Ask pet parents, and most of them will tell you the same thing; they dream of a pet who lives forever. The reality is that some breeds do live longer than others. These canines have fewer health issues, resulting in fewer vet visits.
For pet parents, dog lives fly by fast. One moment your dog is a bouncing puppy full of energy, and the next, he is a mellow senior. We can have several dogs in our lives. Yet, for our puppies, we are their only owner.
Dogs have a shorter lifespan than ours. So, we should try our best to ensure they enjoy a healthy and prosperous life.
Let’s take a closer look at the healthiest dog breeds.
Factors Affecting a Dog’s Lifespan
Here is a fun fact. No two dogs from the same litter are the same. In fact, two dogs from the same litter can go on to live completely different lives.Several factors determine a dog’s quality of life. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Breeding and Genetics: Certain dog breeds have a lower risk of health issues.
Nutrition: Remember the old saying, “You are what you eat”. Good nutrition helps you feel better.
Environmental Factors: Dogs are small and close to the ground. They use their noses to explore the ground and might ingest and absorb toxins.
Comfort: Pets who live the “good life” have less stress, and enjoy a longer lifespan.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as Blue Heeler, this sturdy breed enjoys a long and healthy life. Bred for endurance and athleticism, these dogs helped with herding cattle in the Australian Outback.
Nowadays, they make loyal family dogs thanks to their protective nature.
Due to their active lifestyle, Australian Cattle Dogs are less prone to health issues. They are not immune to hereditary health risks like hip dysplasia and deafness and the risk of them developing these conditions is minimal.
Average lifespan – 13 to 15 years
Blue Heelers
Blue Heelers have endless energy. With proper physical activity, a balanced diet, and routine care, they will accompany their pet parents for years.
Average lifespan – 12 to 16 years
Beagle
Beagles are growing in popularity due to their sociable nature. Bred as hunting dogs, they have evolved into some of the best family pets. They are prone to health problems like eye and hip issues but those typically appear in older dogs.
Recognized as one of the healthiest dog breeds, a beagle’s sturdy build and resilient nature can fit any environment. Their hunting history has helped them to develop a strong immune system and resistance to common canine health issues.
The biggest challenge with beagles is their weight. They love food, and without proper exercise, they gain weight fast.
Average lifespan – 10 to 15 years
Chihuahua
Do not mistake these small dogs for delicate canines. Chihuahuas are robust and resilient, living more than 16 years on average. What they lack in size, Chihuahuas make up in personality.
Chihuahuas belong to the group of oldest dog breeds. Their history dates back to Mexico and ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Toltecs. Back then, people considered them special companions.
Over the years, Chihuahuas have developed a strong constitution.
Their compact size puts them at risk for respiratory issues and patellar luxation. Chihuahuasare also prone to obesity. Do not mistake their small size for a toy apartment breed and make sure to provide ample exercise. These dogs love to run, play, and exercise.
Average lifespan – 14 to 18 years
Basenji
Known as the barkless dog, basenjis live for 13 to 15 years. They do make sounds like most hunting dogs, but their unique sound is better-described as a yodel.
Basenjis have a distinct genetic makeup, resulting in a lower risk of common canine ailments. Basenjis are like cats as they have a clean and odorless nature. Also, basenjis have a unique body chemistry and this is another factor that helps their health.
Originating from Central Africa, these canines have evolved with minimal genetic health issues.
Average lifespan – 12 to 16 years
Greyhound
Most people recognize the Greyhound as one of the fastest dogs in the world. However, it might surprise you that these canines are also among the laziest. When they are not sprinting, Greyhounds enjoy their couch time.
There are two big challenges with Greyhounds. The first one is bloating and the second is gastric torsion, or twisting of the stomach. Both stem from their composition; a body with a deep chest. As a pet parent with a greyhound, preventing quick eating can combat the risk of these two conditions.
On the flip side, the greyhound’s sleek, aerodynamic build offers positives. A positive condition to their physical build is strong cardiovascular health and muscular structure.
Average lifespan – 10 to 13 years
Poodle
Poodles come in three different sizes; standard, miniature, and toy. All variations have a strong health profile, yet, the miniature poodle might be the healthiest of them all. This is because of the miniature poodle’s size. Toy poodles are too small, while standard poodles might suffer from hip dysplasia.
Bred as water retrievers, poodles enjoy swimming, a trait that improves their well-being.
Average Lifespan – 12 to 15 years
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic dogs with dark eyes and a big smile. As apartment dogs, they enjoy a long and prosperous life. Combine a hypoallergenic coat and long lifespan, and you have a favorite dog for families.
