What breed of dog has the least problems
22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems
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Australian Cattle Dog
Known to help ranchers keep herds in check, Australian Cattle Dogs love being outdoors. There's no doubt that their athleticism contributes to their health. An ACD named Bluey holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest dog; he passed away at 29 years old.
RELATED: 40 Top Medium-Sized Dogs
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Australian Shepherd
With historical ties to the Wild West, Australian Shepherds thrive on being put to work alongside farmers. Their active lifestyle ensures a long, happy life living anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
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Basenjis
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Beagle
Small but mighty best describes this breed well. Being part of a hunting pack comes naturally to them and they succeed, thanks to their excellent sense of smell. Living between 10-15 years, beagles make loyal companions.
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Belgian Malinois
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Bichon Frise
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Border Collie
The need to move keeps Border Collies young at heart, well into old age. With an average lifespan of 12 years, they stay busy herding livestock and winning first place at dog shows with their agility.
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Chihuahua
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Dachshund
Named an "icon" by the American Kennel Club, this dog's long body and short legs earned it the nickname "wiener." Daily exercise could help yours stay healthy for its 20th birthday.
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German Pinscher
Often described as elegant, the German Pinscher is always poised and ready for any adventure. This muscular breed has a lifespan of 12-15 years.
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German Shorthaired Pointer
Spot a German Shorthaired Pointer in a sea of dogs by their unique patterned fur. Leave one outdoors and it could run for days. Their drive keeps them young.
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Greyhound
Originally from Egypt, Greyhounds are admired for their perfect form and quickness during a chase. Hereditary health issues are rare in this breed.
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Havanese
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Miniature Schnauzer
Part of the terrier group, Miniature Schnauzers do well in a quiet family home or on a farm. Its muscular body and fearless attitude contributes to its 15-year lifespan.
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Pomeranian
Pomeranians don't let their small bodies keep them from being the life of the party. Their furry coats help them stay warm during short walks. If it's too cold, they can exercise indoors instead.
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Poodle
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Pug
Despite their wrinkly face, pugs are an energetic breed and can live up to 15 years with the right diet. They prefer places that aren't too hot or too cold, and don't mind having company.
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Shiba Inu
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Shih Tzu
Its long mane disguises 16 pounds of strength underneath it. Well known for its affection toward children, the Shih Tzu can live 18 happy years.
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Siberian Husky
Don't let a Siberian Husky's graceful walk fool you. This powerful dog is used to running in a pack and needs open space to release its energy. The average husky can live to be 14 years old.
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19 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds
Healthiest Dog Breeds
1. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the healthiest dogs out there. Known for their intelligence, work ethic, and stamina, these dogs are a typically resilient breed that doesnt face many health issues. Just as their name implies, theyve been bred to herd animals and need plenty of exercise to stay in top shape.
2. Australian Shepherd
Smart, loyal, and energetic, Australian Shepherds enjoy keeping active, and need physical and mental stimulation throughout their lives. These dogs especially enjoy advanced obedience training and excel in herding jobs. As a breed, they can be prone to certain diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and some eye diseases. Nevertheless, they are generally healthy dogs.
3. Chihuahua
Despite a tendency to forget how small they are, Chihuahuas are among the breeds with the longest lifespans. These loyal and energetic dogs pack a big personality and plenty of smarts. Since Chisas theyre sometimes calledare prone to obesity, pet parents should be careful to give them lots of exercise, even if its just playing fetch in the living room.
4. Beagle
Beagles are motivated by food and follow their noses everywhereeven into trouble. As pets, they are loving and affectionate. These dogs benefit from scent training and a controlled diet, since their insatiable appetites mean they will easily overeat given the chance.
5. Greyhound
The Greyhound is unique among hounds because its a sight hunter, meaning the breed relies on speed and agility to hunt prey. As sight hunters, they might not make good pets in homes with smaller pets, such as cats or rabbits, without proper training and introductions.
With their high energy levels and strong prey drive, Greyhounds need regular exercise. However, once they get their zoomies out, they can become cuddly couch potatoes.
6. Poodle
Poodleswhether the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, or the Toy Poodlemake wonderful pets. Smart, loyal, and easy to train, these dogs tend to get along with other animals and people alike. Poodles enjoy swimming and learning new tricks, and they tend to face only minor health issues as they age.
7. Havanese
The only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese has a long lifespan of 1416 years. This affectionate small breed loves his pet parents and is easy to train due to his exceptional smarts. However, the breed can face a few medical conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy and patellar luxation.
8. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are prized as hunting dogs because of their speed and stamina. GSPs boast high energy levels and need lots of exercise, as well as physical and mental stimulation, to stay healthy and out of trouble. These dogs can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat.
9. Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs love being around their pet parents. Generally, these gentle giants are well-behaved and affectionate, and they do especially well in households with kids. This healthy dog breed is not prone to many ailments and has an average lifespan of 1012 years.
10. Basenji
Typically an independent and energetic dog, Basenjis are sometimes described as catlike because of their aloof personalities and attentiveness to personal hygiene. Basenjis need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to satisfy their active minds and keep them out of trouble. This breed may be genetically predisposed to Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disease.
11. Shiba Inu
More than just a meme, Shiba Inus are small dogs with strong personalities. These dogs are known for being willful and for their classic Shiba scream. Their high intelligence makes them active and alert dogs that can become anxious if not given sufficient exercise. Though healthy, Shibas can develop arthritis in their old age.
12. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an elegant dog that is deeply devoted to her pet parents. The breed has two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Both kinds need special attention to keep their long fur (hairless Cresteds still have fine white fur on some parts of their body) well-groomed, but the hairless variety also needs sweaters to keep warm when out in the cold.
13. Border Collie
Bred as herding dogs, Border Collies are brimming with energy and need regular exercise. They enjoy having a job that provides both physical and mental stimulationafter all, they are one of the smartest dog breeds. Border Collies are hardy dogs but are also predisposed to some genetic diseases, such as Collie eye anomaly.
14. Whippet
Sleek and speedy, Whippets are capable of reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour. These easygoing dogs love chasing toys (and neighborhood squirrels), but their thin coats mean they can get cold easily. Whippets can be genetically predisposed to deafness, so pet parents should take them to their vet for regular checkups.
15. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are working dogs that arent afraid to use their voices and speak their minds. These dogs are usually friendly and intelligent, but they can also be very strong-willed. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Huskies may be prone to cataracts, even as puppies.
16. Anatolian Shepherd
Bred as guardians, Anatolian Shepherds are giant-breed dogs that have calm demeanors. They are always on alert, however, because of their breeding history. Anatolian Shepherds tend to be independent and need outdoor exercise to release pent-up energy.
17. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has lots of energy, but he doesnt need prolonged time exercising outdoors due to his small size. Playful and affectionate by nature, Bichons tend to have long lifespans averaging 1415 years. However, this breed is prone to developing diabetes mellitus, a condition that affects dogs abilities to regulate their blood sugar levels.
18. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are highly energetic dogs that serve as great companions for pet parents who enjoy outdoor activities, whether thats cycling or hiking. Their intelligence also makes them wonderful working dogs, and they have been trained for jobs including herding and drug detection. The breed is hardy and healthy, though predisposed to cataracts.
19. American Foxhound
As the name implies, the American Foxhound was bred to hunt foxes. These energetic dogs love being outdoors and are usually devoted to their pet parents. At the same time, they do well indoors and can get along well with other pets. With a lifespan of 1113 years, they are not genetically prone to many illnesses.
Featured Image: Adobe/melounix
22 Healthiest Dog Breeds (With Pictures)
We all want our dogs to stay healthy, but many factors influence a dogs lifespan and quality of life. Some are genetic, for which pre-breeding screening is the best way to reduce their effects through early detection. Other elements involve preventive health care, diet, and rearing. Understanding the mental component is also essential. After all, stress and fearfulness can affect your pet as easily as they can affect you.
The breeds in our list are based on a study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics. The researchers focused on inbreeding as a significant influence on dog health. It occurs in all breeds to some degree. However, it also increases traits that may affect mortality and overall well-being. We considered the breeds with greater numbers in the sample size to present the most robust data.
How Are Healthy Breeds Classified?
Inbreeding and its effect on health status was the primary consideration for the entries in our list. We also looked at the impact on lost dog years to quantify these findings. The confounding factors include accurate reporting, which we encountered when looking at owner-reported data, specifically with the breed and the animals medical history.
Dogs are an anomaly among animals. Usually, large animals are more long-lived than small ones. Think of the less-than-1-year lifespan of the deer mouse versus the 60 years that an African bush elephant can live in the wild. However, generally, small dogs live longer than giant dogs, such as the Irish Wolfhound, which lives 68 years. Thats evident in our list, and activity levels and the animals job are other vital factors.
