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Six dogs sitting and laying in the open grass

The 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds in the World

Every dog lover wishes their furry friend could live forever.

Sadly, like humans, dogs are susceptible to certain health conditions during their lifetime. These range from simple allergies to more serious genetic issues, cancer, and heart disease.

Even so, some dog breeds are considered healthier than others. Keep reading to find out what you can expect from different breeds (and why we recommend adopting “mutts” over purebred dogs)!

What Affects a Dog's Lifespan?

While there are many factors to consider, such as how the dog is raised and treated, most of it boils down to genetics.

Studies have found that purebreds are more vulnerable to suffering from health problems compared to mixed breed dogs. And certain combinations of breeds are more prone to developing genetic conditions than other breed combinations.

A dog’s physical body is another factor to consider when thinking about lifespan. Big dogs, in particular, live shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts.

Dog owners need to remember that many factors affect a dog’s health and longevity — from diet and exercise to genetic heritage. Regardless of what type of dog you bring into your family, here’s no guarantee of a perfect lifespan without health problems.

Scheduling regular veterinary wellness visits will help you keep your dog happy and healthy! Talk to your vet about whether your dog would benefit from supplements to keep them active, healthy, and happy.

If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, take a look at the following 12 dog breeds that generally have longer lifespans:

First Up: The Almighty Mutt, or Mixed-Breed Dog

The Almighty Mutt, or Mixed-Breed Dog laying down in the grass

Before we introduce the healthiest overall purebred dogs, we want to mention that whenever possible, adopters should visit their local animal shelters and rescues before buying a pet from a breeder.

Why? Because there are so many wonderful animals out there looking for a home already. We don’t need to create any more.

Mixed-breed dogs (or mutts, as they’re often affectionately known) are the result of breeding different mixed or purebred dogs together. They often inherit the traits of their different breed parents — both good and bad.

Another advantage of mixed-breed dogs is their low susceptibility to experiencing genetic or hereditary disorders, because their gene pool isn’t limited. (They’re still prone to conditions such as obesity or diabetes, though, so no overfeeding!)

 Breed Factsheet
Height  Varies depending on parents
Weight  Varies depending on parents
Lifespan  Varies depending on parents

TIP: If you do need a dog of a particular breed for a medical or behavioral reason, look for breed-specific rescues in your area. These organizations will often be able to connect you with a dog of your desired breed, without you needing to buy from a breeder.

The 12 Healthiest Dog Breeds

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog standing on rocks licking it's nose

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is an active breed that's medium-sized. These dogs are perfect companions for morning runs or after-work hikes.

Their active nature can also be their Achilles heel, sometimes leading to ligament or joint issues. Not to worry, though. You can wok with your vet to manage any physical ailments that arise.

Overall, Australian Cattle Dogs are known to lead incredibly healthy lives.

Did you know the longest living dog named Bluey was of this breed? He lived to be 29! That’s a remarkable feat for our furry friends.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  17 to 20 inches
Weight  35 to 50 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 16 years

Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky laying down in the snow

This incredibly smart, playful breed is famous for its racing and sled-pulling skills over long distances. This medium-sized dog has a natural disposition for outdoor lovers and family life. They make ideal walking, hiking, and jogging partners.

While they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, these occurrences are rare. Much more common: the need to find challenging-enough toys and games to keep Huskies entertained!

Siberian Huskies have a slightly longer lifespan than other large dogs, at 12 to 16 years.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  20 to 30 inches
Weight  35 to 60 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 16 years

Border Collie

Border Collie sitting down with a toy in it's mouth

These dogs are known for their athleticism and intelligence. They’re relatively big on cuddles and are quite hardy, generally living between 12 and 15 years. Many genetic conditions that used to plague this adorable breed have been eliminated thanks to advanced DNA testing.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  19 to 22 inches
Weight  30 to 45 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 15 years

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd sitting in a field of flowers

Another four-legged friend that deserves recognition for the breed’s overall health is the Australian Shepherd.

