These sturdy pups are built to thrive.
If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, health might be just as important to you as cuteness or temperament. While every dog can get sick, some breeds tend to enjoy longer, healthier lives with fewer genetic health problems. We’ve rounded up 40 dog breeds that are known to be healthier than average, and some might just surprise you. Curious if your favorite breed made the list?
1. Australian Cattle Dog
This working dog isn’t just smart and loyal; it’s famously robust. Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their strong immune systems, high energy, and minimal hereditary issues. In fact, one once held the record for the oldest dog ever, living to 29. With proper exercise and a healthy diet, they can thrive well into their teen years, making them one of the healthiest dog breeds you could bring home. Source: Pet Insurance quotes
2. Basenji
Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is as low-maintenance as they come. Originally bred for hunting in Central Africa, this breed is naturally clean, agile, and rarely suffers from common canine illnesses. Their lean build and short coat make them less prone to skin conditions, and they’re typically free from major genetic diseases. If you want a dog with cat-like grooming habits and a clean bill of health, consider the Basenji. Source: Webmd
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are known for their intelligence, but they also rank high in the health department. These energetic dogs have been selectively bred for work, not appearance, which means fewer genetic issues. They tend to live long lives and are rarely affected by the hip or joint problems seen in other active breeds. Just keep them mentally and physically engaged and you’ll have a vibrant companion for years. Source: A-Z Animals
4. Belgian Malinois
Closely related to the German Shepherd but generally healthier, the Belgian Malinois is a favorite among military and police units for good reason. This breed is lean, athletic, and built for endurance. Because they’re bred more for utility than looks, they’re less prone to dysplasia and skin issues. With the right training and regular exercise, Belgian Malinois often remain strong and agile into their senior years. Source: Dog Time’
5. Chihuahua
Don’t let their size fool you. Chihuahuas are tough little survivors. With life expectancies stretching into the late teens, this toy breed is one of the longest-living dogs out there. While they can be prone to dental issues, they tend to avoid more serious problems like joint disease or organ failure, especially when kept at a healthy weight. Their tiny frames house big personalities and surprisingly resilient bodies. Source: 24 Pet Watch
6. German Pinscher
Often mistaken for a miniature Doberman, the German Pinscher is actually older and generally healthier. They’re agile, muscular, and have fewer health issues than other similar breeds. This medium-sized dog rarely experiences severe joint problems or hereditary conditions. With consistent training and exercise, they’re alert, energetic, and can be a healthy part of your family for many years.
7. Ibizan Hound
Lean and elegant, the Ibizan Hound is a lesser-known breed with a big health advantage. Originally bred for hunting rabbits on the Balearic Islands, these hounds are fast, agile, and not overly prone to genetic diseases. Their short coat makes grooming easy, and they’re usually free of the skin and joint problems that affect many other breeds. If you like unique, low-maintenance dogs, this one’s a gem.
8. Havanese
This small but sturdy breed brings the best of both worlds: charming personality and impressive health. The Havanese, Cuba’s national dog, has a silky coat that doesn’t shed much and a surprisingly low rate of genetic health problems. They’re good with families and live long, happy lives with regular grooming and vet checkups. Bonus: they’re hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with sensitivities.
9. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu’s fox-like look and aloof attitude have made it a favorite on social media, but this Japanese breed is also known for its resilience. Shibas tend to be healthy, with a natural resistance to many common canine illnesses. Their clean habits and low-maintenance coat are just icing on the cake. As long as you give them plenty of exercise and consistent training, they’ll stay happy and healthy.
10. Australian Terrier
Small but fearless, the Australian Terrier is one of the healthier terrier breeds around. Known for their tenacity and tough spirit, these dogs typically avoid many of the skin and allergy issues that plague other small breeds. They’re active, alert, and do well in both rural and urban environments. Their sturdy build and minimal grooming needs make them a solid choice for low-maintenance dog lovers.
11. Beagle
Beagles are more than just a cute face with a nose that won’t quit. These cheerful hounds have sturdy builds and a long lifespan, often reaching 12 to 15 years with minimal major health issues. While they can be prone to overeating, regular exercise and portion control help keep them in great shape. With their happy demeanor and love for play, Beagles make both great companions and healthy housemates.
12. English Foxhound
A true endurance athlete, the English Foxhound was bred to run for hours on the hunt. That kind of background contributes to its excellent overall health. These dogs are typically free of chronic illnesses and tend to live active, balanced lives with few vet visits outside of routine care. If you’re an outdoorsy family or love long walks, this breed is a great match for both health and lifestyle.
13. Belgian Tervuren
Part of the Belgian Shepherd family, the Tervuren is often overlooked but stands out for its excellent health and graceful athleticism. These dogs are smart, loyal, and physically resilient. With regular grooming and enough exercise, they tend to avoid the hip and joint problems that plague similar breeds. Their strong immune systems and active nature make them one of the healthier long-haired dogs you can own.
