It is mostly up to pet parents to keep their dogs healthy. Having said so, some dog breeds have naturally longer life spans. Also, certain health issues are specific to certain breeds. The size of your dog will also decide his/her life span and a general rule of thumb is that smaller and medium breeds live longer compared to larger breeds. Let us take a look at healthiest dog breeds present today.
1. Border Collie
With proper diet, exercise and regular vet exams, the Border Collie can easily live up to 12 to 15 years. They are extremely energetic and are best suited for households having many people and preferably with a job to keep them engaged. Common health issues affecting this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and Collie eye anomaly. This is also one of the healthiest dog breeds that don’t shed.
2. Basenji
The normal life expectancy of Basenji breed is 10-13 years. By nature this is a healthy dog breed and with proper care and nutrition, you can prevent many health issues common to them. This bark-less dog breed is ideal for people who want a smart, intelligent dog who does not need too much care and maintenance. Common health issues in Basenjis are hip dysplasia and eye problems.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
It is believed that the Australian Cattle dogs remain active and energetic even at the ripe old age of 12 years. They often retain their sight, hearing and teeth until their final days. Regular vet checkups in senior Australian Cattle dog will prevent rapid deterioration and keep your pet healthy for long. If your dog is drinking a lot of water all of a sudden, it could indicate that its kidneys are failing. Other common health issues affecting this breed are hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
4. Australian Shepherd
The life span of the Australian Shepherd dog is 11-15 years with 12 being the mean/average. A common health issue in this healthiest dog breed is cognitive dysfunction syndrome which leads to confusion, potty accidents in the house, disturbed sleep patterns etc. Other than these the breed’s congenital health issues also include hip dysplasia. Aussie Shepherds do not suffer from most of the common health diseases seen in other breeds and are generally considered healthiest dog breeds that do not shed too much.
5. Havanese Dog
The average lifespan of the Havanese is 14 to 15 years. This smart, friendly, sensitive, shy and gentle dog breed thrives in small apartments as well as a home with a large yard. You must walk your pet twice a day for 30 minutes at least and feed it a high quality diet to prevent many health problems. Some of the common hereditary issues seen in this healthy dog breed include heart disease, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy etc.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are considered the healthiest small dog breeds. As long as you avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders, and take proper care of your Bichon, s/he is sure to have a healthy happy life of 12-15 years. Some of the common health problems affecting this breed are usually not life threatening. Most of these issues manifest in the form of skin diseases.
7. Beagles
A healthy Beagle can live up to 13 years of full and rewarding life with proper care and maintenance. They are also considered one of the healthiest dog breeds that don’t shed too much. Make sure you feed a healthy diet with omega 3 essential fatty acids to maintain their coat. Beagles are prone to obesity and ear problems, both of which can be prevented with some proper care and maintenance.
8. Schipperke
Bright eyed and ever curious, your Schipperke will look energetic even at 10 years of age. This healthiest dog breed has an average lifespan of 14 years which is longer than most other dog breeds. Common health issues in this breed are Cataracts and arthritis. Try to give your Schipp at least one long energetic walk each day.
9. Siberian Husky
This friendly, outgoing and handsome dog has an average lifespan of 10-15 years. Common health issues seen in this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and zinc dermatitis. These intelligent dogs can get bored easily, so provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
10. Teacup Maltese
The long lifespan of this healthiest small dog breeds is also one of the main reasons behind its popularity. With proper care and maintenance, it is not unnatural for a Maltese to live up to 18 years! The average lifespan of this healthiest small dog breed is up to 12 years, possibly longer. Genetic problems for this breed commonly include slipped kneecap, hypothyroidism and tracheal collapse.
