Key Takeaways
Chihuahuas are small and spunky, living 12—18 years with few health problems.
Poodles are intelligent, energetic, and hypoallergenic, living 12—15 years with minimal health issues.
Choose a breed with fewer medical issues for a healthier, happier dog and fewer vet visits.
Believe it or not, typical lifespan is just one element that defines the healthiest dog breeds. Genetic predispositions to certain ailments as well as a dog’s activity level throughout their lifetime can also contribute to physical health.
“Purebred dogs in general have more issues because they tend to have less variety in the genetic pool,” says Liz Trepp, DVM at Banfield Pet Hospital in Clive, Iowa. “If you’re looking for a truly healthy breed, you might pick the mid-sized hound from the shelter because it is a mix of breeds.”
Missy Matusicky, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, and assistant professor at Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, agrees. However, Matusiky notes that reputable breeders screen for many health issues. “A responsible breeder does pre-breeding health checks on both the mother and father prior to breeding them,” she says.
Choose the Healthiest Dog Who Fits Your Lifestyle
Prospective pet parents should do their research and think about what type of dog would be most compatible with their family and lifestyle. Then, review each pup’s health outlook on registered breed clubs to learn more about their overall wellness and what to discuss with potential breeders. Finally, always investigate the breeder to make sure they’re legit before bringing home your new best friend.
“Know what you’re getting into and why you want that particular dog breed,” Matusicky says. “Certainly some dog breeds have less-known health conditions than others. So, it really depends on what an owner is willing to handle.”
Every dog is an individual. Talk with a veterinarian to find simple ways—including proper diet and preventative care—to help ensure your new pooch has every advantage. And soon, one of the following dog breeds might become your new canine best friend!
Healthiest Living Dog Breed by Lifespan: Australian Cattle Dog
When it comes to longevity, the Australian cattle dog reigns, living on average for 12–16 years. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest living dog ever recorded was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey who lived to the ripe old age of 29. These active dogs—a key trait for general doggie well-being—not only stay relatively healthy but are also medium-sized, making them a good fit for many homes.
Trepp noted that if you plan to add them to a family with children, they must be properly trained and given a lot of exercise.
Healthiest Small Dog Breed: Chihuahua
Technically a tiny toy breed at just 5–6 pounds, Chihuahuas stand out as one of the healthiest dog breeds, too. Not only do they have plenty of spunk and personality, but can also live for anywhere from 12–18 years. Content to be carried around, snuggle on your lap, or bouncing around the house, they are loveable dogs that remain generally healthy and happy when cared for properly.
Do keep in mind that although wee pups like Chis are less likely to deal with issues common in big dogs like bloat or hip dysplasia, the Chihuahua Club of America states Chi owners are encouraged to work with their vets to keep an eye out for cardiac issues, patellar luxation, and eye conditions, especially in old age.
Healthy Medium-Sized Dog Breed: Australian Shepherd
When it comes to medium-sized dogs, the Australian shepherd is a great healthy dog breed pick, thanks to their boundless energy. If you’re an active, experienced dog owner, Aussies make dynamic companions even as they age; they’re always up for a run, hike, long walk, or even swimming.
Healthy Large Dog Breed: Greyhound
Greyhounds are the cheetahs of the dog kingdom. With their aerodynamic musculoskeletal condition and athleticism, they can run up to 45 miles per hour, making them the fastest dog breed in the world. These big pups are generally very healthy, other than conditions commonly seen in all large breed dogs. Just be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of congenital heart disease and osteosarcoma, which are unpredictable in any dog breed.
If you’re looking for a large breed to bring home, remember that bigger dogs with more weight to carry can be prone to certain health conditions because of their size. According to Matusicky, large-breed dogs are prone to neurological or musculoskeletal conditions and any medications they need tend to be more expensive due to needing a larger dosage.
Healthiest Dog Breed That Doesn’t Shed: Poodle
If you’re looking to add a dog to your home that will not only live a long, healthy life but also not shed all over your furniture and clothing or irritate your allergies, a poodle makes an excellent choice. Not just poofy and pretty, poodles are active and highly intelligent dogs that love to play games.
Typically living to be 12–15 years old—longer than most larger dog breeds—standard poodles face few health issues. Miniature and toy poodle breeds are great choices, too!
Healthiest Hunting Dog: German Shorthaired Pointer
Many hunting dogs, thanks to all their time spent running around outdoors, are healthy breeds. The German shorthaired pointer (or GSP for short) is one of the healthiest. They are a great addition to active families as they are highly trainable and full of exuberance! They also don’t shed much thanks to their short coat, making them an ideal companion both inside and outside.
Healthy Dog Breed for Cold Weather Climates: Old English Sheepdog
It’s no surprise that the Old English sheepdog can handle the cold, what with their heavy, shaggy coat. This weather-hardy breed loves to romp in the snow. But be sure to supervise your pup at all times and never push them too hard when exercising or playing, as this breed can experience a genetic condition called exercise-induced collapse (though responsible breeders will test for this).
Healthiest Dog Breed for Warm Weather Climates: Havanese
If a sunny climate is more your speed, consider a Havenese to keep you company. These small, smart pups hail originally from Havana, Cuba, so they can typically adapt to warmer temperatures. However, all dogs need a break from the heat now and then, so making sure your pooch has plenty of shade, cool air, and easy access to water to stay hydrated are essential for any breed. And when the weather is too cold or too hot to go outside, it’s better to find indoor games to play together.
Havanese typically live 14–16 years, remaining healthy despite potential small dog ailments.
Healthiest Family Dog Breed: Basenji
For a pup who has few health conditions to worry about and will be a great fit for playing with the kids, look no further than the Basenji. With their roots in ancient Egypt, this breed went from being hunters to domestic companions. According to the Basenji Club of America, Basenjis can acquire a disease called Fanconi syndrome, a kidney and urinary tract disorder, but responsible breeders often screen for this condition via the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals’ (OFA) recommended tests.
Another unique thing about this breed: Basenjis don’t bark. They share their feelings by yodeling, an endearing quality to weigh the pros and cons of when considering a new pup pal!
Healthiest Hound Dog Breed: Beagle
Sometimes being healthy means being easy to care for. That describes the beagle perfectly. They enjoy long, slow walks—on the beach, in the woods, on a hike, or anywhere they can sniff—and are known for being gentle with their owners. They typically live to be 10–15 years old, and their smaller stature for a hound makes them a good fit for a range of different homes.
Healthiest Ancient Dog: Shiba Inu
This captivating free-thinker is one of six Japanese dogs considered national natural monuments. Quite a distinction, yes, but not a surprise, considering the Shiba Inu has been around since 300 B.C. Their life expectancy is 13–15 years, and while they have some genetic concerns like every dog, your primary care responsibilities will involve proper dental hygiene and good nutrition to help them avoid obesity.
Since a Shiba Inu has an independent streak and can be a tad mischievous, stay consistent with positive reinforcement training, and she’ll settle in well.
Healthiest Athletic Dog: Border Collie
Look out: the exceptional border collie won’t just keep you on your toes, but on the run! Slacking mentally or physically with this zesty pooch simply isn’t an option. A canine star of the herding set, he thrives with games and tricks, and must—no, really, must—have a job to do. Every day. Park ranger? Sure! Marathon running pacesetter? Absolutely.
Like many highly-active doggos, border collies sometimes have trouble with hip dysplasia. Genetically, they can also develop issues with their eyes and ears. Reputable breeders should share lineage health information as well as testing standards to help assure you have the healthiest pup.