14. Greyhound
Despite their sleek, racetrack reputation, Greyhounds are incredibly gentle and surprisingly low-maintenance. They’re often referred to as “40 mph couch potatoes” because they love short sprints and long naps. Health-wise, they’re relatively free from common genetic issues and have fewer orthopedic concerns than many other large breeds. Their slim build helps keep extra strain off their joints, and they adapt well to quiet home life.
15. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a rare but healthy breed with a playful personality. Bred for hunting and retrieving in cold water, they developed tough immune systems and hardy constitutions. They don’t commonly suffer from major illnesses and tend to do well on a balanced diet and consistent exercise. Their medium size and good-natured temperament make them a great fit for active families looking for a healthy companion.
16. Rat Terrier
Don’t let the name fool you. Rat Terriers are energetic, sharp, and some of the healthiest small dogs around. They were bred for farm work and pest control, which gave them physical stamina and a rugged constitution. Rat Terriers tend to live long, happy lives with few genetic health issues. They’re also easy to groom and train, making them a practical and cheerful addition to many households.
17. Alaskan Malamute
Big and bold, the Alaskan Malamute is a powerful working dog with a body built for harsh conditions. While large breeds can be prone to hip issues, Malamutes tend to avoid many of the chronic problems found in similar dogs when bred responsibly. Their thick coats require regular grooming, but in terms of overall health, they’re resilient, strong, and often live into their early teens with minimal medical complications.
18. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound looks like it stepped out of ancient Egyptian art, and it brings ancient health traits too. This sleek and agile breed has a long history of surviving in harsh conditions, contributing to its strong immune system and minimal genetic issues. They’re fast, elegant, and surprisingly laid-back at home. Their short coat and lean frame mean fewer grooming and joint concerns, making them a breeze to care for.
19. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is one of the oldest known breeds and has lived through centuries of natural selection. That wild origin contributes to its hardy nature. These dogs are low-maintenance, alert, and adaptable to many environments. Their strong immune systems and low risk of inherited diseases make them one of the most robust medium-sized breeds. They’re great for experienced owners who appreciate a dog with an independent streak.
20. Tibetan Spaniel
Small, smart, and spirited, the Tibetan Spaniel combines charm with health. Originally bred by Buddhist monks to act as watchdogs in monasteries, these dogs developed long life spans and strong constitutions. They usually steer clear of serious hereditary illnesses and thrive with light grooming and regular walks. Their adaptable nature makes them perfect for both city and suburban life, especially for families looking for a lively but low-maintenance pup.
21. Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t be fooled by their size. Jack Russell Terriers are tiny dynamos with a ton of energy and excellent health. These dogs are tough, quick, and can live well into their late teens when properly cared for. They have strong immune systems and aren’t as prone to hereditary diseases as other small breeds. With plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they’ll stay fit and happy for years.
22. Labradoodle
As a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle, Labradoodles often benefit from what’s known as hybrid vigor. This genetic advantage can reduce the risk of inherited illnesses and increase overall vitality. While no dog is completely immune to health issues, Labradoodles tend to enjoy long, active lives with fewer chronic conditions, especially when bred responsibly. Their friendly nature and low-shedding coat are just added bonuses.
23. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a powerful, wolf-like breed originally used to track big game like elk and bear. Their heritage as hardy hunting companions makes them one of the healthier large breeds. They’re known for strong joints, long life spans, and minimal genetic concerns. These dogs are active, loyal, and protective, and they thrive with daily exercise and regular grooming to keep their thick coats in shape.
24. Pomeranian
Tiny but mighty, the Pomeranian is often praised for its long life and robust energy levels. Despite being a toy breed, they generally stay healthy well into their teens when given proper dental care and a balanced diet. They may have small bodies, but they’ve got big personalities and surprisingly few major health issues. Their fluffy coats need upkeep, but in return, you get a cheerful, resilient companion.
25. Whippet
Sleek and speedy, Whippets are built for both performance and health. They’re closely related to Greyhounds but tend to be even lower maintenance. Their slim build and laid-back nature help avoid the orthopedic issues seen in heavier breeds. Whippets are also known for having very few inherited diseases. With the right balance of zoomies and cuddles, they make gentle, long-lived companions in just about any home setting.
26. Standard Schnauzer
Of all the Schnauzer types, the Standard Schnauzer is often the healthiest. This medium-sized breed is sturdy, alert, and generally free from the common ailments seen in many other dogs. They have few issues with hip dysplasia or heart disease, especially when from reputable breeders. Add in a hypoallergenic coat and loyal temperament, and you’ve got a breed that’s both practical and lovable.
27. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, might look like mini Collies, but they’ve got health advantages all their own. These agile dogs were bred for herding in harsh conditions, giving them tough immune systems and long life spans. With proper care, Shelties can live 12 to 14 years and often remain playful well into their senior years. They need regular grooming, but their strong genes make them well worth it.
