Are Some Dog Breeds Healthier Than Others

There are some dog breeds that are known to be healthier than others, although it would be virtually impossible to say which breed would actually live the longest. With this said, some breeds are less likely to inherit genetic health disorders which could be anything from hip dysplasia to some form of skin disorder. As such they tend to be healthier than other breeds throughout their lives. Below are just a few of the breeds known to be healthy characters.

The Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle dogs are hardy by nature having been bred to herd stock in some pretty harsh conditions down under. Many people “in the know” believe that dogs when used to do a job have a tendency to be healthier than others that were specifically bred to be companion dogs although there is not real scientific evidence of this being the case. The Australian Cattle dog, however, is a great example of a working dog that's become an extremely popular choice as a family pet outside of their native Australia and which seems to be one of the healthier breeds around. They boast a life span of anything from 10 to 13+ years when they are well cared for and make a great choice as companion dogs for people who lead active lives. The three major health concerns that affect the Australian Cattle dog are elbow and hip dysplasia as well as deafness.

The German Short-haired Pointer

The German Short-haired Pointer is a very smart dog in every sense of the word. Bred for hunting, they are known to be extremely intelligent and boast long life spans which can be anything from 12 to 14+ years when they are well cared for. They are a high-energy dog which means they need to be given loads of exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy, but on the whole they are among the healthier breeds around. The only real major health concerns they are known to suffer from are hypothyroidism, gastric torsion and hip dysplasia.

The Chihuahua

Although tiny in stature, the Chihuahua boasts a very long life span which can be anything from 14 to 18+ years. They are known to be among the healthiest little dogs around although there are a few conditions they seem to be prone to develop namely patellar luxation, pulmonic stenosis and hypoglycaemia. Chihuahuas are loyal and intelligent making them a great choice as companion dogs.

The Havanese

Another small dog, the Havanese is known to be among the healthiest breeds around and for a long time have been a popular choice as family pets. The reason being they boast such friendly personalities and as a bonus they tend to shed very little making them a great choice for people who have allergies. When well cared for, the Havanese can life anything from 12 to 14+ years. However, health conditions they are known to suffer from includes elbow dysplasia, deafness, patellar luxation.

The Border Collie

Border Collies are high-energy dogs known for their intelligence. They are also known to be a healthier breed that boasts a life span from anything from 10 to 14+ years when well cared for. However, there are a couple of health issues that seem to affect Border Collies which includes hypothyroidism, but in general they tend to be healthy throughout their lives. With this said, these active dogs need to be kept busy and have loads of mental stimulation to be truly happy, well balanced dogs. As such they do better living with people who lead active lives.

The Siberian Husky

Another dog that was bred to work in some pretty harsh conditions, the Siberian Husky is not only a great looking character, but a healthy one too. As long as they get to spend lots of time in the great outdoors, these charming characters are happy, well-balanced dogs that boast a life span of anything from 11 to 13+ years when well looked after. The only real health concerns that seem to affect the breed include hypothyroidism, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy. With this said, the Siberian Husky is a great choice of pets if you live an active life and like to spend as much of your free time in the great outdoors with a canine companion.

The Labradoodle

Labradoodles are gorgeous looking dogs known to be pretty healthy as compared to other breeds of their size. With this said, they can suffer from some coat and skin related issues as well as eye disorders, hip dysplasia, Addison's disease and progressive retinal atrophy. Since they first appeared on the scene, the Labradoodle has become a popular choice with families not only because of their gorgeous looks, but their lovely, easy going personalities too.

Mixed Breeds

Mixed breed dogs tend to be the healthiest of all dogs simply because there's far less chance of inbreeding. In short, there is less risk of a mixed breed dog developing any sort of genetic or hereditary health disorder which could shorten their life spans. Mixed breeds are also known to be highly intelligent and easier going than many pedigree dogs which is why they make sure wonderful family pets.

Conclusion

It would be very hard to say which breeds are the healthiest in the world, although some dogs seem to be far less likely to develop certain genetic health disorders than others. All dogs need to be given the right amount of exercise and fed a good quality balanced diet which goes a long way in helping them remain healthy throughout their lives. However, they also need to be kept in a safe and loving environment which also helps keep pets nice and healthy.