THESE 16 DOG BREEDS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR GOOD HEALTH AND LONG LIVES
If you’re ready to bring home a new furry friend, the first step (after celebrating the exciting decision!) is selecting the right dog breed for you. It’s a choice you won’t want to take lightly, since they'll be a permanent member of your family. And there are quite a few factors to take into account! Of course, you’ll want to select a type of pup that you find totally adorable and that meshes really well with your lifestyle and personality. But what about their health status? Have you thought about which breed has a positive well-being and a long lifespan?
When making your decision, it’s super important to prioritize the health of each breed. While all dogs need some care to stay happy and well, some breeds are simply less prone to genetic issues, according to Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. This means less frequent visits to the vet, which can be time-consuming and expensive, but it also means many more years with your four-legged friend.
If you’re looking for a long-living, low-maintenance companion, rest assured, there’s a perfect match on this list for you. Whether it’s a robust working breed or a scrappy smaller dog, these pups are known to live long, healthy lives. Read on for a complete guide to the healthiest dog breeds.
Check out these other amazing dog breeds:
- Most Loyal Dog Breeds That Make the Best Companions
- Calm Dog Breeds Perfect for Families Who Want a Laid-Back Pup
- Best Dogs for Families with Kids
Havanese
The Havenese dog breed is one of the healthiest out there. Given their breezy temperament, these types of pups often live low-stress lives, which prevents them from developing a lot of lifestyle-related illnesses. Their strong genetic diversity and well-balanced features also contribute to their exceptional health. Plus, they live up to an average of 16 years, which is especially high for a toy breed!
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are generally a very robust type of pup. Although they can be susceptible to dental and joint issues, they have few life-threatening hereditary issues, which makes them one of the healthiest dog breeds. Since they reach up to 20 years, their lifespan exceeds the average!
Greyhound
With their lean frame, Greyhounds are easily recognizable. Their build and body type are also what gives them the ability to live long, healthy lives. Since they were bred for athleticism, this kind of pet has a strong heart and great stamina. Just beware that they could develop joint issues or dental problems later in life.
Poodles
Poodles of all sorts—Standard Poodles, Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles—are some of the healthiest, especially for purebred dogs! Not only are they intelligent and loyal, but they’re also proportionate and athletic. Poodles also live nearly two decades long.
German Pinscher
This working dog is another durable breed. As long as you get one from a reputable breeder, they’re unlikely to develop breed-specific issues. Like all dogs, with proper diet and exercise, you can minimize the likelihood of certain diseases and health concerns.
Whippets
Like Greyhounds, Whippets have a lean and athletic stature that keeps them healthy. Due to their simple, well-proportioned features, they have fewer genetic issues. Compared to other larger breeds, their lifespan is relatively high.
Australian Cattle Dog
Tough and energetic, these hardworking dogs thrive on frequent activity. "Australian Cattle Dogs are built for endurance and benefit greatly from an active lifestyle," Dr. Cahn says.
Border Collie
Ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds around, Border Collies are also incredibly healthy. Their love of mental and physical activity keeps them in tip-top shape. "Their need for stimulation and movement helps them maintain excellent overall health," Dr. Cahn adds.
Australian Shepherd
With their stunning coats and endless energy, Australian Shepherds have a reputation for enjoying both work and play. “Their need for both physical and mental engagement naturally supports their health," Dr. Cahn explains.
Siberian Husky
Beautiful and built for stamina, Siberian Huskies stay healthy through their love of exercise. “Bred for cold climates and tough physical tasks, Huskies have evolved into a naturally strong and hearty breed," Dr. Chan notes.
Basenji
This ancient, clean, and independent breed has few genetic health issues. Known for their signature yodel-like bark, Basenjis are naturally strong. As Dr. Cahn says, "Their long, natural evolution has made them less prone to genetic health risks.”
Mixed-Breed Dogs
Mixed-breeds like Labradoodles often benefit from “hybrid vigor,” meaning their genetic diversity lowers the risk of inherited conditions. According to D. Cahn, mixed-breeds avoid some of the health challenges that purebreds tend to adopt.
Shiba Inu
With their distinct fox-like appearance, Shiba Inus are independent dog breeds that maintain good overall health. “Shibas are an ancient breed with strong genetics, promoting long-standing wellness,” Dr. Cahn says.
Beagle
Beagles are energetic and friendly breeds that tend to remain healthy due to their love of outdoor adventures. Dr. Kahn adds that this healthy dog breed has a history of being an active hunting dog, which contributes to their overall health.
Labrador Retriever
This family-favorite dog breed balances friendliness with great health. Although they do require some maintenance to ward off joint issues, according to Dr. Chan, with exercise and a proper diet, they'll thrive.
Cocker Spaniel
These small dogs with a lively personality stay in good health as long as they're given proper care. Their size makes them less prone to many major health problems, though their ears need attention to prevent infections, Dr. Cahn says.