Aussie Shepherds boast few recorded instances of skin, coat, and bone-related injuries. They’re intelligent, agile, and obedient.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  18 to 23 inches
Weight  35 to 70 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 15 years

Chihuahua

Chihuahua with sweater on sitting on a blanket

These famous “purse dogs'' are more than just big personalities in pint-sized packages! Their brains are actually bigger than other breeds in terms of body-to-size ratios.

It’s no wonder Chihuahuas showcase serious smarts in the many movies they star in. Their small bodies allow them to get away without needing lots of exercise. This means they can live from 12 to 20 years, making them one of the healthiest dog breeds out there!

 Breed Factsheet
Height  6 to 9 inches
Weight  2 to 6 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 18 years

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois with a ball in it's mouth and dripping wet from jumping in a pond

Now, here’s a dog with an impressive work ethic. The Belgian Malinois’ extremely selective breeding is meant to ensure they avoid major health issues. Their average lifespan is around 14 to 16 years.

Like Huskies, Belgian Malinoises are known for being exceptionally smart. This makes it a fun challenge to train them.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  22 to 26 inches
Weight  40 to 75 pounds
Lifespan  14 to 16 years

German Pinscher

German Pinscher standing on a tree

These sleek, muscular dogs are eye-catching specimens! They need lots of exercise every day to stay healthy. As one of Bavaria's oldest breeds, they have the lifespan to match. They can live for 12 to 14 years.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  17 to 20 inches
Weight  25 to 45 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 14 years

Foxhound

Young Foxhound playing on a bed of rocks

Because of their hunting and working genes, Foxhounds are often classified as one of the healthiest dog breeds to date.

This stalwart breed has a lifespan of 11 to 13 years and is an excellent choice for families with large farms or who live in rural areas. They need daily exercise, and their grooming needs are very minimal besides the occasional brushing.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  21 to 25 inches
Weight  60 to 70 pounds
Lifespan  11 to 13 years

Havanese

Havanese walking on the grass with the sun in the background

This breed is native to Cuba with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Havasus are sociable dogs that are small, smart, and easy to train.

They don't shed much, but do need weekly brushing to prevent tangles. To meet this dog’s exercise requirements, regular short walks are required.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  8 to 12 inches
Weight  7 to 13 pounds
Lifespan  12 to 14 years

Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)

White and Black Poodles with baby blue collars on

Despite their reputation as the airheads of the canine world, poodles are actually athletic and highly intelligent. Did you know they were originally bred as hunting dogs?

If well taken care of, poodles can live longer than other large dog breeds. Their average lifespan is 10 to 18 years.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  8 to 22 inches, depending on the size (Toy, Miniature, or Standard)
Weight  6 to 70 pounds
Lifespan  10 to 18 years

Greyhound

Greyhound with it's mouth open and tongue sticking out

Greyhounds can run up to 45 miles per hour, so if you adopt one, you might just find yourself taking up jogging! These calm, sweet, smart pups are often available through greyhound-specific rescues that care for retired racing dogs.

With attentive care, greyhounds can live 10 to 13 years.

 Breed Factsheet
Height  27 to 30 inches
Weight  60 to 80 pounds
Lifespan  10 to 13 years

How to Care for Your Dog

At Paramount Pet Health, there’s nothing we love more than our furry companions. We know that every dog owner feels the same way.

It's important to ensure that you’re proactive about keeping your pup healthy and happy. Don’t wait for severe symptoms to arise before you take action, including consulting your veterinarian or adding beneficial supplements to your dog’s daily routine.

After all, your dog is there for you when you need them.

“...Dogs are like that, I guess — they know how to fix you without saying a word.”

- Caroline George

Want to read more on dogs and supplements? Find more blog posts here:

    About Lianna Patch

    Lianna is a cat lover, animal rescue volunteer, and a part owner at Paramount Pet Health. She’s living proof that you can be crazy about cats and still have plenty of friends.
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