In short The healthiest breeds suffer less often from inherited disease and stay active longer. Topping the list are primitive and aboriginal breeds with robust natural health.
How we rated
The higher the “Health” score, the higher the position. We factored in the prevalence of inherited disease and overall hardiness.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1
American Indian DogHealth 5.0Energy 4.0Weather 4.55.02
Rat TerrierHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 2.54.53
OdisHealth 4.5Energy 3.5Weather 3.04.54
Lucas TerrierHealth 4.5Energy 3.5Weather 3.04.55
New Guinea Singing DogHealth 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 3.54.56
Cretan HoundHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.04.57
Carolina Dog (American Dingo)Health 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.04.58
Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Health 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 3.54.59
Can Guicho (Quisquelo)Health 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 3.04.510
WällerHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.04.511
Aruba Dog (Aruban Cunucu Dog)Health 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.04.512
Armant (Egyptian Sheepdog)Health 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.54.513
EurohoundHealth 4.5Energy 5.0Weather 4.04.514
Himalayan SheepdogHealth 4.5Energy 3.0Weather 5.04.515
Ratonero Bodeguero AndaluzHealth 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 3.04.516
English ShepherdHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.04.517
AlopekisHealth 4.5Energy 3.5Weather 3.04.518
ShikokuHealth 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 4.54.519
Thai Bangkaew DogHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.04.520
Lapponian Herder (Lapinporokoira)Health 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 5.04.521
Swedish LapphundHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 5.04.522
Bouvier des ArdennesHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 4.54.523
Finnish LapphundHealth 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 5.04.524
Little Lion DogHealth 4.5Energy 3.5Weather 2.54.525
Danish-Swedish Farmdog (Gardhund)Health 4.5Energy 4.0Weather 3.54.526
Greenland DogHealth 4.5Energy 5.0Weather 5.04.527
Russo-European LaikaHealth 4.5Energy 5.0Weather 5.04.528
Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)Health 4.5Energy 5.0Weather 5.04.529
NorrbottenspetsHealth 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 5.04.530
Black Norwegian ElkhoundHealth 4.5Energy 4.5Weather 5.04.5FAQ
Which dog breeds are the healthiest?
Usually primitive and aboriginal breeds (Basenji, Canaan Dog, Cirneco, Icelandic Sheepdog) — they less often carry inherited disease.
Are mixed breeds healthier than purebreds?
Often yes — greater genetic diversity lowers the risk of inherited disease, though there are no guarantees.
How do I keep my dog healthy?
Correct weight, a balanced diet, exercise, parasite prevention and regular vet check-ups.