22 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds on the Planet

Anyone who’s ever had to put a cone recovery collar on their dog knows that a sick pet is a huge bummer. The thing is, dogs are bound to need medical attention at some point in their lives. Everything from gum disease (very common in dogs) to myasthenia gravis (a rare nerve disorder) warrant a vet visit. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to develop certain issues over time and can pass those issues onto offspring. Other breeds are generally healthy and aren’t susceptible to any particular illnesses (or the chances they’ll develop a genetic disorder is so low it’s not worth worrying about). The healthiest dog breeds tend to fall into this second category. Many are high-energy small- or medium-sized pups. We can’t promise they’ll stay out of trouble, but if you’re looking for a healthy dog breed, start here.

Mixed breeds vs. purebred dogs

You may have heard rumors about purebred dogs being less healthy than mixed breed dogs. The reality is much more nuanced. A 2013 study examined the medical records of almost 30,000 dogs at a UC Davis vet clinic to see if there was any correlation between specific diseases and breed. Of 24 genetic disorders, only ten were more common purebred dogs. One, ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (a knee injury), was more common in mixed breed dogs. The remaining 16 genetic disorders (including hip dysplasia, epilepsy and some cancers) occurred just as often in both types of dogs.

Dr. Jerry Klein, CVO, writes on The American Kennel Club website that as a veterinarian and Afghan Hound breeder himself, he’s learned from experience that “pretty much any dog can get sick.” If your heart is set on a purebred dog, work with a responsible breeder. They screen both parents for potential genetic diseases to prevent litters from inheriting health problems. Many invest time and money into researching ways to eradicate known genetic abnormalities in their favorite breeds.

The healthiest dogs are well-fed, well-cared for and well-socialized, regardless of breed. Pups rely on their humans to not only provide nutrients that ward off disease, but to notice signs of pain or sickness. General health also doesn’t account for… accidents. Puppies of all breeds have been known to chip teeth, break bones and even eat their own poop.

Pro tip: Doing a dog DNA test for a mixed breed or rescue pup can give you lots of great insight into potential health issues you can watch out for as your dog ages.

Common health issues for large dog breeds

Big dogs and their big skeletons are more likely to develop joint issues over time. Crossroads Animal Hospital says both elbow and hip dysplasia are common in large breeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes. Based on data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), many breeds on our list have low rankings of hip and elbow dysplasia. This means the joints are slightly misshapen and grind together. It often leads to arthritis and makes movement painful.

Bloat is another scary possibility for big dogs. When big dog breeds eat too quickly, they can swallow air that gets stuck in their chest cavities. The stomach expands, twists around itself and cuts off blood flow to the rest of the body. It’s life-threatening and can happen to any large breed, so keep your eyes peeled for excessive drooling or shortness of breath.

Common health issues for small dog breeds

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance says small breeds are at higher risk for ailments like patellar luxation and obesity. Patellar luxation is basically a bad kneecap that keeps moving out of place. Watch for limping or skipping in your tiny pup! Obesity is also an issue for small dogs because it’s much easier for them to become overweight. This can lead to serious complications like kidney failure.

The healthiest dog breeds

The dogs listed below are generally healthy. While almost all dogs run the risk of suffering from arthritis or blindness as they age, the ones on our list have very low-risk factors when it comes to genetic diseases. Remember, just because a dog carries a gene, doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee they’ll develop the corresponding disease! It’s always wise to ask your vet and the breeder what genetic testing is available for your dog’s breed.

Note: If a puppy comes from a reputable breeder, chances are the breeder has done all the hard work for you. Unless you’re planning on registering your dog with a club or breeding it, many health tests aren’t required. They could simply provide info - and the more you know, the earlier you can identify symptoms and give your dog the best treatment possible if they develop health issues.

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