25 Most Healthy Dog Breeds: Low-Maintenance Choices for Longevity

Without any doubt, the advancements in veterinary medicine provide hope of longevity for our dear pets.

Nevertheless, some breeds of dogs are much healthier and attract a minimal medical cost. I have described them in this article.

If you are looking to adopt a dog then check out this list of 25 healthiest dog breeds before making a choice.

You will never go wrong if you pick from our list.

Are you ready? Let’s jump right in!

List of 25 Healthiest Dog Breeds

1. Greyhound

Top on our list of 25 healthiest dog breeds is the Greyhound.

A giant dog with a narrow and lean body. It is very energetic and athletic. Its active lifestyle keeps illnesses at bay.

This dog is very loyal and smart. You can teach him tricks and commands, he will get along well

If you love to run, this dog might just be the right company. It runs at the speed of 45miles/hr. Cool, right?

Also, this dog breed is friendly with children and it can live for 13-15  years.

2. Chihuahua

Though it is one of the smallest dog breeds, the Chihuahua is very active with a big personality.

It weighs about 5 pounds and makes a perfect choice for an apartment dog.

This dog can get jealous when another pet or human steals the owner’s attention. But you can avoid this attitude if you train the dog early.

Chihuahuas can also be paper trained to limit daily potty walks.

A very healthy dog can enjoy a pampered life for 18 years.

3. Poodles

The third dog on our list of healthiest dog breeds is the Poodles.

It is a small dog with three size varieties: toy, mini, and standard. They come in many colours.

Families adopt this breed because they are sociable and really smart. You can teach them tricks and commands.

This breed is very healthy and hypoallergenic. With proper grooming and care, they can live up to 18 years.

4. Beagle

Here is another healthy dog breed that you should consider. They are friendly and kind to children.

Beagles are small in size, with an impressive sense of smell and outstanding hunting skills.

They tend to bark and howl a lot though. And in addition to being healthy, they also make loyal companions.

Beagles can live up to 15 years. But they are susceptible to progressive retina autotrophy at old age.

5. Shiba Inus

Small but tough – that’s the best way to describe this cat of dogs.

The Shiba Inus is another healthy breed of dog that makes a loyal family member.

They are super active and can be trained as watch-dogs. With plenty of exercises, this dog breed will remain at its best.

Additionally, socialization at early puppy stages will prevent this dog from being aggressive toward other dogs.

Shiba Inus have a life expectancy of 14 years.

6. Belgian Malinois

One of my favourites, the Belgian Malinois breed is a healthy dog with a great personality.

You can easily spot them because of their perky ears and dark face.

Their high degree of obedience and intelligence qualify them to serve as military dogs.

They are full of energy and ever ready to learn new tricks.

A very healthy dog breed that can live up to 16 years.

7. Bichon Frise

The seventh dog on our list of healthiest dog breeds is Bichon Frise.

They are cute in their snowy fur and always put up an attractive smile.

It is good that they are also healthy. Some dogs may suffer elbow dysplasia and deafness at one point in their lives but no serious illnesses.

They can live up to 14 years and you can be sure of overwhelming tenderness for the period you will have them.

Bichon Frise is not super active and will be fine with only short walks.

They seldom bark and may not always be the best companion for your kids.

8. Siberian Husky

When you see a Siberian Husky then you have seen a combination of beauty and strength.

It does a great job as a sledge dog and will not mind sticking to a family that enjoys outdoor activities and agility training.

One striking feature of the Siberian Husky is its thick coats that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

You will also love the beautiful eyes that range from icy blue to multi-coloured.

This dog is very healthy, incredibly strong, and has an outgoing personality. It can live up to 15 years. There are no genetic medical concerns.

9. Border Collie

Yet another dog that made it to our list of healthiest dog breeds is the Border Collie.

You must have met this dog before; it has a warm personality that you cannot forget in a hurry.

Border Collies are smart, patient, and empathic. This makes them a great option for first-time owners. They are also really strong,  agile, and athletic.

Collie eye abnormalities and hyperthyroidism are common diseases with this breed. But proper care will keep illnesses at bay.

A Border Collie can live up to 15 years.

10. Whippet

The Whippet is another healthy dog breed. It is a member of the sighthound group and is often referred to as a smaller version of the Greyhound.

Whippets are lean and muscular. They have great hunting skills without losing out on speed and agility.

These dogs can cover 35 miles in an hour. They are also very quiet and tend to become attached to their owners.

Whippets are very good with children and need plenty of exercises to stay healthy. They are also very intelligent and trainable.

Their thin skin and lean bones make them susceptible to fractures and skin lacerations. That notwithstanding, they can live up to 15 years.

11. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is also one of the healthiest dog breeds. It is unique, combining a modest size with a haughty look.

You will also like its silky coat, which requires lots of grooming to prevent matting.

These dogs are sturdy and playful. They make an adorable family pet. All they need is Basic obedience training and they are good to go.

Shih Tzu is a very healthy dog and can live up to 16 years.

12. Havanese

Another cute dog that made it to our list of healthiest dog breeds.

The Havanese is a breed native to Cuba. They are small but sturdy with very long hair. Their hair can be combed into different beautiful styles.

They are very affectionate and this accords them the lapdog term.

These dogs require very little exercise as they are not as active as other dogs.

And though they may be predisposed to hereditary deafness, they are pretty healthy overall.

Havanese dogs can live up to 13 years. They are also smart and easy to train.

