11 Healthiest Dog Breeds With Least Health Issues

If you want to spend more time with your fluffy friend and avoid going to the vet’s clinic more often, then here are some healthiest dog breeds which you can own and live a stress-free life.

Your pet is just like your family member, you would definitely want him to remain healthy and fit and have a cheerful life.

The medical issues which affect dogs often include heart disease, cancer, orthopedic problems, allergies and skin conditions. But some dog breeds generally lead very healthy lives and, overall, aren’t known for many serious health issues.

Selecting a breed that faces fewer medical issues and diseases can give you peace of mind while you spend time with your friend and save you trips to the vet.

Having a healthy dog doesn’t mean there won’t be any medical issues. Genetics play a very important role and there is no one who can give a guarantee of health.

Healthiest dog breeds

Our team of experts have shortlisted 11 of the healthiest dog breeds with the least health conditions and a longer life span.

Pro Tip – Genetics do play an important role but regular exercise, less stress and healthy food is more important to see your pet in the best of health.

1. Chihuahua (Healthiest dog breed – small)

The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed of dog also known as the purse dog, named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua located in the northwest. It is the smallest among all breeds of dog.

Chihuahuas love to stay with their owners and require little grooming and a lot less exercise compared to other breeds.

Most of their lives they remain active and healthy, but some health conditions which might affect them are:-

a) Luxating patellas – Dislocation of knee caps temporarily

b) Hydrocephalus – Collection of fluid around the brain area

c) Hip dysplasia – which leads to arthritis

d) Eye problems – Dry eye, Entropion and Lens luxation

2. Basenji (Healthiest Dog Breeds -Family)

Basenji are mostly healthy dogs, especially top the list of the non-barking dogs as they make a yoodle-like sound instead of a regular bark.

Basenjis are fast and groom themselves like cats. This has been called a ‘cult breed’ in small numbers, but those lucky enough to own one do so with singular devotion.

The most common health issue affecting this breed is hypothyroidism, in which the body doesn’t get enough thyroid hormone.

Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.

Apart from the above-mentioned issue, Basenji remained healthy for most of his life.

3. Border Collie (Healthiest Dog Breeds -Athletic)

Collies are famously good with children and tend to be on the quieter side. Fully coated, which is known as the “rough” Collie, is the more familiar variety and there is also a sleek “smooth” collie.

Border collies are highly intelligent, athletic and thrive when they have a job and are up to learning most tasks, especially ones that require lots of mental and physical energy.

This breed mostly remains active and healthy. Some common issues which might affect them are hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

It is among the world’s most recognizable and beloved dog breeds.

4. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu  is a breed of hunting dog from Japan, small, alert and agile who can easily cope with the mountainous region.  This breed has been around since 300 B.C

This breed is pretty healthy apart from some health issues like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye problems. Allergies are also a problem in the breed, including inhalant allergies, known as atopy, that typically cause itching.

They have a very nice temperament and are charming, keen, fearless, confident and extremely faithful.

5. Beagle (Healthiest Dog Breeds -Hound)

The beagle is a breed of small scent hound, similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. Known for its keen sense of smell and savvy hunting skills, they were developed primarily for hunting hare known as beagling.

The current breed was developed in Great Britain around the year 1830 from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound, and possibly the Harrier.

A cheerful, affectionate dog, the beagle loves company. At times, they can be highly destructive and bark excessively if left alone.

As they are hound dogs, it’s in their nature to roam.

Common health issues include ear infections, obesity, allergies, cherry eye, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

6. Australian Shepherd (Healthiest Dog Breeds -Herding)

This dog is also known as a herding dog, shepherd dog, sheep dog, working dog or stock dog that has been trained for herding.

They are natural herders, highly active, smart and excel at dog sports.

The Australian Shepherd has become one of the most popular companion dog breeds in North America.

Common health issues include Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts and deafness.

In short, this isn’t a pet for everyone. But if you’re looking for a brainy, tireless, and trainable partner for work or sport, your search might end here.

7. American Foxhound

This breed is usually known for its hunting skill, which is by scent and not sight. They have very sensitive noses and are bred to hunt foxes.

George Washington was considered not only the father of his country, but also the “Father of American Foxhounds”, as he was an early breeder and fox hunting enthusiast. 

American Foxhounds are sweet and affectionate, responsible and willing to learn and also highly energetic. 

This breed is usually healthy. Occasional health issues include hip dysplasia and ear infections but not frequently enough to be considered a concern.

Like all hounds, though, the Foxhound is ruled by his nose and can be stubborn in his attempts to follow a scent, find food or otherwise get his own way.

8. Greyhound

Unlike American foxhounds, this breed hunts by sight and speed and has been bred for coursing game and greyhound racing.

They detect motion quickly and have a keen vision, they have a very flexible back and long legs for a long stride, a deep chest to support an unusually large heart.

Greyhounds are overall very healthy dogs. Although there are a few conditions which might affect them, they are susceptible to bloat and gastric torsion, a sudden and life-threatening enlargement of the stomach that is sometimes accompanied by twisting.

Greyhounds are quiet, gentle, affectionate dogs who can fit into almost any home. They require less exercise compared to other breeds.

They are also known as “40-mph couch potatoes,” because while they are fast, they also enjoy resting at home.

9. Pointer

The name pointer comes from the dog’s instinct to point, by stopping and aiming its muzzle towards game.

They are a type of gun dog who assist hunters in finding and retrieving a Quail, Dove or Duck killed by a gun shot.

When it comes to training, the Pointer is a bit hard-headed , but responds well when you are firm and consistent in giving direction. His hunting skills are apparent at an early age, he never forgets once he learns something. 

Like all other dogs on the list, this breed is generally healthy. Some of the issues to watch out for are hip dysplasia and eye disorders.

They are athletic and require a lot of exercise every day to remain happy and healthy. The exercise can come in the form of long daily walks and vigorous play sessions with the owner.

10. Siberian Husky

They are medium-sized dogs recognized by a thick flurry coat, specially trained to pull a sled over snow.

This breed is energetic, resilient and active, whose ancestors lived in the extremely cold conditions of the Siberian Arctic.

Siberian Huskies suffer from common health issues that most dogs are at risk for, like hip dysplasia and eye disease, but they are generally a relatively healthy breed of dog.

They love long walks every day due to their high energy levels, but important thing to keep in mind is to avoid taking them to hotter places because they have a very thick coat.

11. Bichon Frise

 Bichon Frise, also known as a toy Dog is a small curly haired dog which stands among the world’s great ‘personality dogs.

Bichons are active dogs, but because they are small, they don’t need too much room to romp, they fall in a category of non-barking dogs and are suitable for apartment living.

Bichon Frise should be screened by the responsible owner and may suffer from the following health issues like allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella, and cataracts and other eye diseases.

Bichons are similar to poodles in terms of their powder-puff coat, which consists of a silky but curly outer coat and soft undercoat. They are white, white and buff, cream, apricot or gray.

Conclusion – If someone is sticking to the fact that the healthiest dog breeds will never ever have any health problems, then this is something which is not possible. Just like a healthy human being can fall sick, the same way, a healthy dog can also have some health issues.

But in comparison to other dog breeds, they are much healthier and happier throughout their life span.

We have tried to cover most aspects of the healthy breed which will help you in deciding to own the best suitable one for you.

Check out Natural Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

Also check out Gorilla Grip Self Cleaning Pet Slicker Brush

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links.