20 Small Dog Breeds with Exceptional Health Profiles

While seeking a small dog to adopt, you will probably consider its overall health condition.

A healthy dog means less maintenance cost. And some small dog breeds are generally healthier than others.

Your best shot is to pick one of such breeds. To help you, I have described in this article, 20 healthiest small dog breeds that you can choose from.

Are you ready to see the list? Let’s jump right in!

List Of 20 Healthiest Small Dog Breeds

1. Havanese

One of the cutest breeds there is, the Havanese made it to the top on our list of healthiest small dog breeds

It is a native of Cuba. This dog has a large heart with a very playful personality.

Shedding is not a challenge for this breed but its long coat does make grooming difficult.

The Havanese is an intelligent dog hence easy to train, it also tends to gain weight so, ensure it gets enough exercise

This breed is very healthy and can live up to 13 years.

2. Affenpinschers

Here’s a small dog breed that qualifies as an apartment dog. They don’t hide it when they are excited but they are naturally quiet.

Also, they are bold and protective and this makes them good watchdogs.

They can be curious too. This dog will fare better if it is socialized early in life.

And just like the Havanese, their long coat can make grooming quite tasking.

Affenpinschers are very healthy and can live up to 12 – 14 years.

3. Beagles

The third dog that made it to our list of healthiest small dog breeds are Beagles.

These dogs are popular and have won the heart of many homes.

They are friendly and gentle with children and so they make a great family pet. There is a high tendency to gain weight though. Be sure to feed them balanced meals and encourage exercise.

Beagles are very healthy and can live up to 12 – 15 years.

4. Chihuahuas

Another healthy small dog that made it to our list is the Chihuahuas.

They have a huge personality despite their tiny frame. Family bonding comes easy for them and they can be overly protective.

They are also great with kids. Early life socialization will help produce a friendlier dog.

This cute dog can serve as a lap dog and does not shed much. It is also popular for its longevity.

When properly catered for (adequate feeding and exercising), Chihuahuas can live up to 18 years!

5. Schnoodles

Here is a hybrid breed that made it to our list of the healthiest small dog breeds.

Schnoodles combine the intelligence and affection of Poodles with the sturdiness and playfulness of Schnauzers.

A very lovable breed that reacts well around children and as such will make a great family dog.

This dog is very active and commands a lot of attention. It is always willing to please the owner.

Both toy and miniature Schnoodles are very healthy and can live up to 10 to 15 years.

They will do well with plenty of exercise/playtime and healthy meals.

6. Miniature Schnauzer

Another healthy small dog breed that you shouldn’t miss is the Miniature Schnauzer.

These dogs are fun to be with and they can follow you everywhere even the bathroom (LOL).

Adopting a miniature schnauzer means goodbye to loneliness and boredom. Its huge personality includes intelligence, humour, affection, and more.

Because they are very active, they require lots of exercises to be at optimal health.

Investing in a carrier and dog fetch toy is also not a bad idea for this breed.

A very healthy dog that can live up to 12 – 14 years.

7. Pomeranian

We have here a descendant of the large sledge dog breeds. Little wonder why it has failed to act like a small dog.

Pomeranians are very active and tend to bark a lot. They can comfortably compete in agility and obedience games.

They also serve well as companion/family dogs if they are properly trained.

These foxy-faced dogs, 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder are very healthy. They can live up to 12 – 16 years.

Ensure you give them plenty of exercise, playtime, lots of love and care, and no hot weather.

8. Shih Tzu

Though the literal translation of Shih Tzu is “little lion”, this dog is not anyway fierce.

It is rather loving and affectionate. Shih Tzu is usually bred as a companion dog. They follow their owners everywhere.

Recently, the dog has been included in dog sports, obedience training, agility competitions, and rally.

This breed relates well with family members including other pets. A very healthy breed that can live up to 10 – 16 years

9. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu, a native breed of Japan is another dog that made it to our list of healthiest small dog breeds.

Initially, it served as a hunter of wild boar and was used to flush birds and small game.

Now, it is bred as companion dogs. They are high spirited and master a cat’s agility. Their upright ears can never be mistaken.

The long coat of this dog makes grooming a task but with proper care and regular good night’s sleep, your dog will remain at its best.

Shibas are very healthy and can live up to 12 -16 years

10. Boston Terrier

Here‘s another healthy small dog that will warm your heart. It is a popular breed.

Boston Terriers were originally bred to be fighting dogs. In recent times, they serve well as loving companions.

They have these tuxedo-like markings that accord them “American Gentleman” as a nickname.

These dogs fare well in different homes and apartments. They relate impressively with family members.

With adequate exercises and lots of affection, your dog will remain in optimal health.

A very healthy dog breed that can live up to 13 – 15 years.

11. Welsh Terriers

We have here another terrier dog that made it to our list of healthiest small dog breeds.

Welsh Terriers are very active and lovable dogs. They make fantastic family dogs because they relate well with kids.