13. Basenjis

Have you met a Basenji? If you have then you will agree that this dog licks up his fur like a cat.

They are independent dogs who rarely bark. Rather, they yodel to express themselves, mostly against intruders.

This breed is very healthy and can live up to 12 years.

14. Australian Cattle Dogs (ACD)

We have here a healthy dog breed that has once made it to the Guinness book of records.

An ACD named Bluey was listed as the oldest dog. He died at 29 years old, cool!!

This dog breed is very strong and agile. They are popular in ranches as they help shepherds watch over cattle.

These dogs love to be outdoors and their athleticism contributes to their very healthy nature.

They generally live up to 16 years. Though some may suffer joint problems which can be corrected with surgery and rest.

15. Australian Shepherd

Just like the ACD, the Australian Shepherd enjoys outdoor activities. It makes a great company for adventurous families.

The dog also does a good job of keeping herds. It is active, energetic, intelligent, and easy to train.

This breed is not prone to the bone, fur, and skin illnesses. But they can suffer from hip dysplasia in old age.

It is one of the healthiest dog breeds that will be an excellent addition to the family.

They can live up to 15 years.

16. German Pinscher

Another healthy dog breed on our list is the German Pinscher.

Popular for their elegance and muscular bodies, these dogs are active and athletic.

They do bark a lot but they don’t bite as much. Also, the dog has a high IQ and can be trained to be selectively aggressive.

Hence, it qualifies as an excellent watchdog.

These dogs have the least health worries and can live up to 15 years.

17. German Shorthaired Pointer

Here is another amazing fellow that made it to our list of healthiest dog breeds.

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a unique patterned fur that distinguishes it from other dogs.

They are very active and love to run. Their healthy nature can be traced to their active lifestyle.

Also, their ability to run for long qualifies them as a sporting dog breed.

Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer is playful and affectionate. You will not regret adopting this breed.

Be sure to engage him in mental and physical exercises to keep your dog at its best. It can live up to 14 years.

18. German Shepherd Dog (GSD)

It is understandable if you do not want to adopt a GSD. This dog does require daily exercises to stay active.

You will find this breed mostly in military families. GSDs are affectionate and loyal.

They have a keen intellect and are highly trainable.

Because of their well-rounded temperament, they serve well as K9 police dogs and guide dogs for the blind.

They can also be great with children if they’re properly trained. Plus, their protective instincts qualify them as guard dogs.

The German Shepherd is a strong and muscular healthy dog breed. It can live up to 13 years.

19. Dachshund

Dachshunds are easy to spot because of their long bodies and short legs. Popularly known as the “wiener dog”, they are very healthy too.

And though they don’t look it, they are full of energy and stamina.

These dogs enjoy taking a walk and playing outside. They are also very active inside the house.

You should not overfeed them to avoid back problems. They are friendly buddies and great watchdogs too.

These dogs can live up to 16 years.

20. Pug

You know the Pug, don’t you? Their wrinkly face can never be mistaken.

These dogs are small and sturdy, very energetic, and active.

Pugs also love to play and spend time with family. Therefore, lots of walking and playtime with you will make a healthier dog.

They also love to eat but don’t be lured to feed them more than the right portions. That may lead to obesity.

Note that there is a possibility of eye injuries because of their big eyes.

When they are properly catered for, Pugs can live up to 15 years.

21. Pomeranian

Another dog that made it to our list of healthiest dog breeds is the Pomeranian.

They are small in size but that doesn’t mean that they will have a short life. These dogs can live up to 16 years with proper care.

Pomeranians have a sturdy body and an abundant textured coat. Therefore, they are relatively safe in extreme weather conditions.

These dogs are very healthy but if they do fall ill, it can be traced to poor grooming and hygiene.

You will enjoy the friendly nature of these dogs if you take good care of them. They are also smart and fearless.

22. Foxhounds

Foxhounds are another dog breed with little or no health problems.

If you are adopting this hardy hound then you must be committed to exercising. They need it to maintain their sharp constitutions.

With adequate care, these dogs can live up to 12 years or more.

23. Miniature Schnauzer

We have here a member of the terrier group that can keep you laughing all day.

These dogs though small in size are very sturdy, active, and affectionate. They are very muscular and fearless too.

Miniature Schnauzers are also smart and easy to train. You will so love their huge personality.

Their energetic nature requires lots of exercises to keep them up and going.

They can live up to 15 years with adequate care.

24. Springer Spaniels

Yet another healthy dog breed that made it to our list is the English Springer Spaniels.

They are seldom affected by hereditary diseases. But eye-related problems may occur as the dog ages.

Feeding them right and engaging them in physical/mental exercises will let you enjoy this dog’s company for 12 years or more.

25. Manchester Terrier

Lastly on our list of 25 healthiest dog breeds is the Manchester Terrier.

It is both goofy and clever. Terrier enjoys companionship and bonding with owners doing sports.

The breed has 2 varieties: standard and toy; both having a lifespan of 15 years.

Conclusion

While there is no perfect dog, several dog breeds are less prone to hereditary health problems.

If adopting a pure breed is your preference then you will be making a healthy choice if you picked from our list.

We have now come to the end of our discussion on the 25 healthiest dog breeds. I hope you enjoyed your read.

Now tell me: which dog breed from our list would you go for? Do you know any other healthy breed that should be added to our list?

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

Also, share this post with friends, thank you!