Spending a lot on vet visits is never fun. That’s why considering dog breeds less prone to illnesses might be a smart choice.
Keep reading to discover the list of the 13 healthiest dog breeds:
1. Poodle
Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, Poodles tend to remain healthy throughout their lives and have a lifespan of up to 18 years.
However, older dogs often develop joint and eye problems, which are common to the breed.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
This is the breed of the world’s oldest dog. Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, earned a Guinness World Record by reaching the impressive age of 29 years.
While longevity and health don’t always go hand in hand, this breed is known for staying fit even in old age.
3. Havanese
Originating from the capital of the Caribbean island of Cuba, the Havanese, like many small dogs, is more likely to develop liver and kidney diseases than its larger counterparts.
Otherwise, these loving characters can be expected to stay healthy for most of their lives.
4. German Pinscher
The German Pinscher isn’t known for any breed-specific health conditions beyond the usual eye and hip problems later in life.
Regular exercise and proper care should lead to a long, healthy life for these adorable dogs.
5. Belgian Malinois
Bred as herding dogs, Belgian Malinois are close relatives of the more popular German Shepherd. Like many working breeds, they are naturally intelligent, very resilient, and tend to stay healthy. The only condition they are predisposed to is cataracts.
6. Shiba Inu
Japanese Shiba Inus may suffer from arthritis in their later years. Other than that, they have every chance of living a problem-free life for many years.
7. Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua has very few breed-specific diseases, although older dogs may develop eye and heart problems. This is the breed with the longest typical lifespan.
8. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier, a British breed first developed in West Riding of Yorkshire, is known as the “king of Terriers.” This is a dog with relatively few health issues, with cancer being the primary cause of death.
9. Border Collie
The energetic Border Collie used to suffer from various genetic conditions, but DNA testing by breeders has helped eliminate many of them, making it one of the healthiest breeds.
Deafness and epilepsy are the two most common conditions that still affect the world’s smartest dog breed.
10. Basenji
A breed of Central African origin, the Basenji is famous for being a dog that doesn’t bark. Bred to hunt prey, they have no real predisposition to health problems as long as they get enough exercise.
11. Greyhound
The larger the Greyhound, the more likely they are to develop musculoskeletal conditions. Italian Greyhounds are more likely to need a vet visit, but in general, they stay in excellent condition until old age.
12. Siberian Husky
Considering they were bred to pull sleds over long distances in below-freezing conditions, it’s no surprise that a Siberian Husky tends to remain healthy as a pet.
While some older animals may develop eye and hip problems, these are uncommon in their early years.
13. Beagle
Primarily developed for hunting, the Beagle is a popular pet with a keen sense of smell and will often follow scent trails for miles.
This breed tends to remain healthy, with eye and hip issues only developing in older dogs.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