Additionally, these dogs do not shed often and so, grooming will not be a difficult task. They are also intelligent and easy to train.

All these dogs need is ample exercise/playtime and a balanced diet to stay at optimum health.

They are really fun to be with. A super healthy dog that can live up to 10 – 14 years.

12. Norfolk Terrier

Yet another terrier dog on our list is the Norfolk Terrier. An apartment dog that will also do a great job at chasing rats on the farm.

This dog has amazing qualities that will make you doubt its little size. It is hard working, sociable, and agile.

Norfolk Terriers are low maintenance dogs and indeed very healthy. A good choice for novice pet parents.

They are also loyal companions. The lifespan for this breed is 12 to 15 years.

A dog carrier and fetch toys will be a good investment if you are looking to adopt these tiny buddies.

13. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier has a good reputation for being the most well-mannered terrier.

They enjoy hanging out with people and can make good companion dogs.

Though they may be cunning at times, these dogs are intelligent and eager to learn.

They are also bred for ratting and rabbit coursing. Their strong bark and love for a good chase can never go unnoticed.

Manchester Terriers make very good watchdogs. They are loyal and loving.

One of the healthiest small dog breeds that can live up to 14 -16 years.

14. Coton de Tulear

Another dog that made it to our list of healthiest small dog breeds is the Coton de Tulear.

A sweet dog with a cottony coat. It has a clownish personality and loves to cuddle.

This dog loves to please its owner and can be loyal to a fault. But you don’t mind, do you?

Cotons, as they’re fondly called, are a good option for first-time parents because they’re adaptable.

They are low maintenance pups. However, leaving this dog alone for long hours is not acceptable.

Don’t miss this breed if you are looking to include a smart and playful family member.

They are very healthy and can live above 14 years.

15. Dachshund

You probably know this breed. Its short legs and long body stand it out. Did you know they are very healthy too?

Dachshunds are hound dogs bred to hunt rabbits, foxes, badgers, and other tunnelling animals. Their strong sense of smell qualifies them for this job.

Moreover, Dachshunds also make wonderful family companions because they are loving and active as well.

They also serve as show dogs. Over the years, this breed has been given different nicknames including Wiener-Dog, Sausage Dog, Doxie, etc.

A dog carrier for travelling and a dog water bottle will be a good investment for this pooch.

Dachshunds are super healthy and can live up to 12 – 15 years.

16. Scottish Terriers

Here’s another terrier dog that made our list.

Scottish Terriers are independent and intelligent. They can be funny and serious as well. Their tactful nature makes them excellent watchdogs.

With this dog in your home, rodents will no longer be a source of discomfort. It also has a strong bark that can scare strangers.

They are not excited about running or jogging, we have their short legs to blame for that. But walking the streets with you will not be a problem at all.

An overall healthy breed that can live up to 11 to 13 years.

17. Border Terrier

We have here a terrier dog with a dual personality. While it can be an aggressive hunter and digger, it can also be a loving companion.

Border Terriers were usually bred to assist in foxhunts. Now, they have become a good addition to most homes.

They are alert, energetic, and good-natured. Apartment life can work for this breed.

It only needs enough physical activity to stay at its best. The lifespan for this dog is 12 -15 years.

18. Australian Terrier

As you can already tell, this small dog breed originates from Australia.

They are capable of hunting rodents and snakes. These dogs are also excellent watchdogs and companions.

Australian Terriers are very active and require plenty of exercises. They also thrive as earth dog competitors and obedience show dogs.

Their low-maintenance coat and compact size make them suitable for active apartment dwellers. They can be very loyal too.

One of the healthiest small dog breeds that can live up to 15 years.

19. Bolognese

The Bolognese dog is a super loving companion dog that will make a loyal family member.

It is popularly known as an antidepressant dog. A very happy dog that can cheer you up all day. But they can be manipulative so watch out.

This dog will adapt easily to apartment life. It does not enjoy solitude. Bolognese adores you and loves to go everywhere with you.

These dogs can also be stubborn to train but with more positive reinforcements and less harsh rebukes, you guys will be fine.

Their lifespan is 12 to 14 years.

20. Miniature Pinscher

Lastly on our list of healthiest small dog breeds is the Miniature Pinscher dog.

It originates from Germany where it is bred to hunt rats in homes and stables.

Their courtly physique and confidence got them the tag – “King of Toys.”

They are alert, boisterous, and fearless. Apartment life is feasible for this breed.

All they require is lots of exercises and you will have with you an enjoyable fur companion.

Miniature Pinschers are very healthy with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Conclusion

We have now come to the end of our discussion on the 20 healthiest small dog breeds. I hope that you enjoyed the read.

These dogs are super healthy and their compact size will not demand a lot from you.

Now tell me, which dog from our list would you go for and why? Do you know any other healthy small dogs that should be on this list?

Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section right now.

Also, share this article with other dog lovers on your list, thank you!