I see many dog breeds with genetic illnesses, writes small-animal vet Graham Lewis from Paragon Veterinary Group, such as cavalier King Charles spaniels with heart issues, French bulldogs with breathing problems or miniature dachshunds with intervertebral disc disease affecting the spinal cord.
These can all make good pets, however, with some breeds there is a good chance you will be seeing your vet for a lot more than the routine health checks.
Veterinary bills are always something to be considered when getting a dog and I recommend considering how these potentially unexpected costs will be covered before you take on a pet. Pet insurance can really help, or try putting money aside for a rainy day that hopefully won’t come.
But which breeds are least likely to spend a lot of time visiting the vet? Here, I’ve picked out some breeds that combine longevity with a low likelihood of genetic issues.
The healthiest dog breeds
Crossbreed
The humble mongrel comes in many forms and can make an excellent pet. Those with multiple crosses have a really good chance of minimising any genetic predispositions to diseases and therefore can live long healthy lives.
Size and shape does make a difference; as a general rule of thumb larger dogs don’t live as long as smaller dogs and flatter-faced dogs will be more prone to airway and breathing issues. But a true mixed breed has a low chance of any genetic problems compared to many purebred dogs. You also get the bonus of having a truly unique pet, as every single one will be a different mix!
Australian cattle dog
This medium-sized breed is an extremely hardy dog that usually lives into the early to mid-teens. They do have some genetic predispositions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, but with good breeding programmes these can be screened for to reduce the risk of these being present. Expect to get lots of exercise with one of these working dogs; they are also highly intelligent. An Australian cattle dog called Bluey lived to the ripe age of 29, which was a doggy world record when he died in 1939!
Jack Russell terrier
Jack Russells are right little characters and can be hard work to keep entertained, but in terms of health problems they are generally unlikely to have genetic issues – other than a predisposition for patellar luxation (a problem with the knees) – and can live into the mid-teens. If you can keep yours active and out of trouble then vet visits will hopefully be minimal.
Border collie
We see many Border collies at our vet practice in Cumbria; they make excellent pets for those with an active lifestyle. Like the Australian cattle dog, they are smart and active and have an expected lifespan of 12–15 years.
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They do have some genetic diseases, such as epilepsy, eye anomalies and hip dysplasia, however through genetic testing and selective breeding it is possible to get a collie with a very low likelihood of these conditions.
Chihuahua
For those looking for a smaller breed that might not require as much exercise a Chihuahua is an option. One of the longest living breeds, they can regularly survive into the later teens and, other than size-related issues (dental disease is very common in smaller breeds, as is patellar luxation of the knees), they are remarkably healthy. Don’t expect too easy a ride though – they may be small but they have a big attitude and can be prone to behavioural problems.
Whippet
Whippets make fantastic pets and are generally very healthy. When they run they really like to run fast, but when they don’t they enjoy company and a good nap on the sofa.
In my experience they are a bit more prone than some to skin injuries when out exercising, but in terms of genetic diseases there are few issues in the breed.
Belgian malinois
Similar in nature to German shepherds, but with a lot less genetic-disease risk, the Belgian malinois is a great choice for someone wanting a larger breed.
These dogs are incredibly loyal, but can have some behavioural problems as they often bond with one person only. Commonly used as police and military dogs, they are intelligent and active and can be expected to live into the mid-teens.
Afghan hound
For such a big breed, the Afghan hound has a surprisingly long expected lifespan; 12–14 years is common. They require moderate exercise and can be playful and fun as well as enjoying their rest, so they make excellent pets. Diseases linked to the breed are mainly to do with their size and shape (for example, gastric dilation and volvulus is more common in deep-chested breeds) and preventative measures can be taken. Expect to be doing a bit of grooming with these dogs.
Poodle
Poodles come in standard, miniature and toy sizes and all have relatively few breed-related problems, with the added bonus of low-shedding so you won’t have pet hair on every surface!
Intelligent and active, standard poodles can be expected to live to 12–15 years old and other than size-related issues (for example, dental disease in miniature and toy) and haircuts (optional!) they are fairly easy to look after.
Beagle
Beagles are a medium-sized breed that can be expected to live into the early teens. Initially used for hunting, they are scent dogs so they are driven by their nose. They can make excellent pets that require moderate exercise levels, with few genetic problems. You do, however, have to be careful that they don’t sniff out and eat things they shouldn’t.