10 Healthiest Dog Breeds You Can Own

Cute, healthy puppy

So the kids haven’t stopped begging for a dog, and you’re finally giving it some serious thought? Great. You’re in the right place.

Getting a dog is a massive undertaking that people tend to minimize because, well, dogs are really cute. But let’s be realistic. Puppies are nearly as much work as a newborn, and caring for them properly is expensive. Ignoring the initial price tag, the annual cost of pet products and vet care for a single dog can run anywhere from $600 to $2,500.

One way to keep costs down is by choosing one of the healthiest dog breeds. These healthy dog breeds are known for having few hereditary health conditions and naturally long lives. They may still experience certain medical issues that come with old age, but these pups are the most likely to make it to a ripe old age with minimal issues. We hope you find your dream dog.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian cattle dog

Average lifespan: 13 to 15 years

Common health issues: Canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy

Average cost: $450

Bottom line: Australian cattle dogs have an impressive reputation for great health, and there’s a good reason why — they’re very, very active. Australian cattle dogs have copious amounts of energy, keeping them in tip-top shape.

They’re small to medium in size, but don’t be fooled by how compact they are. They’re not meant for apartment life. If you live in a small space without a yard, don’t even think about it, especially if you don’t have tons of time for walks.

Australian cattle dogs are known for living an exceptionally long time, with one landing in the Guinness Book of World Records for making it to his 29th birthday. If you have enough energy to keep up with this breed, Australian cattle dogs have very few canine health problems and can be a great companion for years.

9. Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic sheepdog

Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Common health issues: Canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation

Average cost: $900

Bottom line: The Icelandic sheepdog looks nothing like the Old English sheepdog that you probably remember from Disney’s “Peter Pan. They’re smaller, heartier and longer living.

Some hereditary sheepdog canine health conditions, however, do have genetic components. For that reason, make sure you buy from a reputable breeder who tests for disease markers to avoid passing them down to future generations of puppies.

8. Australian Shepherd

Australian shepherd

Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Common health issues: Epilepsy, canine hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, allergies

Average cost: $800

Bottom line: Like Australian cattle dogs, the Australian shepherd is full of energy. They’re also beautiful, coming in several color variations, including some with brilliant, light blue eyes.

They’re a medium-large-sized dog with a penchant for learning tricks and carrying out orders. They’re very bright but easily bored.

So make sure you have the time and interest in training before you get an Aussie.

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

German shorthaired pointer

Average lifespan: 10-12 years

Common health issues: Hypothyroidism, canine hip dysplasia, lymphedema

Average cost: $800

Bottom line: Shorthaired pointers have great health with a short coat that’s ideal for allergy sufferers. They hardly shed at all.

They make decent indoor dogs as long as they get sufficient daily exercise. They’re prone to a couple of common, fairly mild canine health conditions as they age, but nothing to write home about.

They do prefer to have company, however, so if you work long hours out of the home, keep searching.

6. Beagle

Cute beagle

Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Common health issues: Epilepsy, allergies, cherry eye, hypothyroidism

Average cost: $800

Bottom line: Remember Snoopy? The lovable, small-medium-sized hound is the picture of health.

They’re surprisingly sturdy for a dog of their size, easily earning them a place on the list of healthiest dog breeds.

They were originally bred to hunt, and their eagerness to please has been passed down to the pet beagles of today.

5. English Foxhound

Healthy English foxhound

Average lifespan: 10-13 years

Common health issues: Canine hip dysplasia, renal disease

Average cost: $700

Bottom line: English foxhounds are one of the easiest dog breeds to care for. They have incredible endurance and hardly any known medical risks.

They rarely have allergies that commonly plague other breeds, and they live fairly long lives for dogs of their size.

As natural hunters, however, they need plenty of physical activity each week.

4. Belgian Malinois

Playful Belgian Malinois

Average lifespan: 11-14 years

Common health issues: Elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hemangiosarcoma

Cost: $2,500

Bottom line: The Belgian Malinois is one of the brightest, most easily trained dog breeds around. They’re also one of the healthiest dog breeds, with few noteworthy canine health conditions.

They often live until their teens, and they’re very obedient in the hands of a patient trainer. Keep in mind, however, that their intelligence and strength is meant to be used. They were bred to be working dogs and are frequently used in the military for this very reason.

A bored Belgian Malinois will quickly get himself into trouble. If you don’t mind the high initial cost and the extra training time, this healthy dog breed is one of the most loyal, protective breeds around.

3. Poodle

White standard poodle

Average lifespan: 12-15 years

Common health issues:  Canine hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy

Cost: $1,200

Bottom line:  Poodles are one of the healthiest dog breeds, and they’re also among the most popular. These smart dogs have hair rather than fur, making them the most hypoallergenic on this list.

They range in size from the large, standard poodle to the tiniest of teacups. There’s guaranteed to be a poodle that fits virtually any lifestyle. The standard poodle tends to live longer than other dog breeds, so that’s another mark in their favor.

Oh, and did we mention? They’re really, really fluffy.

2. Basenji

Basenji

Average lifespan: 12-16 years

Common health issue: Canine hip dysplasia, corneal dystrophy, patellar luxation, anemia

Cost: $1,500

Bottom line: Basenji’s are crazy healthy because, like most pets on the list of healthiest dog breeds, they’re insanely active.

They were originally used as hunting dogs, but they make excellent pets, too. They’re patient with kids and rarely bark.

Some are prone to anemia, but good breeders test to make sure their breeding lines are free from genetic disease markers.

1. Bichon Frise

Bichon frise

Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Common health issues: Hyperadrenocorticism, patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia

Average cost: $900

Bottom line: If you’re looking for the healthiest lapdog breed, you’ve found it. Bichon frises are the gold standard of cute, fluffy small dogs. They often live into their teens, but like other long-living dogs, they tend to have hip issues as they get older.

Their pure white coat is long and hypoallergenic, highlighting their dark eyes and button nose. As long as you don’t mind spending some extra time brushing and some extra money at the groomers, the bichon might be the perfect, healthy dog breed for you.

Honorable Mention: Mixed Breeds

Goldendoodle

While purebred dogs are popular for their consistent features and personality traits, mixed breeds can be even healthier. And just as cute!

Because mixed breeds have a more varied genetic makeup, they have a lower risk of inheriting genetically linked health conditions.

There are plenty of adorable mixed breeds on the market, so take your time finding the perfect, healthiest mixed breed.