https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/2016-11-10-nl-10-healthiest-dog-breeds/
https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/p/46c4f58d-558b-48f5-9695-816fe3a324fd/
By Dr. Becker
If you are looking for a canine companion, there are a number of considerations you need to make first. If you have an active lifestyle that includes playing soccer in the park and hiking that your new puppy can participate in, there are energetic breeds well-suited for that.
Maybe you’re just the opposite, leading a quiet life with long walks and good books, and perhaps a dog would be a welcome companion. But no matter what type of dog fits your lifestyle, you want it to be as vigorous as possible. Which breeds are the healthiest and what physical conditions should you look for?
1. Pooch
Genetically unique is a good term for this dog breed, because no dog is like another. Each is an amalgamation of all previous races, possessing all of arguably the strongest physical attributes.
Therefore, depending on your mixed breed dog’s DNA, mutts are perfect for anyone hoping for a dog with few health issues. If you’re at the market, your local shelter is the perfect place to find your choice of trash.
2. Shiba Inu
Small, adventurous and very agile, the National Shiba Club of America says Shibas “can fairly be described as sturdy, healthy little dogs capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor life.”1
Patellar luxation (dislocation of the patella) is probably the most potentially harmful disorder, evidenced when the patella (kneecap) is displaced, causing a noticeable or even disabling limp. Often undiagnosable, puppies as young as 5 weeks old may require surgery, but a second opinion is never a bad idea.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
Described as a stubborn and independent “high achiever,” the Australian Cattle Dog needs physical and mental exercise to keep his mind sharp. A famous Australian named Bluey2 had a remarkably long lifespan of up to 29 years, but the normal lifespan is between 10 and 13 years.
Pet MD considers PRA to be one of the major health problems, along with deafness, hip or elbow dysplasia, and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), which occurs when joint cartilage dies. Eye diseases can also occur, so regular checkups for your puppy are important.
4. Border collie
This active breed appears to have escaped many of the health problems seen in other dogs. They can live up to 14 years and have seemingly unlimited energy and stamina, but health problems can occur.
The most common are PDA, osteochondritis dissecans, and patent ductus arteriosus (a joint disease that usually affects large dogs).
Other problems may include lens luxation (weak eye ligaments), collie eye abnormality, hypothyroidism and canine hip dysplasia. Help your puppy stay healthy with regular visits to the veterinarian.
5. English springer spaniel
Alert, attentive and intelligent, these dogs are not known to have many health problems to worry about. When they do, it usually involves their eyes, such as progressive retinal atrophy or retinal dysplasia. Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, appears occasionally.
This breed, with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, can also be prone to major health problems like hip or elbow dysplasia and phosphofructokinase deficiency, an inherited stress-related disorder.
6. Basenji
One of the smallest hunting dogs, Basenjis are incredibly quiet, so much so that they are sometimes compared to cats. They are active and enjoy daily exercise, but make good pets for calmer households.
Eye diseases and a serious kidney disease called Fanconi syndrome are unique but rare problems to look for in Basenjis. In addition, PRA, an intestinal disease called enteropathy and umbilical hernia, may develop, as well as hypothyroidism and pyruvate kinase deficiency, affecting red blood cells.
7. Belgian Malinois
Resembling a German Shepherd, another breed known for being devoted and sensitive is the Belgian Malinois, but they love a good hunt! As healthy and active as any dog, these dogs do not exhibit some of the health problems found in other working dog breeds.
Hip dysplasia and sensitivity to anesthesia (a real disorder) – especially the latter – can lead to a higher than average mortality rate due to this breed’s muscle-to-fat ratio.3
8. Beagle
Anyone looking for a smaller dog breed might fall in love with the Beagle. This breed is adorable, energetic, and generally lives to a ripe old age, compared to other puppies. Easy-going and very intelligent, they love to play (and dig).
Like many other dogs, the physical problem that most often strikes is obesity, so watch his diet. Epilepsy, allergies, hip dysplasia, cherry eye (prolapse of the third eyelid gland) and hypothyroidism are all conditions they may be prone to but which can be managed by your local veterinarian, in most cases.4
9. Siberian Husky
This large dog is a relatively healthy breed, with almost no health problems to look out for. Their ancestors are descended from the strong, resilient sled dogs that helped colonize the Alaskan wilderness, but today they are known for being fun to be around and being great dogs for families and adventurers .
Hip dysplasia, an inherited problem, is a malformation of the hip socket that can lead to arthritis. Eye disorders may consist of corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. Juvenile cataracts can also form before the age of 2.5
ten. Australian shepherd
These puppies are energetic, intelligent and easy to train. Their training is in the field of breeding, so the livestock from which they come is naturally robust. Additionally, they are generally free of many hereditary problems that other breeds are prone to.
Genetic difficulties they may develop include hip dysplasia. Eye problems they may be prone to include colobomas (when some of the eye tissue is undeveloped), cataracts, retinal detachments, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and collie eye abnormalities, which can be light or blinding,6 so have your dog’s eyes checked every year.
Take good care of your dog to help him live a long and happy life
When a dog enters your world, it’s important to do everything you can to improve their well-being. Regular exercise, a modified vaccination protocol, healthy, species-appropriate diet designed for her body (dogs are facultative carnivores), lots of love and positive reinforcement go a long way in helping her live the long, healthy life she was born to live.
Your puppy relies on you to make the right decisions for him, just as you choose wisely for yourself and other members of your family. What you get in return is unconditional love, companionship, and some of the best laughs you’ve ever had.
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