Healthiest Dog Breeds

Like humans, dogs can be sensitive to specific health conditions based on their genetics. These medical problems often include cancer, heart disease, allergies, orthopedic issues, and skin infections. But some dog breeds usually lead very healthy lives and aren’t known for several serious health problems.

Every individual dog is different, and there’s no proof that it won’t develop health conditions just because a dog is known as a healthy breed. Still, genetics do play a significant role.

However, specific dog breeds are more prone to genetic health issues, while others are typically healthier with fewer veterinary bills or longer lifespans.

If you are looking for the healthiest small dog breed, it is wise to do your research and know the potential health risks connected with each choice.

In this article, we will go over cute small, and large, healthiest dog breeds that have the potential to become your loyal friend for many years to come.

Here Is the List of Some of the Healthiest Dogs:

Healthiest Small Dog Breeds

1. Beagle

Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Beagle is known for its sensitive sense of smell and smart hunting skills; the beagle is a relatively active, medium-sized dog with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Beagles normally lead healthy lives.

Common Health Issues:

Eye and hip problems

However, usually occur in older dogs.

2. Bolognese

 

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

These dogs were exchanged between Roman royalty long ago as great gifts. With its friendly nature, playful nature, and unparalleled devotion to its owner, this healthy small dog breed is cute and fun to run around your house.

Bolognese Dogs can become timid and very connected to their people, so they are best fitted for those who can be home with them usually. Regarding health, Bolognese can suffer from normal dog issues, like kneecaps, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

Bolognese Dog Common Health Issues:

• Luxating patella
• Hip dysplasia

However, with proper care, you can expect this little furry friend to keep you company for at least 12 years.

3. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have a lot of energy and intelligence for coming in such a little package. It’s also not unusual for these little dogs to live close to 20 years.

Moreover, they generally stay healthy for most of their lives. But some health problems linked to the breed include heart and eye problems and patellar luxation.

However, if mixed early enough, Chihuahuas can be fantastic for families with children.

Chihuahua Common Health Issues:

• Luxating patella
• Hypoglycemia

It is essential to ensure that your little furry friend maintains a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen to avoid nutritional problems.

4. Norfolk Terrier

Life expectancy: 15 years

Norfolk Terrier deserves its spot in the list of the healthiest small dog breeds, with fewer health problems than other dogs. This breed is an ideal companion as always ready to play and have fun.

Moreover, despite the small size, Norfolk Terriers are quite fearless and stubborn, so you will stay engaged in trying to tame their rebellious nature.

Norfolk Terrier Common Health Issues:

•  Hip dysplasia
• Heart abnormality

They are sensitive to vaccines, so watch how they feel after vaccination.

5. Havanese

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

From being extremely cute and fluffy, Havanese are also believed to be one of the healthiest small dog breeds. Havanese can make for a great family pet that loves attention and is inquisitive to explore the world.

Moreover, this breed likes lots of exercise and playtime, so you will never get bored.

Havanese Common Health Issues:

• Deafness
• Hip and elbow dysplasia

6. Lakeland Terrier

 

Life expectancy: 16 years

Initially, the Lakeland Terrier breed was presented to hunt foxes. It tends to be intelligent, stubborn, and aggressive – but still gets along well with children, seniors, and other pets. Moreover, this breed doesn’t have major health issues to note.

However, you should watch for things like Won Willebrand’s or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and get your dog a complete eye exam. Good exercise and diet should keep your Lakeland Terrier healthy for a long time.

7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

 

 

 

Life expectancy: 15 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of the most popular and healthiest small dog breeds. This energetic dog is intelligent and easy to train and can quickly become a loving companion to all your family members.

They shed a lot, so if you or your family have allergies, this breed might not be for you.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Common Health Issues:

•  Hip dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease

Moreover, Corgis tend to gain weight quickly, so you must ensure they receive adequate exercise and consume a healthy diet.

8. Schnoodle

 

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Schnoodle is a mixed breed, combining Poodles and Schnauzers.

Most owners prefer Schnoodles for their high brilliance and remarkable playfulness.

Moreover, to its high activity levels, this dog acts well around kids and makes a perfect pet for the entire family.

Schnoodle Common Health Problems:

• Luxating patella

Similarly to most other small dog breeds, Schnoodles are prone to specific health issues in the knees and hips, so pay attention to their parent’s health.

9. Welsh Terrier

 

 

Life expectancy: 15 years

Welsh Terriers present one of the healthiest small breed dogs who love life. With its playful nature, this dog breed needs lots of exercises and a well-balanced diet to keep its high metabolism.

Moreover, they don’t shed much, making their grooming care easier. They make genuinely wonderful family friends, ideal for both children and seniors.

Welsh Terriers Common Health problems:

• Glaucoma
• Lens luxation

Get a complete eye exam from a vet for your Welsh Terrier.

10. Boston Terrier

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

If you are looking for a cute and healthy puppy, adopt a Boston Terrier. This breed is quite easy to care for in training and grooming. Moreover, a Boston Terrier is a caring friend loyal to you and your kids.

Boston Terrier Common Health Issues:

• Deafness
• Cataracts
• Heart murmurs

This small dog breed is prone to specific health issues; many other health issues can be detoured with proper care. Additionally, make sure to pay attention to their daily diet.

Healthiest Large Dog Breeds

1. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel dog breed is known to suffer from severe hereditary diseases rarely but can suffer from eye problems if not properly cared for.

They can develop ear infections because their long ears need to be properly cared for. They love to exercise and need lots of it! They make wonderful pets and would suit an active family.

2. Siberian Husky

 

Siberian Husky dog breed is part of the Spitz family and another breed that is known to have very few health-related issues. They are prone to hip dysplasia and sometimes diseases in their eyes. They have a lovely temperament and make wonderful companions.

3. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is thought to be one of the healthiest dog breeds, as they were not originally bred to compete in shows. However, they do not live as long as the vast majority of smaller dog breeds.

They’re an active breed of dog that requires lots of exercise. The German Shepherd would suit a family that loves adventures and the outdoors.

4. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu’s dog breed fits into the healthy dog breed category. However, they are predisposed to getting patellar luxation or hip dysplasia.

They originated from Japan and were bred for hunting. They’re very independent and clever. They normally live, on average, 12-15 years.

5. Australian Shepherd

 The Australian shepherd is a good pick for a breed with fewer health concerns when we talk about medium-sized dogs. All thanks to their boundless energy. If you are an experienced and active dog owner, the breed makes up to be a dynamic companion even as they age.

6. Border Collies

Border Collie dog breed is considered to be relatively healthy. The Border Collie is a large breed and can sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia. They were, however, bred for herding other animals.

7. Greyhound

The greyhound dog breed is known as the cheetahs of the dog kingdom. Their phenomenal athleticism and musculoskeletal condition can run up to 45 miles per hour. It is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Researching the healthiest dog breeds can help you find a loyal family friend who will stay by your side for many years. However, remember that every breed comes with specific health problems that it is predisposed to.

Luckily, with a healthy and balanced diet, an everyday exercise regimen, and regular visits to the vet, you will be able to prevent problems and keep your doggy happy and healthy.

It doesn’t matter whether a dog is old or young, make sure your furry friend is as healthy as it can be for a long time.