20 Healthiest Dog Breeds

A healthy pup means less time at the vet and more time playing fetch, or maybe just snuggling up on the couch. Here are our favorite breeds that will be with you for the long haul.

By: Erin Gifford

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Healthy Dog Breeds We Love

Want a furry friend for life? Certain dog breeds are predisposed to living long lives thanks to good genetics, active lifestyles and easygoing personalities. These healthy pups come in all shapes and sizes too, from the pint-sized bichon frisé to the extra-large Akita. Some are working dogs, while others are content to snuggle up on the sofa all day long.

When you’re ready to bring home a friend for the long haul, we’ve got you covered. Here are 20 of our favorite dog breeds that have few health issues and an aptness for living out a long life.

Also See: What's the Best Dog Breed for You?

Border Collie

The border collie is a breed that’s fortunate to encounter few health issues, which may be why these hardy dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Border collies are cute, cuddly, sporty and smart. According to Vetstreet, border collies absolutely love their humans and can be real people-pleasers. They are also good with kids and families since they are quick learners and are easy to train. Border collies love to be active, so get these pups outside as much as you can.

Also See: The 20 Best Dog Breeds for Families With Kids

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a calm and quiet breed that needs regular grooming but thankfully won’t cause much of a stir when the doorbell rings. However, this dog breed can yodel. He’s got quite a vocabulary, too. Shiba Inus love a large backyard to keep active and stay fit with their families. It’s no wonder these pups can live up to 15 years. Shibas like to have their minds stimulated too, so keep these pups engaged with toys, puzzles and interactive games, like agility training.

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Chinese Crested

The hairless and hypoallergenic Chinese crested is a playful and loving pup that will be with you for the long haul. According to the American Chinese Crested Club, this healthy breed has an average life expectancy of 15 years. These dogs love to get out for a romp, but make sure to slather them up with a dog-safe sunscreen. His hairless skin can easily burn. As a hairless breed, he can also get chilly, so make sure he’s wearing a sweater on cold-weather walks.

Also See: 20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Won't Shed All Over Your House

Whippet

The whippet is a calm and loyal doggo that loves a good cuddle sesh and is always eager to spend time with his humans. This pup doesn’t need a lot of space, so he’s a good pick for city folks as well as families with big houses in the ‘burbs. A relative of the greyhound, these doggos love to run, so get them out to the dog park often. With proper nutrition and exercise, whippets can live 12 to 15 years. They’re among the healthiest purebred dogs.

Also See: The 15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Dwellers

Chihuahua

The adorable pint-sized Chihuahua hails from Mexico and loves to cuddle up with his humans on the sofa after dinner. These pups are among the healthiest small dog breeds and can live up to 16 years, according to the American Kennel Club. Chihuahuas don’t need a lot of exercise, but it’s wise to get these pups out for a good walk to keep them fit and trim. These pups can lose body heat quickly, so keep them warm with a sweater, especially on chilly mornings.

Also See: 40 Adorable Small Dog Breeds We Love

Bichon Frisé

The bichon frisé is a wildly popular and extra-cuddly ball of fluff. These doggos are playful, loving and, of course, so snuggly. The bichon frisé doesn’t need loads of exercise, but a good walk around the neighborhood will keep him healthy and fit for years to come, as long as 16 years. Take this French breed in for regular checkups to catch any health issues early. You’ll want to be able to cuddle with this one for as long as possible.

Greyhound

The gentle greyhound loves a morning run and an afternoon snooze. These large dogs are good-natured and loving. Greyhounds are also very low maintenance, requiring only light grooming of their short, smooth coats. Speaking of coats, keep these pups bundled up in winter with a warm fleece jacket or sweater on cold days. Since they have little body fat, they can get cold very quickly. For allergy sufferers, greyhounds are also hypoallergenic. These noble and healthy dogs can live up to 14 years, allowing for many happy years with his family.

Also See: 20 Lovable Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds

Dachshund

The beloved dachshund, with his long body and little legs, is among the easiest breeds to identify right away. It’s not hard to spot an adorable “wiener dog.” The dachshund also has one of the longest lifespans, with some living more than 18 years, according to I Love Dachshunds. These pups are good family dogs, though they do have a penchant for barking at passers-by, whether from inside the house or at the end of a leash. They love to get outside and soak in the sun on a nice day.

Siberian Husky

A sled dog, the muscular Siberian husky was bred to pull heavy loads across the Arctic, but this durable dog is far from all work, no play. This doggo has a lot of energy and loves to play with his humans, including children. Keep this dog well exercised and he will typically live 11 to 14 years. The Siberian husky is smart, pleasant-natured and friendly, loving time spent with both his human family and other dogs. He may howl from time to time, but he is a great fit for an active household.

