Top 10 Healthiest Dog Breeds

No dog breed is free of any kind of health problems, but there are some that are comparatively healthier than others because of their genetics and overall safe lifestyle. The health of the dog actually depends on various factors. One is how prone are they to common illnesses found in dogs like hip dysplasia, cataracts, allergies, etc. Second is how rough is their lifestyle. If it is a working dog and spends most of the time outside, there is a higher chance of contracting germs and bacteria there as compared to the one that is more like a lap dog and spends most of the time indoors. 

Every pet owner knows how big the vet bills can be. If the condition is too severe and requires surgery, the cost may even go upwards of $10,000. Even if the treatment doesn’t require surgery, an unhealthy dog always ends up with low physical energy, behavioral problems, weight gain, and many other problems. These things will not only require money to treat but also a lot of time investment, by which we mean long hours at the vet. 

Now, we all want a loyal companion who’ll be by our side for years with the vet bills of a cactus (aka none). There’s no magic dog food that’ll make your pup live forever, but some breeds definitely seem to come with a little extra warranty. 

Here’s our list - 

List of Healthiest Dog Breeds ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

Athletic, intelligent and a breed prone to few health conditions, the Australian Cattle Dog is definitely one of the healthiest dog breeds out there. One of them named Bluey was even named the oldest dog to ever live (29 years). The high energy can sometimes lead to joint problems, but with proper rest and nutrition, it can be taken care of.

Small dogs usually live longer than the big ones. Chihuahua here is the smallest of all. With an average lifespan of 18-20 years, they are another very healthy breed out there. They are prone to certain conditions like eye problems and loose kneecaps, but it’s not common. 

These dogs are intelligent and athletic ones that come in standard, toy and miniature sizes. Irrespective of the size, they usually live up to 12-14 years of healthy life. The fact that they were bred to be hunting dogs makes them strong and resilient to rough environments. 

Talk about strength and health, and you’ll find Siberian Huskies on top of most lists. A Husky-led sled team saved more than 10,000 people by delivering vaccines in record time by travelling through the harshest of environments. They are medium-sized, so probably won’t live as long as the smaller ones but will definitely live a healthy life. 

A highly active dog breed that loves to work alongside farmers, the Australian Shepherd is another very healthy breed out there. They enjoy working and have got a strong and healthy body for it. They are prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and cataracts, though. 

A savvy hunter, the Beagle is a medium-sized, moderately active dog breed that lives healthily for an average life span of 10-15 years. They may end up eating too much as they’re easily drawn to food (thanks to their detective noses). But that’s something you can control. 

One of the fastest dog breeds out there, the Greyhound, is undoubtedly one of the healthiest ones out there too. You can’t run fast if you’re not healthy, right? They may be affected by bloat and gastric torsion because of their deep chests, but if you monitor them while eating and don’t let them eat too fast, it can be prevented.

The cat of the dog world, Basenji, is a unique dog breed. Instead of barking, they yodel and groom themselves like cats. It’s maybe because of that they are not prone to many serious health issues. They usually live a healthy life of around 13-14 years.

The smartest dog breed out there, Border Collie, is also among the healthiest ones out there. A healthy brain does keep the body healthy. You would have to make sure to keep them physically and mentally stimulated at all times to maintain their overall health. They are prone to certain conditions like collie eye anomaly and deafness, though.

The crypto star, Shiba Inu, is a stubborn, strong-willed but affectionate, attentive and intelligent dog breed. If a good amount of exercise is provided to their muscular and athletic bodies, you will have a very healthy dog that will live for about 13-16 years. 

While these are our top 10 picks, they are not the only healthy breeds out there. As we mentioned above, a dog’s health depends on various factors like lifestyle, diet, socialization, training, and, most importantly, the amount of love they get. 

There are many health conditions that dogs are prone to getting affected during different stages of their lifetime. These include – 

Apart from these, the health of a dog may also be compromised if what food they eat is not monitored. Many dog owners do not have complete information about which foods are good for dogs, and which are not. You could even blame some dog food marketing companies that package potentially harmful food as nutritious. 

We understand that there are going to be some factors beyond your control. Your dog may end up getting ill despite taking every possible care. At such times, it is important to get the best quality treatments, prescription diets and all other help possible. And just so that you don’t have to worry about the costs when you’re already worrying about the health of your dog, here’s our sincere suggestion – 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!