28. American Eskimo Dog
Fluffy and full of personality, the American Eskimo Dog is one of the more robust small-to-medium breeds. Despite its delicate appearance, it has few major genetic health concerns. With proper grooming and enough mental stimulation, this breed typically lives a long and energetic life. They’re smart, eager to please, and generally easy to train, making them a solid choice for families seeking a healthy and interactive pet.
29. Cairn Terrier
Best known as the breed that played Toto in The Wizard of Oz, the Cairn Terrier has a reputation for being nearly indestructible. These sturdy little dogs are low to the ground but high in spirit. They tend to live long, healthy lives and don’t suffer from many of the orthopedic or dental issues seen in other small breeds. Give them space to explore, and they’ll thrive both physically and mentally.
30. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a graceful, high-energy breed originally bred for hunting in Hungary. Thanks to generations of selective breeding for endurance and work, Vizslas tend to have excellent overall health. They’re athletic, lean, and not prone to many of the hereditary conditions seen in larger dogs. As long as they get regular exercise and mental stimulation, these affectionate companions are built to live strong, active lives.
31. American Staffordshire Terrier
American Staffordshire Terriers often get a bad rap, but those who know them understand they’re not only loving companions but also one of the healthier medium-to-large breeds. With proper socialization and training, they thrive physically and emotionally. These dogs have muscular builds and aren’t prone to many inherited diseases, especially when responsibly bred. Their short coats are easy to maintain, and they’re known for staying active and strong well into their senior years.
32. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Built to guard livestock in rugged terrain, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a hardy breed with a strong immune system and a calm demeanor. These giants are relatively low-maintenance in terms of health and often live longer than many other large breeds. They’re not commonly affected by hip issues or bloat when fed and exercised properly. If you’ve got space and time, this guardian breed can make a remarkably healthy companion.
33. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a wiry little powerhouse that was bred for work in the countryside. Their robust genetics give them an edge when it comes to overall health. They rarely suffer from the allergy or skin problems common in other terriers. With regular vet visits and good exercise, they can live long, active lives. Their easygoing nature and solid health make them great for families looking for a low-fuss pet.
34. Plott Hound
As the state dog of North Carolina, the Plott Hound is a tough, no-nonsense breed developed for hunting wild boar. That rugged heritage means they’re built to last. Plott Hounds are generally free from chronic conditions and respond well to routine care. Their short coat is easy to maintain, and they have solid bones and joints. These dogs do best in active households that enjoy the outdoors and want a sturdy, healthy pet.
35. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz has a fox-like face and a cheerful bark that once earned it the nickname “barking bird dog.” More importantly, this breed is known for being genetically sound and long-lived. They typically don’t suffer from hip dysplasia or vision problems like many other breeds. With a balanced diet, good dental care, and lots of mental stimulation, the Finnish Spitz thrives well into its teens while keeping a playful spirit.
36. Keeshond
The Keeshond is a lovable fluffball with a surprisingly healthy track record. Originally used as watchdogs on riverboats, they developed into sturdy, family-friendly companions. They have relatively few genetic issues and often enjoy long, vibrant lives. Their thick coats require regular brushing, but their overall health needs are minimal. Friendly, adaptable, and resilient, the Keeshond is a strong contender for people who want a happy and healthy house dog.
37. Saluki
Elegant and ancient, the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and was bred for speed and endurance in harsh desert environments. That tough background has shaped a breed that’s not only beautiful but also impressively healthy. Salukis are slim and agile, and they don’t often suffer from common dog health problems. Their quiet nature and strong physique make them ideal for calm, low-stress households.
38. Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier looks like a tiny Doberman but has a health profile all its own. It’s a sleek, low-shedding breed with very few major genetic concerns. These dogs are alert, energetic, and generally long-lived. With a healthy diet and good dental care, many live well past 15 years. Their size makes them ideal for urban living, and their durable nature makes them great for people who want a spirited but easy-to-care-for dog.
39. Thai Ridgeback
Rare but rising in popularity, the Thai Ridgeback is a muscular and independent breed with very few inherited health issues. It developed in isolation, which helped preserve its hardy genetics. Thai Ridgebacks are generally free from hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions when properly cared for. They’re not for novice owners, but experienced dog lovers will appreciate their strength, intelligence, and natural resistance to illness.
40. Lakeland Terrier
Finishing the list is the Lakeland Terrier, a small yet mighty dog with a strong constitution. Originally bred to chase vermin over rocky terrain, this terrier developed an agile build and impressive resilience. They’re known to live long, energetic lives without many health issues. Their wiry coat is easy to manage, and they tend to have fewer allergies or skin concerns than other small breeds. Tough, loyal, and lively, they’re a hidden gem in the dog world.
Thinking about adding a healthy hound to your life? Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance lapdog or a rugged trail buddy, there’s a breed on this list that fits the bill. Share your favorite pick from the list or let us know which healthy breed you love most, your next best friend might just be waiting!
