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 breeds for a dog with the least health issues

A woman holds a white Poodle mix dog while sitting on the back of a pickup
Cindy Parks / Pixabay

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.

A black Chihuahua against a yellow backdrop
Liam Ortiz / Pexels

What breed of dogs has the least health problems

Chihuahua

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.

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

Australian cattle dog

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, but you mostly need to keep track of your pet’s eyes and ears throughout her life.

Tan poodle lying on a bed
NAIMA_22 / Shutterstock

Poodle

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.

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

Belgian Malinois

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.

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

Greyhound

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.

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

What dog breed has the most health conditions?

We’re getting this out of the way up front: 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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

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…
Is your puppy breathing fast while sleeping? Here’s when you should worry and how to help your dog
When to call a vet because your pup is breathing fast while sleeping
A Jack Russell terrier lies in bed between the feet of his owner

It’s hard not to love watching your puppy sleep. In fact, they might somehow manage to get cuter as they snooze. They look so content and peaceful, especially if they're snuggled up to you. Though experts frequently recommend giving your pet their own sleep space, like a crate, it’s ultimately up to you. Regardless of where and when your puppy is sleeping, you want them to be comfortable and safe. If you notice your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, you may get worried. Should you be? It depends.
Here’s what experts want you to know about labored breathing during sleep and when to call a vet.

Different puppy sleeping patterns
Before we get into breathing patterns, it could help to have some knowledge of puppy sleeping patterns. They're similar to ours, though puppies cycle through them more quickly than humans. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases.

Read more
Signs of inbred dogs – and all the reasons why inbreeding is controversial and problematic
Here's how to spot indicators of inbreeding (and what to do if you have an inbred dog)
A closeup shot of a black lab wearing a red leather collar.

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% — the same amount of genetic similarity between siblings.

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. 

Read more
How long can an old dog live with a heart murmur?
Does your old dog have a heart murmur? This guide will help you and your pet
Man in a plaid shirt hugging his dog

Learning that your senior dog has a heart condition can feel devastating. It forces you to contemplate the idea that your best friend won’t be around forever. But while the diagnosis of a heart murmur can be scary, there is no reason to jump to the worst-case scenario. Murmurs range in severity; while some are serious, others are less so. Before you start frantically Googling “old dog heart murmur life expectancy,” keep reading to learn more about the different types of heart murmurs, the prognosis, and how you can help your pup live a long and content life.

What is a heart murmur?
Like us, dogs’ hearts pump blood throughout their bodies, creating a steady beat that can be heard through a stethoscope. If there is a disturbance in the blood flow, it makes a noise distinct from a regular heartbeat called a murmur. There are a few different ways vets classify heart murmurs: type, grade, and configuration.

Read more