While most dogs are generally healthy, it’s important to be informed on what to look out for when adding a dog to your family. Of course, there are no guarantees that choosing one of the ‘healthiest’ breeds means they’ll never have any issues; in fact, all these breeds are prone to certain illnesses and conditions. With that in mind, let’s have a look at which dogs are considered the healthiest breeds.
Ways to keep your dog healthy
Regardless of breed, there are things every dog owner should be doing to ensure they are as healthy and happy as possible.
Exercise
You should be exercising your dog at a level and frequency that’s appropriate for their breed, age and energy level. Regular exercise can help to maintain your dogs weight, strengthen their muscles and joints and support mental stimulation. Learn more about how much exercise your dog needs.
Feed them a balanced diet
Choosing a nutritionally complete, species appropriate diet is key to keeping your dog healthy. This means providing them with all the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats your dog needs to survive. Our raw dog food is carefully formulated to meet these needs and support your four-legged friends’ overall health! (1)
Maintain a healthy weight
Ensuring your dog is at a healthy weight is crucial. Remember that your dog being underweight can cause health issues, just as with your dog being overweight. Overweight dogs have an increased risk of joint problems, diabetes and heart disease. Make sure you monitor your dog’s food intake and adjust accordingly. When ordering raw dog food with Bella+Duke, you can use our raw dog food calculator to ensure they’re eating the right amount, measured based on factors like their age and weight.
Dental care
Maintaining good dental health through proper dental care can help avoid a wide range of health issues. Without doing so, your dog could face a range of dental health issues like gum disease and even infections that could also affect the heart and kidneys.
Regular vet check ups
Regular veterinary check ups are key for catching potential health issues early, before they become serious. Annual or biannual check ups allow your vet to monitor vaccinations, dental health and the overall wellness of your dog.
Choosing Bella+Duke raw dog food is species appropriate, nutritionally complete and will support your dog’s health, giving them everything they need to thrive
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Get Your Personalised PlanWhat are the healthiest dog breeds?
Now you know how to keep your dog healthy, it’s time to look at breeds that are known for their overall good health and longevity. Here’s a list of the 25 healthiest dog breeds.
Australian Cattle Dog
Originally bred to herd cattle, these dogs are ultra active both physically and mentally. Because they’re always on the go, they are excellent workers and thrive in sports like agility or obedience challenges. With an average life span of 12-15 years, in fact the oldest Australian Cattle Dog lived to a whopping 29 years old!
Australian Shepherd
Another breed that’s known for their intelligence and athleticism, the Australian Shepherd also thrives when put to work. Whether that’s working on a farm, therapy work or even just tackling agility courses. With an average lifespan of 12-15 years, responsible breeders will ensure that the risk of hip dysplasia and epilepsy are as minimal as possible.
Mixed Breeds
Which are (as the name suggests) a mixture of two or more different breeds. Mixed breed dogs will inherit traits – both good and bad – from whichever mix they are. These can be both behaviours and physical traits too. Because their gene pool is much larger than that of purebred dogs, it’s much less likely for them to be prone to genetic disorders.
Chihuahua
These small but personality packed pooches have been known to live for around 20 years old, in fact, it’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to do so. Proper exercise helps to ensure things like obesity – which can lead to joint issues in small breeds – is less likely to occur. Though they have a longer than average life expectancy, it’s worth noting that they are predisposed to some breed specific health conditions.
Siberian Husky
Originally bred to pull sleds in the coldest climates, these strong, athletic dogs just had to make the healthiest breeds list. Living for around 12-16 years, they are generally healthy throughout their lifespan as responsible breeding over the years has worked to remove some of the illnesses that they have been predisposed to historically. However, they are still prone to some breed specific issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Greyhound
The fastest breed in the world, able to reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72.4 kmph). Greyhounds are strong, athletic dogs who are commonly fit and healthy throughout their entire lifespan. Greyhounds require around 1 to 2 hours of exercise (preferably split across the day) to burn off any excess energy and prevent weight gain.
Beagle
Often referred to as a hardy breed, Beagles were bred to hunt small animals like hares and rabbits. With a keen sense of smell and lots of energy, these dogs are at their healthiest and happiest when leading an active lifestyle.
German Shorthair Pointer
Part of the gundog breed group, German Shorthair Pointers are a healthy, athletic breed that thrives on lots of exercise. With an average lifespan of 12-14 years, this dog’s love for an active lifestyle gets them on the list of the healthiest breeds.
