When choosing the right dog for you and your family there are many things to consider. Not only is there the process of selecting a breed that’s best suited for your lifestyle, there’s cost. While purebred puppies are pricier than shelter dogs, they can become even more costly if they turn out to be unhealthy. With puppy scams and dishonest breeders everywhere, many excited dog owners end up under a pile of veterinarian bills with a dog lost too soon.
Remember that health also depends on you. Offer proper nutrition, keep your dogs at a healthy weight, and provide enough mental and physical exercise, or you’re going to see health problems that are unrelated to breed. That said, if you’re looking to find a breed that takes less trips to the veterinarian, these breeds with the least health issues might be for you.
Remember that you can find dogs of any breed in shelters – sterilized, vaccinated, and with any known health issues stated up front.
#1 – Airedale Terrier
The Airedale is the largest of the terriers, originally bred to hunt otter but also used as a police and guard dog. They are active and strong-willed, often aggressive toward other dogs and animals because of their terrier background. Airedales are independent dogs but enjoy spending time with their families and are known for being very friendly dogs. They are prone to hip dysplasia, skin disorders and eye issues but these ailments are only occasionally seen.
#2 – Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large, powerful livestock guardian. This breed is wary of strangers and deeply loyal to their families. Introducing your Anatolian to new people must be done carefully. They are agile despite their size but need only moderate exercise. They will protect property and livestock courageously. For such a large breed, they are very healthy and only rarely suffer from hip dysplasia and dermatologic ailments. Image source: Steve Slater
#3 – Australian Kelpie
Australian Kelpies are dogs who love to work. Therefore, they need a job to do in order to make a happy companion. They enjoy and excel in sports such as agility and obedience. Hip dysplasia is seen very rarely but can occur.
#4 – Belgian Malinois
Humans choose to breed the Belgian Malinois almost exclusively for it’s working ability, but he also has very few health problems. Depending on the bloodline, you’ll likely find dogs without any health issues at all. This is because breeding the dogs for their working ability eliminates any health issues that would impede their work. They can make active companions, but need a job to do.
#5 – Chinook
Developed in New Hampshire, the Chinook is a rare breed of sled dog. They are very affectionate dogs that do well with people of all ages, including very young children. Health issues are limited to occasional hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Despite the breed’s size and working ability, they require only moderate exercise. That said, they make excellent active companions, especially for outdoor adventures. Image source: Gerry C
#6 – Fox Terrier – Smooth & Wire
Both Smooth and Wirehaired Fox Terriers are two separate breeds, but included here together. They are very similar, one having a short, smooth coat and the other a longer, wiry one. Fox Terriers are small to medium sized dogs. Their terrier heritage makes them very active and intelligent. They are susceptible to some health issues such as myasthenia gravis and megaesophogus, although these conditions are rare.
#7 – Pharaoh Hound
This sighthound is beautiful, active, and originally bred for hunting. Despite their heritage, they don’t need many miles of running a day to stay happy, but they must have an adequate outlet for their quick sprints. They are just as happy curling up in their favorite spot on the couch or in a soft blanket. Pharaoh Hounds are quite rare and unpopular, so their dedicated breeders have taken great care to eradicate hereditary diseases. They’ve done a great job, leaving the Pharaoh Hounds as one of the healthiest breeds. Image source: ccho
#8 – Siberian Husky
Despite being ill-suited for many owners Siberian Huskies are a popular breed. These dogs are very active and need ample amounts of mental and physical exercise to remain docile members of the household. This breed has a low incidence of hip dysplasia, although they are prone to genetic epilepsy and eye disorders. That said, regular health testing by breeders have kept these conditions at bay.
#9 – Welsh Corgi – Cardigan & Pembroke
The Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are two separate breeds, but they do have very similar traits. Especially in the health department. Despite their size, both breeds are very active dogs that require adequate exercise less they become bored and destructive. They are very social and enjoy spending time with their families and meeting new friends. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is at a higher risk of eye disorders, although both breeds can be affected. These conditions as well as other genetic issues are rare.
