Our dogs are part of the family. So, naturally, we want them to be happy, healthy and around for as long as possible. This means that when you’re looking to get a dog, the health of their breed can factor into what you end up going for. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the healthiest dog breeds.
Please note: every dog is unique, which means there can still be complications or health issues for a dog who’s breed is on this list. In addition, other factors can affect a dog's health, which is why proper exercise and high-quality diet are so important for your dog.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a muscular herding dog, bred to be tough and adaptable. They are known to have few health-related issues with a lifespan around 10-13 years. However, some health issues that they can suffer from include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as deafness. Also, sometimes they shrug off pain, which can lead to further injuries or health issues.
2. Australian Shepherd
Another herding dog, the Australian Shepherd is known to be relatively healthy. They don’t often have bone-related injuries or conditions of the skin and coat, but they can suffer from issues like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and eye conditions. When properly cared for and regularly exercised, they can live between 12-15 years.
3. Beagle
Beagles are scent hounds, which means they were bred to be durable. Hounds were bred to do work and because of those genes, they tend to be healthier. With proper care and maintenance, Beagles can live between 12-15 years.
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog who has hypoallergenic properties. They can suffer from some health problems but overall live a relatively healthy life. When properly cared for, their average lifespan ranges from 12-15 years.
5. Border Collie
Border Collies are one of more healthy dog breeds out there. As herding dogs, they tend to maintain a healthy lifestyle because they're active and intelligent. They can live to be 14 years old with proper care, however, they are prone to a few health issues like hypothyroidism and seizures.
6. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds. They are short and stout but strong. While they can suffer from certain health problems, their average life span is quite long, ranging between 12-15 years.
7. Chihuahua
One of the smallest dog breeds, the Chihuahua, is also one of the mightiest. As one of the healthiest breeds, Chihuahuas tend to have great overall health and an average lifespan of 14-18 years. They are prone to some issues like hypoglycemia and heart valve disorder, among others. But with proper care, they can even live to be 20 years old.
8. American Foxhound
Foxhounds are also one of the healthier dog breeds out there. Like the Beagle, these hounds were bred for work and because of that, they tend to be healthier dogs. Foxhounds are not usually prone to major health problems and have a lifespan between 11-13 years old.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog that does well with various types of game and sport. Because of this, they are overall a healthy breed. While they can suffer from some health issues (like hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia and gastric torsion), their lifespan ranges between 12-14 years.
10. Greyhound
Greyhounds are extremely athletic sight-hounds known for their speed. Because they are so athletic, they tend to be rather healthy. With proper care and maintenance, Greyhounds can live up to 12 years of age with few health issues.
11. Havanese
The Havanese dog breed is small but healthy, especially compared to other dogs of their size. They are prone to certain health conditions like elbow dysplasia and deafness (among others) but often live a healthy 12-14 years.
12. Labradoodle
Labradoodles came about by cross-breeding the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Because they are a mixed breed, they tend to be healthy. They can live to be 13 or 14 years with proper care and maintenance. They can, however, suffer from conditions common with their parent breeds including hip dysplasia, eye disorders and Addison’s disease.
13. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an ancient dog from Japan that was originally bred for hunting. Because of this, they have the genes and traits that help make them one of the healthier breeds. They are muscular and in shape with a lifespan ranging from 12-15 years old.
14. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is an athletic, medium-sized dog known for sledding and cold-weather living. It’s athleticism and working dog genes make it healthy compared to other similarly sized breeds. They have an average lifespan of 11-13 years, despite being prone to a few health issues (like hypothyroidism, cataracts and other eye conditions).
15. Mixed Breed
Last but certainly not least, mixed breeds are known to be some of the healthiest dogs in the world. Because they are made up of more than one dog breed, they have a unique genetic makeup. That, combined with the reduction of in-breeding, tend to result in great health. In fact, mixed breeds are less likely to develop several conditions including diseases of the heart, musculoskeletal system, skin and thyroid.