Also See: 40 Big Dog Breeds We Love to Love

Havanese

The Havanese is a lesser-known dog breed, but this small dog can quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his gentle demeanor and cuddly nature. This snuggly pup is easy to train and loves to be with his humans, including children. Hailing from Cuba, the breed can live from 14 to 16 years, according to the American Kennel Club. These social pups do well in the city and the suburbs. Havanese are also loyal, affectionate and good with other animals.

Labradoodle

The labradoodle still seems to be the adorable “oodle” dog of the moment. This designer hybrid that’s a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever wins fans with his smart, affectionate and social demeanor. It’s impossible not to love a labradoodle. As a bonus, these pups don’t shed much, so you can spend more time playing in the backyard and less time lint-rolling hair off the sofa. This cuddly crossbreed can live up to 15 years. The labradoodle is a healthy pup that’s all about his humans.

Australian Shepherd

You may think the Australian shepherd hails from Down Under, but really, he’s a Californian. This large-breed dog works hard and plays hard. He’s also athletic and loves to romp, whether in the backyard or at the local dog park. You may attribute his lengthy lifespan of 13 to 15 years to his active lifestyle. Keep this doggo well exercised and mentally stimulated, and there’s no doubt he’ll be with you for the long haul. The Australian shepherd loves his humans and will do his best to protect them.

Beagle

The beagle is an adorable medium-sized dog breed with floppy ears and a penchant for playing fetch, even if this doggo was not bred to retrieve. Beagles want to be your best pal and are always up for a country walk or a cuddle on the sofa. Beagles have short coats, so their grooming needs are minimal. They’re also versatile, able to thrive in a city condo or a single-family home. This breed has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, and he’ll want to spend every waking moment with his humans.

Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian shepherd is a hard-working dog, often used to tend to livestock and rural farmland. That’s not to say he’s all business, but he can be territorial, always with a watchful eye on strangers. Anatolians are a smart, devoted and hardy breed. They’re healthy, too, and can live up to 13 years. They are born leaders, able to go toe to toe with a predator, even another dog. These pups are more calm and confident than cuddly and affectionate.

Basenji

Much like the Shiba Inu, the basenji has been said to yodel. Known fondly as Africa’s “barkless” dog, the basenji is beloved for his quiet and loving nature. His short coat means that he requires minimal grooming, so you won’t spend a lot of time with the lint roller. The basenji was bred as a hunting dog, but today’s breed would rather cuddle with his humans. This playful doggo is healthy and practically self-cleaning, much like a cat. Keep this dog active and he may live to 15 years.

Poodle

It’s easy to love a poodle. Not only are they among the most popular pups, achieving 3.4 billion views on TikTok, but they’re clever, loving and not likely to shed all over your house. It doesn’t matter whether they are a standard, toy or miniature poodle, they’re likely to have good health and longevity. According to the American Kennel Club, poodles can live up to 18 years. Poodles are playful, loving, smart and snuggly. They’re also nearly odorless. No doggie smell here.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are playful, easygoing and oh-so snuggly. They’re also eager to please and eager to learn, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners and families. These healthy pups love to stay active, so get them out for a walk or a romp around the backyard as often as you can. Cocker spaniels are serious tail waggers too, bursting with enthusiasm for their humans. According to PetMD, cocker spaniels can live 10 to 14 years, so plan to have this pup for many years to come.

Labrador Retriever

It’s hard to find a more adorable, tail-wagging dog than the Labrador retriever. These dogs love to run, jump, play and cuddle. They’re good for first-timers, families and veteran dog owners. Labs are an all-around fabulous breed, and one that will be with you for up to 12 years. Labs pretty much never have a bad day and they are always there to love you and provide comfort. No wonder the Labrador retriever was ranked the most popular dog in the United States.

Akita

The hard-working Akita calls home the mountains of northern Japan and is noted for his bravery and loyalty. At one time, the Akita was tapped to protect royalty, so you can be sure that he will do the same for your family. This powerful, large-breed dog is a solid companion, and one that will have a sharp eye trained on strangers. The Akita has become a symbol of happiness and good health, so it’s no surprise to see this quiet and faithful dog as one of the healthiest dog breeds.

Irish Setter

The Irish setter is a favorite among active families thanks to his enthusiasm and boundless energy, as well as his loving and lively personality. He is a social pup, eager to play with his humans, as well as other pets, even strangers. Irish setters love to run, jump and play, so it’s wise to keep a tennis ball or a frisbee at the ready. There’s no question that this pup’s easygoing personality and active lifestyle contribute to his longevity, leading this breed to live up to 15 years.

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