The 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds

The 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds

We all want our furry family members to be happy and healthy! The best way to achieve that is to provide your dog with regular check-ups, proper nutrition, exercise, discipline, and love. There are no shortcuts when it comes to proper care and raising a healthy pup.

That being said, there are certain breeds that are less prone to disease and common health issues. Want to stack the deck in your favor? These dogs have the fewest health problems!

The 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds: Which Dogs Have the Fewest Health Problems?

Of course, any dog can get sick, even if you provide the best care possible. However, the following breeds seem to require fewer trips to the vet and tend to have longer lifespans than many others. If you’re on the fence about what kind of dog to get, why not choose one of the healthiest dog breeds so you can enjoy each other for as long as possible?

1.      Australian Shepherd

Australian shepherds are energetic, smart, and agile dogs that have a reputation for being great with kids and other pets. They aren’t as prone to the skin, bone, and fur issues that affect many other breeds. This breed seems to evade many of the more serious diseases, such as heart disease, as well. They often live to be 15 years old.

2.      Beagles

Beagles are great for families with children. They’re very friendly, and if they’re provided with proper care, they can live for about 15 years. Beagles can be a bit noisy, so proper training will be required to minimize that behavior, especially if you have close neighbors.

Beagle | 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds


3.      Chihuahua

With proper love and care, these tiny pooches can live for 18 years or more. Chihuahuas are affectionate, low maintenance, and they don’t require as much space or exercise as larger breeds do.

4.      German Pinscher

German pinschers are agile and muscular dogs that aren’t prone to any major health issues. As long as they receive plenty of exercise and proper care, many German pinschers live to be 14 years old.

Chihuahua | 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds


5.      Poodles

Poodles are a wonderful breed for families with children and other pets. They’re extremely friendly and can be found in all sizes from a tiny teacup to medium/large standard poodle. These active dogs don’t shed so they’re great for people with allergies, too. When provided with proper care, poodles tend to live healthy lives of 14 years or more.

6.      Australian Cattle Dog

Australian cattle dogs are incredibly smart, agile, and resilient dogs with tons of energy. They are a healthy dog breed without a history of disease. With proper preventative care, this breed often lives for 13 years or more.

7.      Border Collie

Although Border Collies are prone to some minor genetic disorders, advances in DNA technology and testing have made them easily controllable. This breed loves to play and exercise, making it a wonderful choice for families with children or people who live an active lifestyle. Border Collies are a medium to large breed with a lifespan of about 14 years.

Border Collie | 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds

Border Collie

8.      English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels do tend to suffer from minor vision problems as they age, but they’re much less likely to develop serious genetic disorders that are common in other breeds. They’re a cordial, mild breed that is likely to live up to 14 years or more.

9.      Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are an adorable little breed that resembles a stuffed animal. They’re great for families and they are extremely affectionate. They aren’t known to have any common genetic disorders, but they do tend to get overweight easily, which can lead to joint issues and other health problems. When provided with the proper diet, exercise, and preventive care, these little cuties can live for 13 years or more.

Bichon Frise | 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds

Bichon Frise

10.  Shiba Inu

Although they’re not as well known as some of the other breeds on our list, the Shiba Inu is generally a healthy dog breed that lives 15 years. This ancient breed originated in Japan and was used for hunting in rugged mountain conditions, so they’re very resilient. Shiba Inus are a great choice for individuals who lead an active outdoor lifestyle, but they may not be the best choice for families with kids and other pets.

11.  Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are a great all-around breed for active families and individuals who want an energetic and friendly companion. This breed is happy to hit the trail or play a game of fetch in the back yard with the kids. Given enough exercise, they’re great couch potatoes, too. Labrador Retrievers do have some genetic issues, so be sure to choose a reputable breeder. This is one of the few large dog breeds that commonly lives for 13 years or more.

12.  Mixed Breeds

Studies show that mixed breed dogs have fewer issues with hyperthyroidism, heart disease, and other genetic illnesses that plague many purebred dogs. Vets and owners alike report that mixed breeds live longer and stay healthier, probably due to their genetic diversity. If you really want to stack the deck in your favor, adopt a mixed breed dog and then have him tested for possible genetic diseases so you can provide the best preventive care possible.

Final Thoughts

No matter which breed of dog you choose, the healthiest and happiest dogs are generally the ones who gets the best care. Providing a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, routine checkups, and lots of love is the best way to ensure that your pooch has a healthy and happy life. Just like humans, prevention is the best medicine, so talk with your vet about the best strategies for preventing disease and illness before they become a major issue for your pooch.

Anna Marston
Anna is a full-time veterinary technician with more than 20 years of experience in the pet care industry. She resides in Upstate New York with her hubby, daughter, and a menagerie of fur-babies.

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