Top Ten Dog Breeds Prone to CCL Tears

By Specialized Pet Solutions | October 13, 2022

Top Dog Breeds at Risk for CCL Tears—and What You Can Do About It

By now, you’ve likely had a dog with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear or know someone who has. It’s the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. But did you know that certain breeds are more prone to this injury than others?

While any dog can suffer a CCL tear, several risk factors increase the likelihood:

Excess weight
Overexertion (e.g., dogs that get the “zoomies” or working dogs)
Lack of regular exercise
Genetics and breed predisposition

Top 10 Dog Breeds Prone to CCL Tears

German Shepherds
High-energy working dogs, especially in their youth, are prone to overexertion.
Labrador Retrievers (including black, yellow, chocolate, and golden)
Energetic and food-motivated, they’re prone to both zoomies and weight gain.
Newfoundlands
Large breed dogs often predisposed to hip dysplasia, which adds stress to the stifle joint.
Rottweilers
Muscular and active, they’re commonly used as working dogs—raising their risk.
St. Bernards
Another large breed with a tendency toward hip issues, increasing joint stress.
Mastiffs
Their size and genetic predisposition to joint problems make them vulnerable.
Bichon Frise
Though small, they are surprisingly prone to orthopedic injuries, including CCL tears.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Strong, muscular, and energetic—especially when they get the zoomies.
Akitas
Large, high-energy working dogs that are often at risk due to their activity levels.
German Shorthaired Pointers
Bred for hunting, they’re high-energy and need constant activity to stay balanced.

Honorable Mention: Boxers
Strong, athletic, and playful—Boxers check all the boxes for CCL tear risk.

Other Contributing Factors

Early neutering may increase the risk of CCL tears, according to some studies.
30–50% of dogs who tear one CCL will tear the other within 12–24 months.

Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Bracing

While TPLO surgery is often recommended, it’s expensive ($3,000–$5,000) and invasive. A custom dog knee brace (also known as a stifle brace) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative.

Benefits of a Dog Knee Brace:

Supports healing by restricting drawer motion
Reduces downtime
Costs significantly less than surgery
Can be used preventatively on the opposite leg

Top Dog Breeds at Risk for CCL Tears—and What You Can Do About It

Top 10 Dog Breeds Prone to CCL Tears

Other Contributing Factors

Treatment Options: Surgery vs. Bracing

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