Much like humans, our furry best friends can be prone to different health conditions, like problems with the coat or skin, genetic issues, allergies, and even cancer or heart disease. While you can never guarantee your dog won't develop health problems during its lifetime, certain dog breeds are thought to be healthier than others. Scroll through our list of ten dog breeds that generally are thought to be considered the "healthiest dog breeds." These ten dog breeds typically boast longer lifespans and are less susceptible to specific health problems.
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Beagle
Distinctive in their incredible hunting skills and sharp sense of smell, Beagles are medium-sized, moderately active dogs with an average lifespan of a decade to 15 years. Beagles are considered a very healthy breed, and health issues such as progressive retinal atrophy are generally the result of older age.
- Weight: 20 to 25 pounds
- Height: The average size of a beagle measures 15 inches from the shoulder or less, with two varieties of the Beagle measuring less than 13 inches from the shoulder.
- Physical Features: Beagles are solid, sturdy dogs with wide heads, short, smooth coats, and long, floppy ears. They come in hound colors, such as red and white, tri-color (white, black, and brown), or yellow and white.
Chihuahua
While Chihuahuas are typically perceived as "purse dogs" that wealthy socialites tout around, Chihuahuas aren't only the divas of the dog world- they pack some real brainpower as well. Chihuahuas' brains are larger than any other dog breeds in terms of size-to-body ratios. Moreover, Chihuahuas boast an average lifespan of 12 to 20 years, thanks to their smaller stature.
- Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
- Height: The average size of a Chihuahua measures 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder.
- Physical Features: Chihuahuas are a tiny breed, with larger heads shaped like an apple and pointed ears. They come in a wide array of coat patterns and colors and can be either long-haired or short-haired.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an active, medium-sized breed that is a fantastic hiking or running partner, making them an excellent fit for families or more active individuals. While this breed's average lifespan is 12 to 16 years, their athletic nature can sometimes result in joint or ligament problems. However, these problems can be managed with rest and surgery.
- Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
- Height: The average size of an Australian Cattle Dog measures 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder
- Physical Features: The Australian Cattle Dog is a robust and athletic working dog that is mighty and hardy. Its smooth, double-layered coats come in speckled or mottled patterns to complement its outdoor origins, and its pointed ears stand up.
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Dachshund
Known affectionately as the "wiener dog" or "Doxie," the Dachshund is a small hound with a distinctively long torso and short legs. Despite its smaller size, the Dachshund makes for an effective watchdog and can make for a kid-friendly, loving family dog. This breed's lifespan is longer than average, hovering around 12 to 16 years, but it's critical to watch your Dachshund's diet. While they are generally thought of as a healthy breed, Dachshunds are particularly prone to weight gain and the health problems associated with obesity, such as diabetes.
- Weight: A standard Dachshund can weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds, and miniatures can weigh up to 11 pounds.
- Height: The average height of a standard-size Dachshund measures 8 to 0 inches from the shoulder, and the average height of miniature Dachshund measures 5 to 6 inches from the shoulder
- Physical Features: The Dachshund has a highly distinctive body shape, with a long back, short legs, large, floppy ears, and long, narrow faces. Their coats come in three varieties- long-haired, short and smooth, or wire-haired- and in a wide array of patterns and colors.
Greyhound
The Greyhound holds the title of the fastest dog breed globally, with the ability to run up to 45 miles an hour. Their athleticism blesses them with a longer lifespan than other large dog breeds; Greyhound's average lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. Monitoring your Greyhound's eating habits is critical; however, this breed is particularly prone to stomach torsion if they eat too fast.
- Weight: 60 to 80 pounds
- Height: The Greyhound measures 27 to 30 inches from the shoulder
- Physical Features: Greyhounds are lean-bodied, narrow, and long, with smooth, short coats
Havanese
Hailing from its namesake of Havana, Cuba, the Havanese is a smart, small-statured dog that is exceptionally friendly and easy to train. Their lifespans are around 14 to 16 years, but some may be genetically susceptible to hereditary deafness.
- Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
- Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches from the shoulder
- Physical Features: Sturdy, small size with a long, silky coat and a curled tail
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Poodles
While poodles often get stuck with a "prissy" reputation, not only are Poodles extremely smart, but they're also highly athletic. Bred initially as duck and hunting dogs, poodles boast an average lifespan of 10 to 18 years, a longer lifespan than many other large breeds. Poodles are prone to joint issues as they get older.
- Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
- Height: More than 15 inches from the shoulder
- Physical Features: Muscular, squarely-built bodies with longer faces and legs. Poodle coats are distinctively curly, coarse, and single-layered.
Siberian Husky
Famous for its sled-pulling abilities, the Siberian husky is an athletic, powerful dog with plenty of energy-making them terrific jogging, hiking, and walking partners. Huskies should log a minimum of three to five miles at least every couple of days. Huskies have a slightly longer lifespan than most large breeds and live for 12 to 16 years. Huskies are prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, like other large breeds.
- Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
- Height: 20 to 23 inches from the shoulder
- Physical Features: Dense coat that comes in a range of patterns and colors, blue, gold, or brown eyes, and an athletic appearance built for endurance.
Mixed Breed
Mixed breed dogs are registered or pedigreed but have fewer genetic or hereditary disorders due to their larger gene pool. However, mixed-breed dogs can still develop common issues like heart disease, canine obesity, and diabetes.
German Pinschers
German Pinschers are physically similar to Dobermans but are closer cousins to Schnauzers. These highly active, muscular dogs are one of the oldest breeds to come out of Bavaria and feature lifespans of 12 to 14 years. This breed needs a large amount of exercise every day to stay healthy and is prone to elbow or hip dysplasia from hereditary problems and excessive activity.
- Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
- Height: 17 to 20 inches from the shoulder
- Physical Features: Extremely muscular and sturdy with a smooth, short coat that comes in various shades.
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Healthiest Dog Breeds - Conclusion
No matter what breed your dog is, it's essential to keep them healthy and feed them quality ingredients. Rogue Pet Science is a premium pet product company offering all-natural treats and supplements for your furry best friend. Keep your dog healthy with Rogue Pet Science!
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