The 20 Healthiest Dog Breeds
1. Finnish Spitz
| Height: | 15.520 inches |
| Weight: | 2033 pounds |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Life Expectancy: | 1315 years |
The Finnish Spitz is a stocky yet energetic pup that loves their family and readily shows affection. Its an ancient breed with spitz-like traits. People have selectively bred them as hunting dogs. Its taken a while for others outside of the breeds native land to recognize this breed. This was a godsend since it prevented inbreeding and its health risks. The American Kennel Club (AKC) even recognized the breed in 1991.
2. Norwegian Elkhound
| Height: | 19.520.5 inches |
| Weight: | 4855 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderately high |
| Life Expectancy: | 1215 years |
The Norwegian Elkhound is part of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Group 5, Spitz and primitive types. The cited study identified dogs in this category as having the lowest average morbidity. The test of time and the existence of the breed are proof. This pup is prominent in Viking history and Norse mythology, and they are hard-working and loyal companions.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
| Height: | 1012 inches |
| Weight: | 915 pounds |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Life Expectancy: | 1214 years |
The Jack Russell Terrier embodies two traits associated with longevity in dogs: activity and sociability. This pup is a fearless hunter, going after prey larger than them. The breeds origin is England. However, Australian enthusiasts have since selectively bred the dog to the current standard.
4. Border Collie
| Height: | 1822 inches |
| Weight: | 3055 pounds |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Life Expectancy: | 1215 years |
The Border Collie is a testament to canine intelligence, having been identified as the smartest breed. Its history goes back to the Vikings and Romans, who selectively bred this pup to be the agile and hard-working herder that they are today. They are affectionate pets with boundless energy, making them ideal dogs for families with children or those who need a working dog.
5. Siberian Husky
| Height: | 2023.5 inches |
| Weight: | 3560 pounds |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Life Expectancy: | 1214 years |
The Siberian Husky is full of energy. That explains their job as sled dogs, with a history that goes back roughly 9,500 years. The breed is also a part of the FCI Group 5. These pups are well-adapted to hard work and endurance. Their superior adaptability allows these dogs to take on strenuous tasks like sled racing.
6. Mixed Breeds
| Height: | Varies |
| Weight: | Varies |
| Activity Level: | Varies |
| Life Expectancy: | 1315 years |
The mixed breeds place on our list isnt surprising when you consider the role of inbreeding. Its likely not as much of a factor with these pups. That can mean less necessary veterinary care and a lower frequency of congenital and hereditary conditionsthat could shorten an animals life. They made up the highest number of pets in the sample size.
7. Miniature Pinscher
| Height: | 1012.5 inches |
| Weight: | 810 pounds |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Life Expectancy: | 1216 years |
The Miniature Pinscher is a German native but with no relation to the Doberman Pinscher despite their similar appearance. However, this pup has all the confidence and swag of a larger dog, even if they are only a fraction of their size. They are intelligent animals that need a job to be mentally fit. A distinguishing trait of this breed is their unique, high-stepping gait.
8. Chihuahua
| Height: | 58 inches |
| Weight: | Under 6 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderately high |
| Life Expectancy: | 1416 years |
The Chihuahua acts like a dog much larger than it actually is. They are affectionate and protective of their owners. They are also quite vocal and not as keen to meet strangers as other pups. The breeds history goes back hundreds of years. Perhaps all that spoiling and attention accounts for the animals long lifespan and feisty personality.
9. Collie
| Height: | 2226 inches |
| Weight: | 5075 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1214 years |
The Collies history goes back thousands of years to Scotland and a royal patron in Queen Victoria. The breed is a herding dog, which influences their personality. They are protective over their families and do well with children. They are intelligent animals that are eager to please. Like our previous entry, this pooch also seems to always have something to say.
10. Border Terrier
| Height: | 1215 inches |
| Weight: | 11.515.5 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1215 years |
The Border Terrier has a big personality like most of their kind. Historically, this dog hunted foxes, helping their owners by flushing them from their hiding places. This dog is well-suited to this task because of their tenacity and fearlessness. The breeds coat is thick and weather-resistant to keep the animal warm while roaming and working.
11. Dachshund (Standard)
| Height: | 89 inches |
| Weight: | 1632 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1216 years |
The Dachshunds short stance is the result of a genetic mutation. However, that didnt affect this pups ability to make themselves useful as badger hunters. This dog has all the grit, intelligence, and adaptability to succeed, even if theyre battling animals up to twice their size. This job has given this pooch the swagger and tough-guy attitude of a much larger canine.
