Which Dog Breeds are High Risk of Tick Infestation

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) suggests that designer dog breeds with curly coats, such as cavapoo, cockapoo, goldendoodle, and cavachons, are particularly prone to tick infestations due to their poodle heritage. Among these breeds, cavapoos exhibit the highest rates of tick infestation, with 5.19% of dogs diagnosed over a five-year period. Standard poodles were ranked second-most at risk, indicating a correlation between curly-haired breeds and susceptibility to ticks.

Here’s a list of the breeds with the highest rates of tick infestations over a five-year period:

• Goldendoodle and standard poodle - 5.14%
• Cairn terrier - 5.09%
• Cockapoo - 4.79%
• Miniature schnauzer - 4.38%
• Cavachon - 4.29%

The study also highlights that designer breeds overall have 1.81 times the risk of tick infestation compared to crossbred dogs. This increased vulnerability underscores the importance of tick prevention measures for owners of designer breeds, as ticks can transmit serious diseases while living in woodland, grassland, and areas with abundant wildlife. The findings serve as a valuable resource for dog owners and veterinarians in identifying breeds at higher risk of tick infestation and implementing proactive measures to protect canine companions from these parasites and associated health risks.