Skip to main content

These are the 5 dogs with the least health problems, so your furry friend sticks around for a long time

Bring home one of these healthy breeds to keep your vet bills low

A woman holds a black and brown Chihuahua in her arms
Lesia Kapinosova / Shutterstock

Picking out the perfect pooch involves a lot more heart than science — you know the right one the second you see her. But when you choose a dog breed, you should consider a number of factors, including the animal’s health and life expectancy, along with other factors, such as size and temperament. After all, you need a pup that fits into your lifestyle and that sticks around with you for a long time. Here’s a list of the top five dog breeds with the least health issues.

What breed of dog has the least health problems?

A brown Standard Poodle sits in the grass
digitalskennedy / Pixabay

A dog’s breed doesn’t fully determine her health, but selecting one with fewer challenges will definitely give her a good start. Try one of these guys for a pup who will be with you for a long time.

Recommended Videos

Chihuahua

A black Chihuahua against a yellow backdrop
Liam Ortiz / Pexels

We’re coming with this one out of the gate, because it’s the longest-living breed on average. They routinely make it to 20 and nearly always hit the teenage years if properly cared for. Chihuahuas generally have few health issues, though they can be prone to bad teeth, loose knees, and trachea problems, like other small dogs. And don’t make the mistake that your tiny fluffer doesn’t need exercise: She will quickly become obese if not given enough walks and playtime.

Australian cattle dog

Someone reaches down to pet the face of an Australian cattle dog
APION / iStock

Sticking with the Guinness Book, the longest dog ever recorded was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who made it to 29! While the average age for the breed is much lower, this type comes from hardy stock. DNA testing is recommended for this breed, but you mostly need to keep track of your pet’s eyes and ears throughout her life.

Poodle

Tan poodle lying on a bed
NAIMA_22 / Shutterstock

Problems with allergies? You’re in luck. In addition to being better for your health, the poodle comes with relatively few conditions of her own. Be particularly attentive to her joints and watch for hip dysplasia, plus keep your eye on optical issues. Because they’re so well bred, you could have your poodle for well over a decade.

Belgian Malinois

A Belgian Malinois dog sits next to their owner during training
Grigory Bruev / Adobe Stock

These beasties also make healthy animals because they’re bred so carefully. When selecting your Malinois, do your research as a dishonest breeder might not take the proper precautions and you could end up with an ill pup. Keep up with teeth brushing and ear cleaning to head off any problems in those areas.

Greyhound

A gray Italian greyhound photographed in front of a white background
Scika911 / Pixabay

We’re rounding out our list with the greyhound. You’ll want to keep an eye out for bloat, but otherwise, you should have a happy and long-lasting Fido. Before you bring her home, ensure her parents were tested for Greyhound Polyneuropathy — a good breeder will have already taken care of this.

What dog breed has the most health conditions?

A close-up shot of a red and white English bulldog puppy.
Meily Art / Shutterstock

There are a few dog breeds known for having particularly bad health issues. Large dogs frequently suffer from hip problems, especially hip dysplasia. They also generally live much shorter life spans than their smaller counterparts, with the French mastiff often living the shortest amount of time (and clocking in at over 100 pounds).

On the flip side, some smaller breeds, such as the dachshund, can develop back problems and shouldn’t use stairs in their later years. Lastly, bulldogs are regarded by some as the dogs with the greatest health challenges — only get one if you’re prepared to take extra special care of them.

What are the health benefits of a mixed breed?

A Chihuahua mix looks at the camera
TLCerda / Shutterstock

While this covers all the AKC-certified pups, what about the beloved mutts of the world? More than half of dogs are mixed, or mutts, which included the latest “designer dogs” who are crosses of official breeds, such as the puggle. Luckily, these beasties don’t have more health problems and can even avoid certain inherited diseases that are prominent in specific gene pools of pure-bred dogs (though recent research has determined that neither group is healthier overall).

When adopting a mutt, you won’t get as much information about their heritage and might not have any idea who their parents are. An early vet visit will help to rule out some serious conditions. You can also look into genetic testing to determine if they have inherited some common issues, though this certainly won’t paint the full picture. As always, taking great care of your animal does more to give them a long life than their pedigree.

Remember that finding a healthy animal doesn’t end with picking the right breed. Research your future companion, making sure that breeding is being done ethically and both parents and babies are well cared for. Then look for any obvious signs of distress when you meet your potential puppy: limping, coughing, droopy or runny eyes, and weight issues. Lastly, it’s up to you to take good care of your furry friend by providing a balanced diet, going for regular checkups, and giving her proper exercise. In following those best practices and choosing a dog with the least health problems, you’re all but guaranteed to have a best friend for years to come.

Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
What dogs have webbed feet? These breeds were made for swimming
Do all dogs have webbed feet? How to tell if a dog is built for swimming
Senior golden retriever standing in lake water

As the days become warmer and longer, more and more public beaches are open for the season. Families, couples, and even dogs enjoy visiting local shorelines, but some dog owners are surprised to see how easily their furry friends take to the water. Not all dogs love swimming or even getting near the water, but others are quite literally bred to swim and work on the shore. These unique and varied dog breeds even have webbed feet!
But how can you know what dogs have webbed feet? Let's dive into the breeds that are built for swimming. This group is more diverse than you may have guessed, but no matter how different they are, they share one special physical trait in common. They can take to the water like pros, from the top of their heads to the bottom of their webbed feet.

Do all dogs have webbed feet?

Read more
5 signs of inbred dogs and why it’s a major problem
Find out what breeds are inbred the most and which ones aren't
Pug licks their lips and looks into the camera

Inbreeding, or the act of deliberately breeding two related animals together, is a controversial topic. Sadly, inbreeding is all too common in the world of our canine companions. According to a veterinary study conducted by the University of California at Davis, scientists discovered an inbreeding level of roughly 25%.

Many dog breeders intentionally choose to inbreed dogs to strengthen certain physical and behavioral traits, as well as to keep the breed's bloodline pure. But this pure bloodline comes at a cost. We'll go over the five most common signs of inbred dogs and discuss why each is potentially dangerous for these unfortunate pups. 
What does an inbred dog look like?

Read more
The little big dog just got an upgrade! The Danish-Swedish farmdog is now a recognized AKC breed
This breed only just gained status, but has been around for up to 1,000 years
A Danish–Swedish Farmdog carries a tennis ball in it's mouth towards the camera with both ears at attention

Some dogs' personalities don't seem to match their size, and that's especially true for the affectionately dubbed "little big dog," officially the Danish-Swedish farmdog. Luckily for this compact beastie, the breed is now recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and can compete in club events where it's likely to excel.

The Danish-Swedish farmdog charms owners with athleticism, an affectionate personality, and a fun, upbeat attitude. Could this newbie be right for you and your family? Read on for a full grasp of the Danish-Swedish farmdog's temperament and history.
History of the Danish-Swedish farmdog

Read more