Shiba Inu
Amongst the oldest breeds in the world, Shiba Inus were originally bred as a hunting dog. And as such, tend to be very healthy and strong. They require plenty of exercise, with time for off-lead exploring in a secure and enclosed area, as they tend to be very good escape artists.
Havanese
Part of the toy group, the Havanese are considered to be healthy. With a life span of around 12-16 years, these small but playful dogs will require around 30 minutes of exercise daily, with some off lead and play time too.
Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
Bred to work on farms or for guarding, Belgian Shepherds are yet another breed that are considered healthy due to their more active lifestyles. Confident, intelligent and hard working, they tend to be best suited to experienced households, with a family who can commit to proper training and exercise.
Basenji
Intelligent and athletic hunting dogs, the Basenji has an average life span of 13-14 years and usually tends to be relatively healthy throughout. Sometimes described as having a cat-like personality, they are quite independent dogs (who even groom themselves), who are very good at getting into trouble. So it’s recommended that walks are on a lead and playtime is in a secure, fenced area.
Border Terrier
Bred as a working breed, Border Terriers are energetic, affectionate and are considered easy to train too. Originally designed for countryside living where they’d hunt small prey like rabbits and rats, with this in mind it’s important that they get enough exercise to let off all that steam and stay healthy. Although they’re a hardy breed, they are prone to some breed specific health concerns like spikes disease.
Scottish Terrier
Another working breed on the list, the Scottish Terrier was originally bred to hunt and dig out vermin; they are considered a healthy breed. Often described as ‘sturdy’ these small dogs can expect to live 11-13 years with low to moderate exercise needs, or around 30-45 minutes of daily activity to stay fit and healthy.
Chinese Crested Dog
One of the smaller breeds on this list, the Chinese Crested Dog have a long lifespan of around 13-18 years. They are considered good dogs for people with allergies as they’re naturally hairless across most of their bodies, but because of this, you need to be cautious of hot and cold temperatures.
Whippet
Generally speaking Whippets have less breed specific health issues than many other purebred dogs, often only being diagnosed with age-related conditions when properly exercised, fed a healthy, nutritious diet and taken for regular vet visits.
Old English Sheepdog
An incredibly energetic breed, the Old English Sheepdog thrives when part of an active family, as they require a minimum of 2 hours of exercise daily in order to stay fit, healthy and to keep their minds occupied too.
Cairn Terrier
Like many other terriers, the Cairn Terrier was originally bred to hunt and catch vermin, as well as animals like badgers and foxes. As such, they are a sturdy, brave, generally healthy breed with lots of energy that requires walks and play time.
Anatolian Shepherd
A large working breed, the Anatolian Shepherd is a herding dog that historically lived outside all year around and so has a constitution to match. Generally considered healthy, they don’t tend to be susceptible to many illnesses, and require a minimum of 1 hours exercise a day to ensure the right amount of physical and mental stimulation.
Manchester Terrier
Another entry for the terrier group, the Manchester Terrier can live a healthy, happy life of around 14-16 years, provided that they are properly cared for as their breed requires. Things like moderate exercise (daily walks with play time too), as well as ensuring quality time, as the Manchester Terrier is known for being particularly affectionate.
Canaan Dog
Considered one of the healthiest dog breeds, and certainly one of the oldest, the Canaan Dog is an intelligent breed whose health and wellbeing can be supported through proper amounts of exercise, a healthy, complete diet and regular vet visits.
Australian Terrier
In general, Australian Terriers are a healthy breed, as responsible breeding has helped to reduce the risk of certain conditions, such as a luxating patella. Regular exercise is needed to keep an Australian Terrier happy, as well as strong and healthy.
English/American Foxhound
As with other working breeds on the list, the English Foxhound and American Foxhound are both considered to be generally healthy breeds. They may be susceptible to general health issues like ear infections or allergies, like other long eared short haired dogs.
German Pinscher
With high energy levels and intelligence to match, the German Pinscher was originally bred to be a working dog. Like many other working dogs, they are considered generally healthy, with a life span of around 12-14 years.
Xoloitxcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Specifically bred to have fewer health concerns, and be (you guessed it, hairless) the Xoloitzcuintli – pronounced ‘show-low-eats-queent-lee’ – has an average life expectancy of 13-18 years. Known to be super affectionate with their families, they’re intelligent and are known to be a fan of a cosy jumper or snug blanket when temperatures drop.