12. Havanese
| Height: | 8.511.5 inches |
| Weight: | 713 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1416 years |
History has often played a role in a breeds development. The Havanese is a perfect example of enthusiasts coming to the rescue of this cute pup during Fidel Castros revolution. Nevertheless, the breed left its mark on the Cuban people, who made this pooch the countrys national dog. The AKC recognized the pup in 1996, and they have already soared to the 25th most popular breed.
13. Papillon
| Height: | 811 inches |
| Weight: | 510 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderately high |
| Life Expectancy: | 1416 years |
The Papillon is another example of the good life and health of toy and companion breeds. They are friendly dogs that will get along with anyone, including children. The breed has hobnobbed with royalty and celebrities through the years, including Marie Antoinette and Rembrandt.
Fun fact: The breed name refers to the dogs butterfly-like ears.
14. Shih Tzu
| Height: | 910.5 inches |
| Weight: | 916 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1018 years |
The Shih Tzu is a sweetheart of a pet, lavishing love and attention on their family. This pup is the only brachycephalic breed on our list. They are dogs with short snouts that often leave the animals vulnerable to respiratory and other health conditions. This pooch defies the odds as one of the most long-lived. The breeds adaptability and charming personality undoubtedly help its cause.
15. Basenji
| Height: | 1617 inches |
| Weight: | 2224 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderately high |
| Life Expectancy: | 1314 years |
The Basenjis claim to fame is their barkingor lack of it. They have their own unique vocalization. They also have the distinction of being one of the oldest known breeds and part of the FCI Group 5. The breed originated in Africa, with isolation being a benefit because of a lack of inbreeding. Basenjis probably havent changed much through the ages. Why spoil a good thing?
16. Poodle (Toy and Miniature)
| Height: | No more than 10 inches; Miniature: 1015 inches |
| Weight: | 46 pounds; Miniature: 1015 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderately high |
| Life Expectancy: | 1018 years |
The Poodle is so popular that there are three official size classes. The breed originated in Germany, where enthusiasts selectively bred the dog to flush waterfowl. The smaller pups have all the energy and intelligence of their larger cousin. Mental stimulation is vital for these dogs to safeguard their well-being and improve their quality of life.
17. Shetland Sheepdog
| Height: | 1316 inches |
| Weight: | 1525 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderately high |
| Life Expectancy: | 1214 years |
The Shetland Sheepdog is everyones best friend. This dog is affectionate and playful. They are also intelligent animals, nurtured by their role as herders. Shelties are hardy dogs, a necessary trait in their native land.
18. Miniature Schnauzer
| Height: | 1214 inches |
| Weight: | 1120 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1215 years |
The Miniature Schnauzer is another multi-class breed. Although not a part of their name, this pup is every bit a terrier. They are intelligent and easy to train. They are also outgoing for a dog of their size. You wouldnt know it from their personality. The breeds larger counterpart was an all-purpose farm dog. This dogs job was catching rats, of which they succeeded admirably.
19. Cairn Terrier
| Height: | 9.510 inches |
| Weight: | 1314 pounds |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy: | 1315 years |
The Cairn Terrier is another pup selectively bred to control rodent populations. That made them invaluable to farmers. This job made these dogs intelligent and independent. The breed gets its name from the places these dogs would search to find their quarry. Of course, its probably best known for the pups role in the classic movie The Wizard of Oz.
20. Australian Cattle Dog
| Height: | 1720 inches |
| Weight: | 3550 pounds |
| Activity Level: | High |
| Life Expectancy: | 1216 years |
The Australian Cattle Dog held a unique record that puts this pup squarely on our list. Until February 1, 2023, this breed included the oldest living dog, only to be outdone byBobi, a Portuguese caninethat lived to be 31 years and 165 days. Bluey, the previous titleholder, lived to be 29 years and 5 months. Enthusiasts have selectively bred the Australian Cattle Dogs to be tough. Their job herding livestock demanded a pooch up to the task.
Conclusion
Several common themes appeared in our list. Inbreeding and the negative effects of selective breeding top it. That explains the absence of many brachycephalic dogs. Weve also seen the consequences of breeds having jobs that keep them mentally and physically fit. Genetics plays a role in obesity that accounts for the absence of the Golden Retriever and Pug.
The takeaway is that health care, diet, and exercise are essential for your pupsand yourgood health. These factors underscore the serious responsibility of pet ownership and what it entails.
Featured Image Credit: BMJ, Shutterstock
