In the past 18 months, many of us have welcomed a new four-legged friend into our homes as dog ownership at the Kennel Club increased nearly eight percent in 2020.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dogs to choose from, there is a lot of thought to be found before choosing your perfect pup.
It is also worth thinking about health issues that can affect certain breeds, for example, bulldogs are particularly prone to respiratory problems, while pugs often develop eye infections.
Of course, there is no guarantee a dog will not develop problems, but some are less likely than others.
So, if you want a happy dog while avoiding high veterinary bills, here are 10 of the healthiest dog breeds to consider according to the American Kennel Club.
They may not be very common in the UK, but the Australian Cattle Dog may claim the title of healthiest dog. The Guinness Book of Records lists him as the oldest dog in the world – an Australian cattle dog named Bluey lived to the staggering age of 29. While longevity and health don’t always go hand in hand, the breed is known for keeping quite fit.
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The smallest breed of dog in the world is also one of the healthiest. The little Chihuahua has very few breed-specific ailments, although older dogs can develop eye and heart problems – similar to those seen in humans.
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Fast, lazy and healthy are the three dominant qualities of greyhounds. The general rule is that the larger the greyhound, the more likely it is to develop musculoskeletal disorders, but generally they will stay in top condition.
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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 that don’t develop until later in life.
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