Average Lifespans
This table shows the average lifespan of the dogs mentioned in this guide. Read our guide on the lifespan of dog breeds for more information. (2)
| Breed | Average lifespan |
|---|---|
| Australian Cattle Dog | 13-15 years |
| Australian Shepherd | 13-15 years |
| Mixed Breed | 12-14 years |
| Chihuahua | 12-20 years |
| Siberian Husky | 12-15 years |
| Greyhound | 10-14 years |
| Beagle | 12-15 years |
| German Shorthair Pointer | 12-14 years |
| Shiba Inu | 12-15 years |
| Havanese | 14-16 years |
| Belgian Shepherd | 10-14 years |
| Basenji | 12-16 years |
| Border Terrier | 12-15 years |
| Scottish Terrier | 12-15 years |
| Chinese Crested Dog | 13-18 years |
| Whippet | 12-15 years |
| Old English Sheep Dog | 10-12 years |
| Cairn Terrier | 13-15 years |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 10-13 years |
| Manchester Terrier | 14-16 years |
| Canaan Dog | 12-15 years |
| Australian Terrier | 12-15 years |
| English/American Foxhound | 10-13 years |
| German Pinscher | 12-14 years |
| Xoloitxcuintli (Mexican Hairless) | 13-18 years |
References
- Baritugo, K. A., Bakhsh, A., Kim, B., & Park, S. (2023). Perspectives on functional foods for improvement of canine health and treatment of diseases. Journal of Functional Foods, 109, 105744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105744
- Turcsán, B., Kubinyi, E. Differential behavioral aging trajectories according to body size, expected lifespan, and head shape in dogs. GeroScience 46, 1731–1754 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00945-9
FAQs
What are the healthiest small breeds?
Small breeds like Australian Terriers, Border Terriers and Cairn Terriers are all considered to be healthy dogs. They’re known for their long lifespans and fewer hereditary health issues, making them an excellent choice of companion.
What are the healthiest medium breeds?
Medium dog breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs, Whippets and German Shorthair Pointers are all considered healthy medium breeds. They generally have fewer genetic health issues and enjoy active and energetic lives, making them an ideal option for families and active owners.
What are the healthiest large breeds?
Some large dog breeds that are generally considered healthy are breeds like Old English Sheepdogs, Anatolian Shepherds and Greyhounds. These breeds tend to have fewer genetic health problems, making them more resilient and perfect for families who can accommodate their size and energy.
What breed of dog has the most health issues?
There are multiple breeds that may be genetically prone to more health issues than others, particularly brachycephalic, or flat faced dogs like Bulldogs. If you want a deeper look at breeds with higher health risks, take a look at our guide on the unhealthiest dog breeds.
What’s the cleanest dog to have?
While cleanliness can be subjective, there are some dog breeds who will naturally shed more fur and dander. If this is something you don’t want in your home, consider looking into low shedding breeds, or even hairless dogs.
What is the calmest dog to own?
All dogs are different and all have their own personalities, and breed isn’t always the best indicator for calmness as a lot of factors will determine how your dog acts and behaves. However, as a general rule Greyhounds, Great Danes, Whippets and more are often considered calm breeds.
What breed of dog is hardest to own?
Large, strong breeds may be harder to take care of. Especially if you’re a first time dog owner. You should also consider which dog suits your lifestyle too, for example, a Border Collie may not be best suited to a home that cannot commit to their exercise requirements or need for mental stimulation. This can lead to destructive behaviours and so make them ‘hard to own’.
What is the most obedient dog?
Obedience can vary from dog to dog, not just breed to breed. However, some dog breeds are considered more trainable, such as Golden Retrievers, Border Collies and Poodles. These dogs are known for being responsive and intelligent, making them an ideal choice if you’re looking for a more obedient dog.
Which dog has the fewest health problems?
You can’t guarantee that a dog will not have any health problems, even if you choose one of the breeds that is considered healthier. Among the healthiest dogs are breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog, Greyhound, Shiba Inu, Havanese, and Border Terrier. Whatever dog breed you choose, as long as you give the dog proper care, exercise and regular veterinary check ups, you can ensure your furry companion has a happy and healthy life.
What is the number one healthiest dog?
While no dog is completely free from health issues, the Australian Cattle Dog is often considered one of the healthiest breeds. Known for its strong constitution, high energy, and longevity, this breed is typically resilient and typically faces minimal health issues.
What dog lives the longest?
Some dog breeds with longer average life spans include Chihuahuas (15-20 years), Chinese Crested dogs (13-18 years) and Australian Cattle Dogs (12-15 years). Choosing a long lived breed means more years to enjoy companionship, but to prolong this, your dog will need proper care, nutrition and regular vet check ups.
