Some dogs live longer than others because they’re so healthy.
Some of the healthiest dog breeds tend to be smaller-size dogs, although there are larger dog breeds that generally don’t have many health problems.
Why do smaller dogs live longer?
Since their bodies are smaller, it’s been found that smaller dogs will develop slower than larger dogs. This also means that they age at a slower pace.
With that in mind, let’s look at some of the dog breeds that will live the longest, be the healthiest, and help you cut down on your vet bills because they won’t require lots of medical attention during their lives. We’ll kick off this list with the smallest dog in the world!
If you’d like to see a graphical breakdown of the most healthy dog breeds, we got you covered:
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Chihuahua
These dogs are really tiny. Growing to a maximum height of 23 centimetres, chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world.
They tend to be very healthy, with their potential lifespan being between 14 and 18 years. That said, they are prone to health conditions such as hypoglycemia.
Poodle
Although you might think poodles are delicate and therefore not strong, that’s a huge misconception. Poodles are healthy dogs that don’t suffer from common dog diseases, such as degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy.
Poodles can live for between 12 and 15 years. Even Toy Poodles can live for a really long time, with some of them living up to the age of 18!
Beagle
The beagle is a small but brave dog. It makes an excellent hunting dog, while being extremely loyal to its owner. Beagles can live up to 15 years, even though they are susceptible to some health problems during their lives, such as itchy skin conditions.
Australian Cattle Dog
This is a medium-sized dog that’s known for being very active. Don’t be surprised when it wants to join you on your morning runs!
The Australian Cattle Dog can live for up to 12 years. That said, be mindful of this dog’s joints as its active lifestyle can result in joint-related health problems.
Dachshund
The cute “sausage dog” is a family favorite. It gets on well with kids, while being extremely loyal and affectionate. Dachshunds can live for up to 16 years, but to ensure a healthy life for your pooch make sure he or she follows a healthy diet that doesn’t include overeating.
This is because Dachshunds can become overweight, which can put them at risk of health conditions such as diabetes.
Havanese
This dog breed is the only one in the world that’s native to Cuba. Havanese dogs are small and intelligent companions that can live for up to 16 years.
They love being social and don’t have many health problems, although some dogs do have a genetic disposition to deafness as well as other conditions. It’s also worth bearing in mind that Havanese dogs can experience intense separation anxiety because they don’t like to be alone.
Shih Tzu
These cute dogs with lovely coats that come in a variety of colors can live for between 10 to 16 years. It’s good to be aware of the fact that they are prone to respiratory problems arising from Brachycephalic Syndrome. This is as a result of them having flat faces.
Foxhound
As their name suggests, foxhounds have been used for fox hunting in the past.
They can live for up to 13 years and this is mainly as a result of how they are not susceptible to major health conditions. They’re also low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming and moderate daily exercise.
Border Collie
These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and full of energy. They can live up to between 10 and 14 years.
To ensure that your Border Collie is happy and healthy, it will require loads of daily exercise. Remember that ensuring that your dog is happy can also affect how healthy it is and how long it lives!
Belgian Malinois
This dog has an average lifespan of between 10 and 12 years, which might not seem that amazing, but it’s one of the healthiest dog breeds that aren’t susceptible to major illnesses.
It leads an active lifestyle and is intelligent as well as an excellent watchdog because it’s so alert and attentive.
Fox Terrier
This energetic, affectionate small dog will be a joy to have around, while also being an excellent watchdog.
The smooth fox terrier in particular is known for having a generally healthy life. It encounters few health problems during its lifespan and can live for up to 15 years!
Are Mixed Dog Breeds Healthier?
If you’ve ever suspected that mixed dog breeds are healthier than purebreds, you were right. The reasons for this are as a result of the unique genetic makeup of mixed dog breeds as well as their lower amount of inbreeding.
As PetMD reports, mixed breeds have been found to be less likely than purebreds to develop health conditions such as heart disease. Since heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in dogs, this is definitely eye-opening!
It’s often said that mixed dog breeds have “hybrid vigor.” What this means is that their genes come from different sources which helps them to achieve greater resistance to health conditions and diseases that can affect purebreds.
What Are Some Signs That Your Dog Is Healthy?
No matter what dog breed you have, you can do a lot to ensure that your dog stays healthy, such as by feeding it high-quality food and letting it get daily exercise. But what are some signs that your dog’s healthy?
Here are seven to look out for.
- Fresh breath: You should brush your dog’s teeth daily to keep conditions such as periodontitis at bay. A healthy mouth can help to prevent serious health issues that can affect the rest of the body, such as the heart and lungs.
- Shiny coat: A healthy dog will have a clean and shiny coat. If your dog’s always biting or scratching its fur, that could be a sign of conditions such as allergies or flea infestations. You should follow a deworming and flea-control treatment plan outlined by your vet.
- Lean physique: You should generally be able to see your dog’s ribs. If your dog’s overweight this can put it at much greater risk of health conditions and illnesses, no matter how healthy its breed is said to be. Lifestyle and diet definitely go a long way to ensuring your dog is healthy and happy!
- Healthy bowel movements: You should check your dog’s stool from time to time to be sure that it’s healthy. Your dog’s faeces should be free of mucus, blood, eggs, worms, and grease. Stool should also not be black, tarry, or white.
- Good energy level: Your dog should have a good level of energy. Even if your dog isn’t usually energetic or very active, you should still see that it responds to you and its environment, and is alert.
- Healthy appetite: A healthy dog will have a healthy appetite. If your dog goes for a day without wanting to eat, this warrants a trip to the vet to see what the problem is. Dogs might not want to eat for a variety of reasons, such as pickiness or illness.
- Clear eyes: Your dog’s eyes should be bright and clear. If they look cloudy or are releasing any discharge, then that’s a sign that something could be wrong with your dog’s health.
Related Questions
What are common dog health conditions?
There are many health conditions that can affect your furry friend, such as obesity, arthritis, parasites, and dental disease.
How can you choose the best diet for your dog?
Your vet should help you to choose the best food for your dog. They should consider your dog’s stage of life and any illnesses he or she has, as well as provide a diet that’s filled with all the nutrients your dog needs to be healthy, such as protein.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds tend to be healthier than others.
Owning one of the dogs featured in this article means that you can expect a really long life with them, which is exactly what you want from your furry friend.
In addition, having a healthy dog means that you’ll be able to cut down on your vet bills while ensuring your dog doesn’t have to endure many painful and upsetting illnesses.
That said, remember that there’s never a guarantee that a “healthy” dog breed will be healthy – it’s really up to you to ensure you keep your dog as healthy as possible, such as by feeding it a balanced diet, providing mental stimulation, and encouraging daily exercise.
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.