HEALTHY DOGS 2022: THESE ARE THE 10 HEALTHIEST BREEDS OF ADORABLE DOGS THAT SHOULD NEED FEW VISITS TO THE VET – INCLUDING THE LOVING POODLE

The last couple of years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar during the global pandemic.

But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.

Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with young children will want a family-friendly dog.

It’s also worth thinking about health issues that can affect certain breeds, for instance bulldogs are particularly susceptible to respiratory problems, while pugs commonly develop eye infections.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that a dog won’t develop issues, but some are less likely to than others. So, if you want a happy dog while avoiding hefty vet bills, here are 10 of the healthiest dog breeds you should consider, according to the American Kennel Club.

1. Australian Cattle Dog

They may not be hugely common in the UK but the Australian Cattle Dog can perhaps lay claim to the title of healthiest dog. The Guiness Book of Records includes it as the world’s oldest dog – an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey reached the amazing age of 29. While longevity and health don’t always go hand-in-hand, the breed are known to stay fairly fit.

2. Beagle

Developed primarily for hunting, the Beagle is now a popular pet with a keen sense of smell. The breed tends to stay healthy, with eye and hip problems only developing in later life.

3. German Pinscher

German Pinschers are not known for any breed-specific health conditions, other than the usual eye and hip complaints later in life. Regular excercise and proper care should lead to a long and healthy doggy life.

4. Chihuahua

The world’s smallest dog breed is also one of the healthiest. The tiny Chihuahua has very few ailments particular to the breed, although older dogs may develop eye and cardiac issues – much like humans.

5. Havenese

Hailing from Cuba’s capital city, the Havanese, like most small dog breeds, have more chance of developing liver and kidney disease than larger dogs. Otherwise these adorable characters can be expected to remain healthy for the majority of their lives.

6. Poodle

All three sizes of poodle – Standard, Miniature and Toy – tend to stay in good health, with lifespans of up to 18 years, and joint and eye issues only tending to affect older dogs.

7. Airedale Terrier

The King of Terriers, also known as the Bingley Terrier or Waterside Terrier, is a breed that originated in the West Riding of Yorkshire. The breed has a relatively low number of health concerns, with cancer being the leading cause of death.

8. Border Collie

The lively and loveable Border Collie used to suffer frem several genetic conditions but DNA testing by breeders has helped eliminate many of them, meaning they tend to now be one of the healthiest breeds. Deafness and epilepsy are the two most common conditions to still affect them.

9. Greyhound

Fast, lazy and healthy are the three dominant traits of Greyhounds. The general rule is the larger the greyhound, the more likely they are to develop muskoskeletal conditions, but in general they stay in tip-top condition.

10. Siberian Husky

Given they’ve been bred to pull sleds over long distances in sub-zero conditions, it’s perhaps not surprising that a Siberian Husky will tend to remain healthy as a family pet. While some individual animals will suffer from eye and hip issues, they are unusual early in life.