a higher rate than others.

  • Golden retrievers – The two most common types of cancer in this breed are hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma.1 Other types of cancer include mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and melanoma.2
  • Rottweiler – This breed is prone to osteosarcoma (bone cancer), lymphoma, mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, osteosarcoma, transitional cell carcinomas (or bladder cancer) and hemangiosarcomas (or cancer of the blood vessels).2
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs – This breed has a short lifespan that can be impacted by cancer, especially mast cell tumors.3
  • Doberman Pinscher – The most common types of cancer in this breed are hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, and osteosarcoma.2
  • German Shepherd – This breed has a high incidence of cancer.3
  • Great Dane – This breed has a short lifespan and a high incidence of cancer, especially osteosarcoma.3
  • Labrador Retriever – The most common forms of cancer in this breed are hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and melanoma.2
  • Boxer – The most common forms of cancer in this breed are hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, melanoma, and osteosarcoma.2
  • Basset Hounds – This breed has a high incidence of cancer, especially lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma.2
  • Bulldogs – This breed is susceptible to lymphoma and mast cell tumors.2
  • Saint Bernards – The most common forms of cancer in this breed are lymphoma and osteosarcoma.2
  • Scottish Terriers – This breed is prone to lymphoma and melanoma.2
  • Boston Terriers – The most common forms of cancer in this breed are mast cell tumors and melanoma.2

What to Do If Your Dog Has Cancer

Oncology for dogs is available! If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, contact our Pet Advocates at (833) PET-HERO or your local PetCure Oncology center. Our team members are ready to help answer your questions.


  1. National Canine Cancer Foundation. Accessed July 23, 2018, from https://wearethecure.org/learn-more-about-canine-cancer/canine-cancer-library/
  2. Morris Animal Foundation. Accessed July 23, 2018, from https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/assets/pdfs/publications/cancer-and-dogs.pdf
  3. PetMD. Accessed July 23, 2018, from https://petmd.com/dog/slideshows/general-health/dog-breeds-highest-cancer-rate 

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