10 Dog Breeds with the Least Health Issues for New Owners [2024]
Updated November 16, 2023.
As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to live as long and as healthy a life as possible. While all dogs need proper care and attention, some breeds are more prone to health problems than others, making it important to choose a breed that is less susceptible to medical issues.
Additionally, a dog's lifestyle and level of activity can also contribute to their overall health. To keep your dog healthy and happy, it's essential to ensure their ears are clean, nails are trimmed, and they are regularly bathed to avoid health issues and infections. Here, we've compiled a list of 10 dog breeds with the least health issues to help you make an informed decision when selecting a breed.
10 Healthiest Dog Breeds
- Healthiest Dog Breed With the Least Health Problems - Beagle
- Healthiest Small Dog Breed - Bichon Frise
- Healthiest Medium Dog Breed - Siberian Husky
- Healthiest Large Dog Breed - Australian Shepherd
- Healthiest Mixed Dog Breed - Ewokian
- Healthiest Dog Breed That Does Not Shed - Poodle
- Healthiest Hunting Dog Breed - German Shorthaired Pointer
- Healthiest Hypoallergenic Dog Breed - Coton de Tulear
- Healthiest Brachycephalic Dog Breed - Boston Terrier
- Healthiest Longest Living Dog Breed - Chihuahua
1. Healthiest Dog Breed With the Least Health Problems - Beagle
Beagles are known to be a generally healthy breed with minimal health issues. They are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living conditions, from rural areas to big cities. Beagles are also friendly and make excellent family dogs, especially for those with children. With proper care, they can live for about 13 to 15 years.
Beagles are low-maintenance dogs, which means they do not need expensive trips to the groomer. However, regular grooming is still important to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Additionally, they require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. If you're looking for a dog that's easy to take care of and won't have too many health issues, the Beagle might be the perfect breed for you.
» How hypoallergenic is your Beagle? Here's the 411 on them
2. Healthiest Small Dog Breed - Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is one of the healthiest small dog breeds and an excellent choice for first-time owners or those looking for a companion that is less prone to health issues. These small but sturdy dogs have a lifespan of 12-15 years and are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor. Bichon Frises can adapt to most environments and are quick learners when it comes to training. Additionally, they have low exercise needs, making them ideal pets for individuals living in small spaces or without access to a yard.
3. Healthiest Medium Dog Breed - Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their affectionate, friendly, and outgoing temperament. They are generally healthy and can live for about 12-14 years. As active dogs with a fast metabolism, they tend to be in great shape most of the time. However, they do require more than 2 hours of exercise a day, requiring active people as owners—runners are ideal.
4. Healthiest Large Dog Breed - Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are active and easy-going dogs. They are intelligent and adaptable dogs that get along well with both pets and children. With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, they are one of the healthiest large dog breeds. However, they require more than two hours of exercise a day, so they are ideal companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running.
5. Healthiest Mixed Dog Breed - Ewokian
Mixed-breed dogs often have better health than purebreds because they're less likely to inherit breed-specific genetic predispositions. The healthiest mixed breed dogs usually come from selecting two breeds that aren't prone to the same health issues. The Ewokian is one such mix, a cross between the Havanese and Pomeranians. These small dogs are considered a toy breed and typically have a lifespan of 12-15 years. They require minimal exercise to stay healthy, but their coat needs regular grooming.
6. Healthiest Dog Breed That Does Not Shed - Poodle
Poodles are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies. They typically have a long, healthy life span of 12-15 years, and standard poodles face few health issues. These highly intelligent dogs love to play games and have high energy, requiring at least two walks a day. Due to their intelligence, Poodles can make excellent service dogs, guide dogs, or therapy dogs.
7. Healthiest Hunting Dog Breed - German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a top pick for those seeking a healthy hunting dog breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. These dogs are versatile, good-natured, and adaptable. They also shed minimally, making them an ideal companion both inside and outside the home. As high-energy dogs, they require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, but that just makes them a great addition to active families.
8. Healthiest Hypoallergenic Dog Breed - Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear is generally a healthy and rare breed with a lifespan of 14-17 years. They are affectionate, love children, and make excellent family pets. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic and do not shed, making them ideal for people with allergies. They're alert and naturally territorial but only require 30-40 minutes of exercise a day, making them suitable for people with a less active lifestyle.
9. Healthiest Brachycephalic Dog Breed - Boston Terrier
Brachycephalic dogs have relatively broad and short skulls. Because of that skull shape, their nasal passage is also shorter, which can cause the characteristic "snorting" sound. Boston Terriers are generally considered the healthiest brachycephalic dogs. They have a lifespan of around 13-15 years and are highly adaptable, doing well in apartments. They are resilient, good-natured, and playful, and get along well with other pets, even cats, if they were raised together. To keep them healthy, they need at least an hour of exercise a day.
10. Healthiest Longest Living Dog Breed - Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a popular Mexican breed of toy dog that can live as long as 20 years. They are loyal and affectionate pets and are often used as therapy dogs. Chihuahuas are easy to carry around and make excellent companions for people of all ages. However, they are not particularly well-suited for cold climates. While they do not require a lot of exercise, they still need 20-30 minutes of daily activity to maintain their health.
Keep Your Canine Companion Healthy
As a pet owner, you want your furry friend to be healthy and happy for as long as possible. By choosing a breed with fewer health issues, you can minimize the risk of costly vet bills and ensure that your companion will be around for many years to come.
However, even the healthiest dogs can become ill or injured, which can lead to unexpected veterinary expenses. To protect your pup and your wallet, consider purchasing pet insurance. By doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that your dog's health needs will be taken care of, and you won't have to worry about the finances.