Top 7 Healthiest Dog Breeds

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Owning a dog is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Dogs shower us with love and affection and fill our lives with joy and happiness. The only problem when it comes to dogs is - they don’t live long enough.

Dogs are prone to certain health problems and issues, and as dog owners, it is our job to keep them as safe and as healthy as possible. Some breeds are naturally healthier and live longer than others, and here is a list of the healthiest dog breeds in the world.

1. Australian Cattle Dog

There is absolutely no denying that the Australian Cattle Dog is the healthiest dog breed in the world. They could potentially suffer from specific issues, but that is rarely the case. These active working dogs are one of the best versatile farming dogs. They are known all over the world for their intelligence and hard-working characters.

Something that goes hand in hand with the dog’s health is longevity. These dogs have an unusually long lifespan. The oldest dog ever was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, whose owners had the pleasure of living with him for 29 years. That is undoubtedly one of the best things when it comes to Australian Cattle Dogs.

2. Basenji

Basenjis are one of the oldest living dog breeds. Some historians believe that Basenji-type dogs predate the Egyptian pyramids. Recent findings date these dogs about 5.000 years, and they wouldn’t still be around if they weren’t healthy. These charming little dogs were used in Africa for hunting small game, and they were known to be very quiet, so owners often tied little bells around their necks.

One of the best things about the Basenji breed is that they love being neat. They have cat-like behavior and love cleaning themselves. They absolutely hate being dirty, and if you have one of these dogs, you will see how much time these dogs spend cleaning themselves. Their average lifespan is 13-14 years.

Want to learn more about Basenjis? Check out their full profile - Basenji breed profile.

3. Beagle

The Beagle is an adorable little hound known for its amazing and delicate sense of smell. These little dogs were used for hunting foxes, raccoons, and other small game. These days, Beagles are known as one of the best family pets. They are excellent with kids, and they have a playful nature. Beagles are also adaptable and affectionate, so it is no wonder families across the US love them.

These dogs are also one of the healthiest dog breeds out there. They have an average lifespan of 12.5 years, and if they are well-bred, they won’t have any severe health issues throughout their lives. Beagle holds the Nr. 7 spot on the most popular dog list for last year.

4. Greyhound

People rarely associate Greyhounds with health, and their most defining characteristic is their speed. However, these dogs are one of the healthiest breeds out there. They have long limbs and muscles, enabling them to run at 45 miles per hour. These characteristics were carefully promoted in their breeding, and another good thing breeders did was focus on their health.

Greyhounds also have one of the longest life expectancies among the giant dog breeds. These dogs live on average 12 years. Interestingly, even though they are the fastest living dog breed, they are pretty lazy. They make excellent couch potatoes, and they will require a soft bed since they don’t have enough hair or body fat to keep them cozy.

5. Poodles

Poodles are extremely popular, and their excellent health might have something to do with it. They have a bad rep for having poor health, but well-bred Poodles are as healthy as they get. Unethical breeders usually take advantage of a breed’s popularity and use the situation to earn money. They don’t really care about the dog’s health or pedigree.

The best thing you can do for your dog’s health is to buy them from a reputable breeder that takes proper care of their dogs. Well-bred Poodles can live anywhere from 10 - 18 years, making them one of the longest-living dogs. Not only are they healthy, but they are also one of the smartest dog breeds in the world.

6. Chihuahua

Similar to the Poodles, Chihuahuas also have somewhat of a bad rep. These dogs’ popularity worked against overall breed health, and unethical breeders started breeding low-quality dogs to make quick bucks. Luckily, there are plenty of reputable and responsible breeders that produce healthy and happy dogs. Chihuahuas form close bonds with their owners, and they are very affectionate towards them.

These adorable tiny dogs are the smallest living dog breed, and when they are well-bred, one of the healthiest. They have large characters that will make you fall madly in love with them. The average Chihuahua lifespan is 15 years.

7. Havanese

The Havanese is a small companion breed used as a lap dog and companion for the Cuban elite since the 17th century. These lovely little dogs prefer playing the same role today. They make fantastic family pets that want nothing more than to spend time with their family. They are not too active, and they barely shed, so having them around is an absolute treat.

Smaller dog breeds generally have a longer lifespan, and Havanese usually live around 15 years. They might be prone to specific problems, but well-bred Havanese are incredibly healthy and happy dogs.

Now you know which furry friend will stay with you the longest and are less likely to have a severe health problem. No matter which dog you choose, we are sure you will make the best possible decision.

World Dog Finder team