When it comes to adding a furry friend to your family, choosing a breed known for its overall health and longevity can help ensure many happy years together.
While no dog is immune to potential ailments, certain breeds tend to be heartier and more resilient, according to veterinary professionals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 11 of the healthiest dog breeds suggested by vets, examining the unique qualities that contribute to their robust constitutions.
Keeping Your Pup Healthy
Before diving into specific breeds, it’s essential to understand the role of responsible pet ownership in maintaining your canine companion’s well-being. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of preventative care, including:
- A balanced, age-appropriate diet
- Regular exercise tailored to your pup’s breed and energy levels
- Routine check-ups and preventative care (vaccinations, parasite control, dental cleanings)
Many vets recommend considering pet insurance as a safeguard against potential health issues and the associated costs.
Another major point, and something gaining much more publicity and popularity, is pet insurance, says Kimberly Nelsen, DVM, IndeVets Area Medical Director (VA/WV).
It is important to evaluate your pet insurance needs and options before that pup even enters your care. Pet insurance is a safety net for the inevitable accident or illness, even in the healthiest dog breeds.
While breed plays a role in a dog’s baseline health, proper care and preventative measures are crucial for any pup’s longevity and quality of life.
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11 Healthiest Dog Breeds
While no breed is 100% guaranteed to be free of health issues, the following 11 dogs are among those most highly recommended by veterinary experts for their overall hardiness and tendency to experience fewer congenital or inherited conditions.
Toy Poodles
Smaller breeds of dogs generally live longer than large and giant breeds, says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinarian at the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Toy Poodles, along with other petite pups like Chihuahuas and Papillons, may appear dainty but are known to live long lives, though they may have certain orthopedic issues such as wobbly knees.
Despite their compact size, Toy Poodles are energetic and intelligent, making them excellent companions for active households.
Papillons
In addition to their potential longevity, Papillons are praised for their athleticism and vigor, even into their senior years. Papillons, in particular, are excellent athletes and are known to excel at certain sports such as obedience and agility—even into their later years, notes Dr. Klein.
Australian Cattle Dog (AKA Heeler)
Originally bred for herding cattle, the Australian Cattle Dog (also known as a Heeler) is a hardy breed with few commonly seen orthopedic concerns when well-bred. They are very athletic and, if well-bred, have few commonly seen orthopedic concerns, says Dr. Nelsen.
However, she cautions that this breed requires ample exercise and mental stimulation to thrive, making them ideal companions for active owners or those willing to invest in activities like hiking or agility training.
Border Collies
Like the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collies hail from the herding group of breeds, which are known for their athleticism and relatively long, healthy lives.
Members of the herding group of dogs are athletic and known to live long, relatively healthy lives, confirms Dr. Klein. These breeds are intelligent and excel at vigorous, intense activity and love canine sports such as rally and agility and require attentive owners.
Afghan Hounds
Afghan Hounds are among the ancient survival of the fittest breeds that have existed for thousands of years, predating modern veterinary medicine.
Breeds that have been in existence for thousands of years were developed before veterinary medicine existed, explains Dr. Klein, suggesting their longevity is a testament to their innate hardiness.
Pharaoh Hounds
Another long-standing breed prized for its hunting abilities, the Pharaoh Hound is also among the ancient survival of the fittest dogs mentioned by Dr. Klein. These dogs have evolved over centuries to be strong, hardy, and well-adapted to their original environments.
Salukis
You may be less familiar with the Saluki breed, but these sleek and slender dogs are renowned for their speed, strength, and hunting prowess.
They are great coursers, fast and strong, and developed physical characteristics related to their geographical origin, says Dr. Klein, noting their adaptations for endurance and resilience.
While loyal to their families, Dr. Klein notes that these ancient hound breeds, including Afghan and Pharaoh Hounds, may be aloof and sensitive to strangers.
Chihuahuas
Despite their tiny stature, Chihuahuas are among the longest-lived dog breeds, often thriving well into their teens. Chihuahuas often live well into their teens, confirms Dr. Nelsen.
Health concerns in this breed are often age-related and typically affect the eyes and heart (cataracts and mitral valve disease).
She adds that while luxating patella (slipping kneecaps) is relatively common, this is often an easily managed condition that many times does not affect quality of life.
Havanese
The hypoallergenic Havanese breed is another small but mighty contender, with an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years, according to PetMD. Their compact size and minimal shedding make them a popular choice for city dwellers or those with allergies.
Miniature Schnauzer
With an expected lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Miniature Schnauzer is praised for its general health and hardiness. As with many breeds, obesity can be a concern without proper diet and exercise regimens in place.
Mixed Breed
While not a breed per se, mixed-breed or mutt dogs are often lauded by veterinarians as among the healthiest canine companions. This ‘breed’ is more of a category, but most veterinarians will agree the mixed breed is one of the healthiest dogs out there! says Dr. Nelsen.
Mixed breeds will often carry the good qualities of the parent breeds, and as veterinarians, we see statistically less disease in this cohort. The hybrid vigor of combining different purebred lineages can result in a heartier, more robust pup less prone to inherited conditions.
Conclusion
While breed can play a role in a dog’s baseline health, it’s essential to remember that every pup is an individual, and numerous factors contribute to their overall well-being.
Responsible pet ownership, including proper diet, exercise, preventative care, and (potentially) pet insurance, is crucial for ensuring a long, happy life for your furry friend, regardless of breed.
If you’re considering adding a new pup to your family, the 11 breeds highlighted here are among those most highly recommended by veterinary experts for their tendency toward good health, longevity, and hardiness.
Be sure to research reputable breeders or rescue organizations and prioritize finding the perfect four-legged companion to suit your lifestyle and household.
