Dog expert names 9 ‘healthiest’ breeds – no scary vet bills

Bringing a dog into your life is a big commitment emotionally and financially. While every pup deserves love and care, some breeds are naturally healthier and less prone to expensive medical issues. To help future pet owners make a smart choice, dog experts from PetMD have identified the nine “healthiest” breeds that typically require fewer vet visits.

The pet specialists commented: “A healthy dog is a happy dog. And while there’s no guarantee that any dog will be free from illness their whole life, there are dog breeds that face fewer health problems overall. The healthiest dog breeds have a long lifespan and are less susceptible to getting sick. This, when coupled with maintaining an appropriate weight and keeping up with exercise, means pet parents can ensure their dogs have the best life possible.”

Old English Sheepdog with its tongue out

9. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdogs is generally healthy, with few major health concerns, and has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

According to Spruce Pets, some health problems that can occur in Old English sheepdogs include hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, and bloat.

They also advised: “Good breeders will have their puppies screened for conditions and be able to certify the health of a dog’s parents, so it’s important to pay attention to these results when picking out your Old English sheepdog.”

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Two German Shorthaired Pointer dogs

8. German Shorthaired Pointer

“German Shorthaired Pointers (GSP) are prized as hunting dogs because of their speed and stamina. GSPs boast high energy levels and need lots of exercise, as well as physical and mental stimulation, to stay healthy and out of trouble,” reported PetMD.

These dogs can sometimes be susceptible to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can affect their mobility and joint health. They may also be at risk for bloat.

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Poodle sitting on grass in a park

6. Poodle

Poodles are active and engaging dogs. They are generally healthy and tend to experience only minor health issues as they grow older, making them a long-lasting, joyful addition to any household.

According to Lucy Pet, there are five common health problems Poodles can face, these include: bloat, Addison’s disease, thyroid issues, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.

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Greyhound looking at the camera

5. Greyhound

The experts rank the Greyhound as the number five “healthiest.”

Pet MD reported: “The Greyhound is unique among hounds because it’s a sight hunter, meaning the breed relies on speed and agility to hunt prey.

“As sight hunters, they might not make good pets in homes with smaller pets, such as cats or rabbits, without proper training and introductions.”

They continued: “With their high energy levels and strong prey drive, Greyhounds need regular exercise. However, once they get their zoomies out, they can become cuddly couch potatoes.”

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