Many pet lovers choose dogs based on behavior traits and appearance, but some people are only interested in securing healthiest dog. If you choose a healthy dog, you can enjoy years of happiness with your pooch and make sure that it will live a long, healthy life. Although, it is difficult to predict which dog breed will be the healthiest, there are certain breeds that seem to have lower instances of bone-related injuries, genetic diseases, and skin and coat problems. Here is a list of 10 dog breeds that are considered healthiest:
1. Rottweiler
These dogs were developed as herding dogs in Germany. They were also called "Rottweil butcher's dogs", as they herded livestock and pulled carts loaded with butchered meats for the market. Now these days, these dogs are used in search and rescue.
Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Weight/Height | Males: 95-130 lbs, 24-27 inches; Females: 85-115 lbs, 22-25 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 Years |
| Space Requirements | House with Yard |
| Protective Ability | Very Protective |
| Grooming | Brushing Once a Week or Less |
| Energy Level | High Energy |
| Trainability | Moderate Effort Required |
2. Basenji
These dogs enjoy long lives due to few health problems. Some common problems for these dogs are hip dysphasia and hypothyroidism (both of which can be treated depending on the severity of the condition). These dogs are known for their high stamina.
Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Weight/Height | Males: 24lbs, 17 inches; Females: 22lbs, 16 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | Apartment is Ok for these dogs |
| Protective Ability | Fairly Laid Back |
| Grooming | Rarely |
| Energy Level | High Energy |
| Trainability | Moderate Effort Required |
3. Shiba Inu
These small dogs have few health problems, but these few problems can be difficult to resolve. Patellar luxation, which is a condition that allows the kneecap to easily pop out of place, is common in these dogs. Screening these dogs for this condition and removing affected dogs from the gene pool are the best defenses against problems within the breed. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Weight/Height | Males: 18-25 lbs, 14½-16½ inches; Females: 18-25 lbs, 13½-15½ inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | House with Yard |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | A Couple Times a Week |
| Energy Level | High Energy |
| Trainability | Moderate Effort Required |
4. Chihuahua
These small pooches can have a long lifespan. Patellar luxation and hypothyroidism are common health problems in these dogs, but these remain relatively uncommonly when they are purchased from the reputable breeders. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Weight/Height | Males: Less than 6 lbs, 6-10 inches; Females: Same |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | Apartment is Ok |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | Brushing Once a Week or Less |
| Energy Level | Varies According to Type |
| Trainability | Moderate Effort Required |
5. Bichon Frise
Generally, it is a healthy breed. Some health conditions that are prevalent within this breed are not life-threatening. However, these dogs do get bladder stones and allergies, and these two medical conditions require regular, ongoing treatment. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Spain, Belgium |
| Weight/Height | Males: 7-12 lbs, 9 ½-11½ inches; Females: 7-12 lbs, 9 ½-11½ inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | Apartment Ok |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | Every day, Professional Grooming May Be Required |
| Energy Level | Low Energy |
| Trainability | Very Easy To Train |
6. Australian Cattle Dog
This breed of dogs holds the record for the longest lifespan, which is an astounding 29 years. This breed also exhibits few health problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (a problem that can cause blindness). Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Weight/Height | Males: 33-50 lbs, 18-20 inches; Females: 33-50 lbs, 17-19 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | Needs a lot of Space |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | Brushing Once a Week or Less |
| Energy Level | High Energy |
| Trainability | Very Easy To Train |
7. Poodle
Poodle comes in extra small, small, medium, large and extra large sizes. These are hardy dogs with very few health problems. In these dogs, hip dysphasia is a concern, but pre-breeding health screenings can reduce the chances of this medical condition. Some poodles may be subject to bloat, which is a fatal problem that occurs when dog’s stomach flips inside.
Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Size | X-Small 4-8 lb; Small 8-15 lb; Medium 15-35 lb; Large 35-55 lb; X-Large 55-90 lb |
| Other names | Caniche, Barbone |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | Apartment is Ok with this dog |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | Professional Grooming May Be Required |
| Energy Level | High Energy |
| Trainability | Very Easy To Train |
8. Beagles
These dogs are energetic and healthy. However, these dogs are not immune to the health problems such as allergies and seizure disorders. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | England |
| Weight/Height | Males: 22-25 lbs, 13-15 inches; Females: 20-23 lbs, 13-15 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 Years |
| Space Requirements | Good with Apartment |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | Brushing Once a Week or Less |
| Energy Level | Medium Energy |
| Trainability | Very Easy To Train |
9. Border Collies
These dogs were bred to be hardy working dogs, and they require very little vet care. Collie eye anomaly and hip dysphasia are some common health problems in this breed.
Other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | England, Scotland, Wales |
| Weight/Height | Males: 30-45 lbs, 19-22 inches; Females: 27-42 lbs, 18-21 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Space Requirements | House with Yard |
| Protective Ability | Good Watchdog |
| Grooming | A Couple Times a Week |
| Energy Level | High Energy |
| Trainability | Very Easy To Train |
10. Greyhounds
These dogs can easily develop dental problems, but regular cleaning, brushing, and a high-quality food can help you avoid any major dental disease. Other health problems with this breed of dogs are quite rare.
Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
| Country of Origin | Eastern Europe, Eurasia |
| Weight/Height | Males: 55-70lbs, 26-30 inches; Females: 55-70lbs, 26-30 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 Years |
| Space Requirements | Apartment is Ok |
| Protective Ability | Fairly Laid Back |
| Grooming | Rarely |
| Energy Level | Medium Energy |
| Trainability | Moderate Effort Required |