20 Healthiest Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

We all want our dogs to stay healthy, but many factors influence a dog’s lifespan and quality of life. Some are genetic, for which pre-breeding screening is the best way to reduce their effects through early detection. Other elements involve preventive healthcare, diet, and rearing. Understanding the mental component is also essential. After all, stress and fearfulness can affect your pet as easily as they can affect you.

The breeds listed here are based on a study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics.¹ The researchers focused on inbreeding as a significant influence on canine health, as it occurs in all breeds to a certain degree. However, it also increases traits that may affect mortality and overall well-being. We considered the breeds with greater numbers in the sample size to present the most robust data.

How Are Healthy Breeds Classified?

Inbreeding and its effect on health status was the primary consideration for the entries in our list. We also looked at the impact on lost dog years to quantify these findings. The confounding factors include accurate reporting, which we encountered when looking at owner-reported data, specifically with the breed and the animal’s medical history.

Dogs are an anomaly among animals. Usually, large animals are more long-lived than small ones. Think of the less-than-1-year lifespan of the deer mouse versus the 60 years that an African bush elephant can live in the wild. However, generally, small dogs live longer than giant dogs, such as the Irish Wolfhound, which lives 6–8 years. That’s evident in this list, and activity levels and the animal’s job are other vital factors.

The 20 Healthiest Dog Breeds

1.  Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz is a stocky yet energetic pup that loves their family and readily shows affection. This is an ancient breed with spitz-like traits. People have selectively bred them as hunting dogs. It’s taken a while for others outside of the breed’s native land to recognize this breed. This was a godsend since it prevented inbreeding and its health risks. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1991.

2. Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is part of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Group 5, Spitz and primitive types. The cited study identified dogs in this category as having the lowest average morbidity. The test of time and the existence of the breed are proof. This pup is prominent in Viking history and Norse mythology, and they are hard-working and loyal companions.

3. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier embodies two traits associated with longevity in dogs: activity and sociability. This pup is a fearless hunter, going after prey larger than them. The breed’s origin is England. However, Australian enthusiasts have since selectively bred the dog to the current standard.

4. Border Collie

The Border Collie is a testament to canine intelligence, having been identified as the smartest breed. Their history goes back to the Vikings and Romans, who selectively bred this pup to be the agile and hard-working herder that they are today. They are affectionate pets with boundless energy, making them ideal dogs for families with children or those who need a working dog.

5. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is full of energy. That explains their job as sled dogs, with a history that goes back roughly 9,500 years. The breed is also a part of the FCI Group 5. These pups are well-adapted to hard work and endurance. Their superior adaptability allows these dogs to take on strenuous tasks like sled racing.

6. Mixed Breeds

The mixed breed’s place on our list isn’t surprising when you consider the role of inbreeding. It’s likely not as much of a factor with these pups. That can mean less necessary veterinary care and a lower frequency of congenital and hereditary conditions that could shorten an animal’s life. They made up the highest number of pets in the sample size.

7. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is a German native but has no relation to the Doberman Pinscher despite their similar appearance. However, this pup has all the confidence and swag of a large dog, even if they are only a fraction of their size. They are intelligent animals that need a job to be mentally fit. A distinguishing trait of this breed is their unique, high-stepping gait.

8. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua acts like a dog much larger than they actually are. They are affectionate and protective of their owners. They are also quite vocal and not as keen to meet strangers as other pups. The breed’s history goes back hundreds of years. Perhaps all that spoiling and attention accounts for the animal’s long lifespan and feisty personality.

9. Collie

The Collie’s history goes back thousands of years to Scotland and a royal patron in Queen Victoria. The breed is a herding dog, which influences their personality. They are protective over their families and do well with children. They are intelligent animals that are eager to please.This pup also seems to always have something to say.

10. Border Terrier

The Border Terrier has a big personality like most of their kind. Historically, this dog hunted foxes, helping their owners by flushing them from their hiding places. This dog is well-suited to this task because of their tenacity and fearlessness. The breed’s coat is thick and weather-resistant to keep the animal warm while roaming and working.

11. Dachshund (Standard)

The Dachshund’s short stance is the result of a genetic mutation. However, that didn’t affect this pup’s ability to make themselves useful as badger hunters. This dog has all the grit, intelligence, and adaptability to succeed, even if they’re battling animals up to twice their size. This job has given this pup the swagger and tough-guy attitude of a much larger canine.

12. Havanese

History has often played a role in a breed’s development. The Havanese is a perfect example of enthusiasts coming to the rescue of this cute pup during Fidel Castro’s revolution. The breed left their mark on the Cuban people, who made this pup the country’s national dog. The AKC recognized them in 1996, and they have already soared to the 25th most popular breed.

13. Papillon

The Papillon is another example of the good life and health of toy and companion breeds. They are a friendly dog that will get along with anyone, including children. The breed has hobnobbed with royalty and celebrities through the years, including Marie Antoinette and Rembrandt. Fun fact: Their name refers to the dog’s butterfly-like ears!

14. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a sweetheart of a pet, lavishing love and attention on their family. This pup is the only brachycephalic breed on this list. These dogs have short snouts that often leave them vulnerable to respiratory and other health conditions. But this pup defies the odds as one of the most long-lived brachycephalic breeds. Their adaptability and charming personality undoubtedly help their cause.

15. Basenji

The Basenji’s claim to fame is their barking—or lack of it. They have their own unique vocalization. They also have the distinction of being one of the oldest known breeds and part of the FCI Group 5. The breed originated in Africa, with isolation being a benefit because of a lack of inbreeding. Basenjis probably haven’t changed much through the ages. Why spoil a good thing?

16. Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

The Poodle is so popular that there are three official size classes. The breed originated in Germany, where enthusiasts selectively bred the dog to flush waterfowl. These small pups have all the energy and intelligence of their larger cousin. Mental stimulation is vital for these dogs to safeguard their well-being and improve their quality of life.

17. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is everyone’s best friend. This dog is affectionate and playful. They are also an intelligent animal, nurtured by their role as a herder. Shelties are hardy dogs, a necessary trait in their native land.

18. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is another multi-class breed. Although not a part of their name, this pup is every bit a terrier. They are intelligent and easy to train. They are also outgoing for a dog of their size. You wouldn’t know it from their personality, though. The breed’s larger counterpart was an all-purpose farm dog. This dog’s job was catching rats, at which they succeeded admirably.

19. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is another pup selectively bred to control rodent populations. That made them invaluable to farmers. This job also made them intelligent and independent. The dog gets their name from the places that they would search to find their quarry. Of course, the breed is probably best known for their role as Toto in the classic movie, “The Wizard of Oz.”

20. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog held a unique record that puts this pup squarely on our list. Until February 1, 2023, this breed included the oldest living dog, only to be outdone by Bobi, a Portuguese canine that lived to be 31 years and 165 days. Bluey, the previous titleholder, lived to be 29 years and 5 months. Enthusiasts selectively bred the Australian Cattle Dogs to be tough. Their job herding livestock demanded a pup that was up to the task.

Conclusion

Several common themes appear in this list, but inbreeding and the negative effects of selective breeding top it. That explains the absence of many brachycephalic dogs. We also see the benefits of breeds having jobs that keep them mentally and physically fit. Genetics plays a role in obesity that accounts for the absence of the Golden Retriever and the Pug.

The takeaway is that healthcare, diet, and exercise are essential for your pup’s good health. These factors underscore the serious responsibility of pet ownership and what it entails.

Featured Image Credit: BMJ, Shutterstock