When we bring the love of a dog into our homes, we know that their memories will live on in our families much longer than their short, bright lives. That being said, saying goodbye to our furry best friends as they walk the rainbow bridge is no easy feat, so what dog breeds live longest? What are the healthiest dog breeds out there? Let’s find out!
Healthiest Dog Breeds: Beagles
Beagles are medium-sized dogs bred for hunting that have a fantastic sense of smell. On average, beagles are one of the healthiest dog breeds. They live to be between 10 and 15 years old. Beagles usually avoid many of the most common ailments that affect dogs, but they can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy in their later years. Beagles stand 15 inches or shorter at the shoulder and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. This breed is characterized by sturdy, solid bodies, broad foreheads, and long floppy ears. Their smooth coats exhibit the traditional tricolors of black, brown, and white and the less common patterns of red and white or yellow and white.
Australian Cattle Dogs
Measuring 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds, Aussies are another active, medium-sized healthy dog breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs are incredibly athletic; they make fantastic hiking and adventure partners. Australian Cattle Dogs have one of the longest lifespans of any dog, regularly living 12 to 16 years, sometimes even longer. Their athletic nature can lead to joints and ligaments problems, but these are usually remedied with rest, supplements, or surgery. Aussies sport pointed ears and a stylish double-layer speckled coat.
Chihuahuas
Did you know that Chihuahuas have the biggest brain to body ratio in the dog world? These brainiac purse dogs may be small, but their life expectancy is mighty; Chihuahuas regularly live 12 years up to 20 years long! It’s easy to recognize the Chihuahua’s large, apple-shaped heads and pointy ears. They measure between 6 and 9 inches tall and weigh a minuscule 2 to 6 pounds. These healthy, long-lived dogs have coats short or long and come in almost any color and pattern.
Healthiest Dog Breeds: Dachshunds
Dachshunds are a short, long-bodied dog breed affectionately known as the “wiener dog.” The measure only 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder, or 5 to 6 inches at the shoulder for the miniature version. Miniature dachshunds weigh less than 6 pounds, while the standard dachshund weighs between 16 and 32 pounds. Dachshunds’ bodies aren’t their only long trait; this breed sports long, narrow faces and long, floppy ears. Like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds can have long or short hair in a variety of colors and patterns. These loving, affectionate family dogs have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. The main healthy issues to worry about with your Dachshund are obesity and diabetes.
Greyhounds
Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed in the world, capable of running 45 miles per hour! All that athleticism and exercise means one thing; greyhounds are one of the healthiest dog breeds. Though larger dogs usually live shorter lives, Greyhounds can live upwards of 10 to 13 years. One health issue you do want to monitor with your greyhound is stomach torsion, where your dog’s stomach flips over and becomes blocked. This can occur if they eat too quickly. Greyhounds measure 27 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 80 pounds. Their bodies are long and lean, with short, smooth coats.
Havanese
The Havanese might be one of the lesser-known breeds on this list. This petite breed is the only native dog breed in Cuba, named after the country’s capital, Havana. The small, intelligent Havanese is 8.5 to 11.5 inches high and weighs between 7 and 13 pounds. They sport an adorable curled tail and long, silky coat. These extremely social dogs will stay a part of your life for a long time, regularly living more than 14 and sometimes as long as 17 years! Other than some Havanese dogs with a genetic predisposition to deafness, this breed is easily one of the healthiest dog breeds.
Siberian Husky
The iconic Siberian Husky has one of the longest lifespans of a large breed dog; these intelligent, athletic animals live between 12 and 16 years on average. Like other large breeds, however, they can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia. However, with proper exercise, nutrition, and breeding, your husky can be your ultimate adventure pal. Huskies are powerful and full of seemingly endless energy. They are ideal companions for hiking, biking, or jogging. These agile beasts stand between 20 and 23 inches high at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 60 pounds. The husky’s dense double coat comes in a wider variety of color patterns, and they often have striking eyes in shades of brown, blue, or gold.
Mutts: The Healthiest Dog Breeds
We can’t make a list of the healthiest dog breeds without talking about the healthiest dog breed of all: the mixed breed! Mutts result from mixing different breeds’ genetics, resulting in a more genetically diverse dog. Mutts tend to experience fewer health issues than many purebred dogs. Their wider gene pool means that mixed breed dogs are less likely to inherit genetic disorders. They can, however, develop health problems such as obesity, cancer, or heart disease. While you can’t predict a mixed breed dog’s height or weight without seeing their parents, you can rest easy knowing your dog is more likely to be healthy and happy for many years to come with your family.