Though you might be unaware of what a “deep chested dog” is, you might have heard the term applied.
In dogs, a deep chest basically refers to a distinct physical trait where the chest is taller than it is wide in specific breeds.
Dogs having deep chests are often bred for running, endurance, and agility. While it might have advantages to this, a dog with a deep chest may also be more prone to some really serious health issues.
But worry not! Everything you need to know and comprehend about deep-chested dogs will be covered in this post.
The Purpose of a dog's deep chest
Dogs are bred for a number of roles and purposes. Some are raised for labour, hunting, herding, and many other purposes. Additionally, based on their intended use, their physical characteristics, such as the shape of their chest, may change.
Dogs with deep chests are frequently bred for endurance, agility, and sprinting. They also have a larger lung capacity due to their chest, which improves their athleticism and serves the previously stated goals.
Moreover, a deep chest is essential for controlling a dog’s body temperature, which is why dogs with deep chests—like Saint Bernards—are accustomed to the cold.
Features of a Deep-chested Dog
A dog with a broad chest has a long, forward-protruding sternum, which gives the dog a long chest and a small waist. Additionally, the dog’s deep chest extends to its front legs, just behind its elbows.
The term “depth” describes the height of a dog’s rib cage.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OF A DEEP-CHESTED DOG
If a dog has a broad chest, it’s rather straightforward to detect. This is so because dogs with deep chests differ from other dog breeds in that they have unique physical characteristics.
And among these physical attributes are:
1. NARROW AND TALL RIBCAGE
The most distinguishing physical characteristic of a deep-chested dog is this. Their rib cage is noticeably taller than it is wide right away. Additionally, the distinct variation in depth between the waist and chest may be seen when viewed from the side.
This is an illustration of the side profile of a dog with a deep chest:
Here’s an image of a dog with a round chest for comparison. When seen from the side, the almost identical depth and width of a round-chest dog’s ribcage give them a rounder appearance.
2. OVAL- OR EGG-SHAPED CHEST
Deep-chested dogs typically have an oval or broad chest when they sit down because they have tall ribcages.
3. EXTENDED TORSO
In comparison to other breeds, dogs with deep chests also have longer torsos, which are frequently proportionate to the depth of the chest.
4. SLENDER LIMBS
Long, slender limbs that accentuate their large chest and general build are a common physical characteristic of dogs with deep chests.
Behavioural Features of a Deep-chested dog
As with people, no two dogs are alike, and this includes dogs with broad chests. Still, there are a few common behaviours seen in dogs with broad chest. Additionally, these actions consist of
1.HIGHER ENERGY LEVEL
It’s well known that many dog breeds with broad chest are active. Compared to other breeds, their demands for mental and physical stimulation are higher. As a result, they take pleasure in sports like fetch, jogging, and hiking.
2. ATHLETIC
Naturally, you would expect these dogs to be athletic and agile given their high energy level. They’re suited for activities like competitive athletics and agility training because of their physical characteristics (including their slim legs and chests, of course).
3. LOVING
Many dogs with broad chests are big in size yet gentle in character. They are incredibly loving dogs who are frequently referred to as “gentle giants” because of their serene and kind nature.
4. LOYAL AND PROTECTIVE
These dogs are friendly and peaceful, yet they also know when to defend the humans they love. They’ll do everything it takes to keep them safe and secure. And deep chested dogs are excellent security dogs because of these behaviours.
BREEDS OF DEEP CHESTTED DOGS
Many dogs are bred specifically to have deep chests. These breeds differ in height, temperament, and coat type, but they all have a deep chest in common.
Here are some of the most common ones:
LARGE AND GIANT DOG BREEDS
The most well-known large dog breeds with round chested are Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, Standard Poodles, and Great Danes.
These breeds, which were developed for either guarding or hunting, are also renowned for their endurance and agility.
MEDIUM TO LARGE DOG BREEDS
Greyhounds, Weimaraners, Irish Setters, Boxers, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers are among the most common medium to large dog breeds with broad chests.
SMALL TO MEDIUM DOG BREEDS
The type of chest of a dog is not determined by its size. Although giant dog breeds are more likely to have a deep chest, tiny to medium-sized dog breeds can also possess this physical characteristic.
The most popular tiny to medium-sized breeds with prominent chests are Dachshunds and Basset Hounds.
DEEP CHESTED DOG HEALTH PROBLEMS
Some breeds benefit greatly from having a large chest, but it also puts them at risk for several health problems.
1. BLOAT
Gastric dilation and volvulus, also known as bloat, is the most prevalent and potentially fatal medical disorder that can affect dogs with deep chests (GDV).
When gas fills a dog’s stomach, it swells and causes bloat. Bloat can cause GDV, in which the dog’s stomach enlarges and flips inside out, if it is not treated. This results in blockage of the stomach’s entry and exit, seriously harming other essential organs like the heart.
Bloat’s underlying aetiology is unknown. However, experts believe that other variables, such as the following, have contributed to its cause:
-Eating too quickly
-Eating too much
-eating food from a raised bowl
-Quickly consuming a large volume of water
-Anxiety or stress
-Playing or exercising out immediately after a meal
-Getting older
The symptoms of bloat should be recognised because it is a very significant health condition. Among these signs are:
-Anxiety
-excessive salivation
-Enlarged stomach
-Fear and anxiety
-Temporal
-Retching or trying to throw up
As bloat gets worse, you’ll be able to identify these other symptoms as well:
-Pale gums
-Gasping or panting with effort
-Accelerated heart and pulse rates
-Weakness, collapsing, or not being able to stand
-Whimpering indicating severe discomfort
2. INDIVIDUAL PNEUMOTHORAXY
In dogs with large chest, spontaneous pneumothorax is another prevalent health issue. It occurs when air seeps out of the lungs or other major airways and builds up in the area of the chest directly outside the lungs.
A dog with spontaneous pneumothorax may not show any symptoms at first and develop gradually, but you will know they are in trouble if they start to have trouble breathing.
“Bullous emphysema” is the most frequent cause of spontaneous pneumothorax. This is the condition in which a dog’s lungs’ airspaces are dilated, allowing air to enter during inhalation but not exit through expiration.
The following are possible signs of spontaneous pneumothorax:
-Breathing difficulties
-Coughing Up Fear
-Gums that are pale or blue
-Oversized chest
-Elevated breathing rate
-Surprise
The symptoms your dog exhibits will determine how this disease is treated. Thus, be careful to take your dog to the veterinarian right away if you think they may have this illness.