We all want our beloved canine companions to live as long as possible. But we also want them to live healthy lives. There are some dog breeds that are naturally more prone to certain health issues than others, which can impact both their quality of life and yours.
If your dog isn’t healthy, they certainly aren’t happy. An unhealthy and unhappy pooch can be difficult for owners. Dogs with serious and or many health issues can not only be emotionally challenging but financially draining, as well. When it comes down to it, you’d rather be out exploring the world with your canine companion than taking another expensive trip to the vet.
Of course, quality care is an essential component of any dog’s overall health. Without proper care, all pups are susceptible to developing a wide range of health issues regardless of breed. As a dog parent, you should make sure that your furry friend always has a safe, comfortable environment, high-quality food, adequate mental and physical stimulation, necessary grooming, and regular vet visits. This will go a long way towards keeping your pup healthy and happy—and minimizing healthcare expenses. Below is a list of some of the dog breeds known to have the least amount of health issues relative to other breeds.
Beagle
A popular dog breed among American households, Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs, which makes them fairly active. They are considered a very healthy medium-sized breed, and if well taken care of, can live between 10 and 15 years. The primary health conditions associated with the breed—vision and hip issues—usually surface in a Beagle’s advanced years.
Australian Cattle Dog
These dogs are known to be incredibly active. As the breed’s name suggests, they were originally bred as cattle herding dogs. These high-energy pups can make excellent running or hiking buddies for active people and can live up to 16 years.
As with most working dogs, the Australian cattle dog’s athleticism likely contributes to their overall health. When breeders prioritize the dog’s function rather than its appearance, they naturally weed out genetic predispositions to health problems. Their active nature, however, can lead to joint or ligament issues due to natural wear and tear.
Fun fact! According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest living dog ever recorded was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years old.
Chihuahua
The world’s smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas are also some of the healthiest and longest-living. These lap dogs stay generally healthy for most of their lives and can live up to 20 years if well cared for. It is thought that because Chihuahua breeding is more often accidental than intentional, their hereditary lines are more diverse than most other breeds. This helps them minimize the effects of any negative genetic characteristics in their bloodline. Chihuahuas are, however, susceptible to some health risks commonly associated with toy and small breeds, including tracheal collapse and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps).
Siberian Husky
Huskies are another great example of an active, working breed with minimal health risks. These dogs have remained largely consistent with their wolf ancestors, and this relative lack of human intervention and interbreeding has resulted in hearty, healthy pets that typically live between 12 and 16 years. Huskies are prone to some eye and hip issues, but breeders have worked to remove some of these genetic predispositions.
Havanese
Hailing from Cuba, this generally healthy breed is also fairly long-lived. The Havanese’ average lifespan is 14 to 16 years. They can be prone to some hereditary deafness, as well as bone and joint issues, which can be burdensome but not typically life-threatening.
Smaller breeds like Havanese and Chihuahuas tend to be prone to dental issues. With small mouths, they are more likely to experience teeth crowding, meaning there is less space between the teeth and more places where food can lodge and collect bacteria. This can be compounded by the fact that small breeds are also more likely to retain baby teeth. Small pups should receive regular dental cleanings and may benefit from teeth extractions, as poor dental health can lead to other more serious health issues.
Australian Shepherd
These high-energy pups tend to live very active lifestyles, which often ensures a long, happy life. Their boundless energy helps them maintain a healthy weight, keeps their mind sharp, and supports overall health, meaning that they have few health concerns. Australian Shepherds can live between 12 and 15 happy years.
Basenji
Known as the “barkless” dog, Basenjis are energetic and intelligent, as well as fairly particular about their hygiene and personal grooming—they groom themselves much like cats do. According to genetic research that traces their ancestry to ancient Egypt, Basenjis are also thought to be the world’s oldest dog breed! They can live up to 14 years and have few genetic predispositions to health problems.
Greyhound
Hereditary health issues are rare in this active breed. Famous for their running speed, Greyhounds are generally very healthy and can live up to 13 years. They do have deep chests, which means they are susceptible to bloat and gastric torsion (twisting of the stomach), particularly if they eat too quickly.
Poodle
Poodles are known to be highly intelligent dogs. Despite their appearance and reputation as being high-maintenance and uptight, these dogs are extremely athletic. Originally bred as hunting dogs, poodles’ active nature keeps them in great shape. They can live between 10 and 18 years.
Mixed Breed
If inter-and overbreeding leads to many of the hereditary health issues in dogs, it’s reasonable to assume that mixed breed dogs are naturally less prone to these problems. Mixed breed dogs can inherit the traits, both good and bad, of all the breeds in their bloodline, so it’s less common for both of their parents to pass along genetic propensities for certain health concerns. And on average, any health issues inherited from a diverse pool of relatives are less likely to be serious or devastating. Because every mixed breed dog is different, it can be more challenging to predict breed-specific health risks in these dogs.
As pet parents, we want to maximize both the longevity and health of our furry friends. Breed can be an important consideration for the overall health of your dog and will help you better understand the health risks that you should be aware of and prepared for. While some dogs are more prone to certain issues than others, it’s important to emphasize that all dogs can develop health problems if not well cared for. Looking out for the health of your pup will help you both lead happier lives.