They are free from genetic health issues and have almost zero risk of hip dysplasia and heart disease. The biggest health risk for a bichon frise is skin allergies. The good news is their allergies are manageable with proper and regular grooming.
Average lifespan – 12 to 15 years
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog that loves running, Jack Russells have all the makings of a healthy breed. Jack Russell owners enjoy their pet’s companionship for 15+ years.
They are hardy and rugged dogs, yet, prone to some neurological conditions like seizures. Although Jacks love to run and explore, they might get themselves in trouble by running too fast.
Average Lifespan – 13 to 16 years
Border Collie
This athletic herding breed thrives with a job and is known as the border collie. They need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to keep their mind and body busy.
Known as tough dogs bred for intelligence and stamina, they are not without issues. Border Collies have a robust constitution but suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. Common in working dogs, border collies have a lower risk of hip dysplasia than other breeds..
One of the biggest health challenges for border collies’ is their weight. These dogs need plenty of exercise. Without physical activity, border collies might gain weight.
Average lifespan – 12 to 15 years
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are a new breed in the United States. One of the beloved Japanese puppies arrived in the US in the 1950s. Bred to hunt large game in the mountains, Shiba Inus charmed dog lovers with their fox-like appearance.
Bred to withstand rugged terrain, they developed physical endurance and resilience.
Here is a fun fact: According to the Guinness World Records, one of the oldest living dogs was a Shiba Inu named Pusuke. He passed away in 2011, three months shy of his 27th birthday.
Average lifespan – 12 to 15 years
Help Your Dog Live a Longer and Happier Life
In the end, it is the dog owner who can help a puppy enjoy a long life or a short one. Let’s talk about how you can ensure your pet lives a long life.
Feed Your Puppy a Healthy Diet
Dogs are omnivores and they can consume meat and plants. In a lot of ways, they are like humans. A balanced diet is a key to healthy life for people and dogs. Do not restrict your pet’s diet and make sure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
When you are sourcing dog food, look for one recognized by the AAFCO. Then, look at the first ingredients. They should be single proteins or vegetables, not grains.
Here is a pro tip: when you see a phrase like “with pork”, that means that the food should contain only 3% of that ingredient. Stay away from foods that have ingredients like “pork dinner”, “lamb stew”, “chicken flavor”, and similar. You want ingredients that are meat, not meat leftovers.
Do Not Overfeed
Dogs are gourmands. They love food. Some breeds more than others. Dogs are not like cats. Felines will eat as much as they need, and leave the rest for later. Dogs do not stop eating.
As a responsible pet parent, you should be careful how much you feed your dog. Too much food can cause weight gain. Unnecessary weight puts pressure on your dog’s body and can result in diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
Be careful with dog treats as well. Stick to the 90/10 rule, which means 90% of your dog calories should come from a balanced diet, and only 10% from dog treats.
Pay Attention to Dental Hygiene
A lot of dog owners neglect dental hygiene and dental care. Now is the time to take a look at your pup’s teeth. For dogs, teeth and gums are pathways for bacteria and diseases.
You can support your dog’s dental health with dental chews and by brushing his teeth at least once per week. Pro tip: feed your dog’s vegetables like carrots and celery to remove dental plaque.
Keep Your Dog Active
Every dog needs physical activity, even apartment dogs like a shih tzu or a pomeranian. Proper exercise improves your dog’s mobility and muscle tone.
Understand your dog’s limits. Not all dogs are athletic. And as they age, they do not have the same endurance and stamina.
Work on Your Relationship
This might surprise you, but a strong bond with your pup will result in a longer lifespan. Dogs that are happy live longer. Play with your pup, praise him, and reward him with treats to improve your relationship.
Schedule Relaxation Time
Be careful not to put too much strain on your dog. Even with things like feeding, training, and exercising, you should be careful. When you overdo it, training, feeding, and exercising put strain and stress on your dog.
Every living being needs rest. Allow your pup to take time off, chew on his favorite stick, and sleep.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Physical activity is a critical component to your dog’s health and mental stimulation is the other. There are so many toys, DIY activities, and puzzles on the market and you should try to provide your dog with at least 10 minutes of mental enrichment per day.
For example, having your dog simply sniff something new is a simple mental enrichment activity. Even senior dogs love this method because they do not have to move as much.
Regular Vet Visits
You should schedule a veterinary visit at least once per year. If you have a senior dog, double the annual visits.
It is hard to admit it, but our canine friends age faster than we do. As pet parents, it is our job to stay on top of the aging process by being proactive.
