While every dog is different, there are certain breeds that tend to be healthier and live longer lives than others.
This is mainly because they’re less likely to be bred to maximize physical traits like muscle size or bone density. It also helps that they’re not prone to many hereditary disorders.
Chihuahua
A loyal and affectionate breed, the Chihuahua is a great family dog. They are happiest living as part of an active family, where they can have regular walks and play time.
They can also make excellent apartment dogs. However, they should be kept in a spacious, well-ventilated room, as they tend to be very prone to colds and allergies.
Small breeds such as Chihuahuas often suffer from tracheal collapse, which occurs when the rings of cartilage that form the trachea become weak or abnormally formed and obstruct airflow to the lungs. This causes the dog to cough and may become life-threatening if not treated urgently.
Other health problems that can affect the Chihuahua include eye disease, heart conditions and patellar luxation (where the kneecap slips out of place). These are all issues that are best avoided by choosing a healthy puppy from an ethical breeder who regularly does genetic screening on their breeding stock. Keeping your Chihuahua healthy will allow them to live a long and happy life!
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, high-energy breed that makes a great family dog. This herding breed can also be a great search-and-rescue dog or work as a guide dog for people with disabilities.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan of 12-15 years. However, they’re prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, including cataracts.
In general, preventative veterinary care and a well-balanced diet will help keep your dog happy and healthy. Be sure to schedule regular ear checks, teeth cleanings and eye exams.
A high-quality pet health insurance plan is an additional way to protect your dog’s health from unexpected costs.
In addition to a quality dog health insurance policy, you’ll want to make sure that your Australian Shepherd receives proper veterinary care. A veterinarian is the best source for answers to your questions about the health of your dog, and can ensure that your dog is receiving the best care possible.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a high-drive, athletic dog that thrives on physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re happiest on a farm or ranch, where they can run and herd livestock.
This obedient, intelligent breed ranks first on Stanley Coren’s list of “The Intelligence of Dogs.” They’re also very social and friendly towards their family. However, they’re a bit wary of strangers.
In general, Border Collies are healthy dogs that tend to live long, productive lives with plenty of love and attention from their owners. They’re also prone to certain health problems, so it’s important to know what to look out for when choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder or rescuing a dog in need of a good home.
Some of the most common health issues in Border Collies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), deafness, epilepsy, Collie eye anomaly (CEA), neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and trapped neutrophil syndrome. It’s important to make sure your BC has been tested for these conditions before you bring him home.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
A hardy and loyal breed, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a natural herding dog. It’s a highly intelligent and athletic dog that excels in dog sports, such as agility, obedience and rally.
A playful and active dog, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can be very social, making it a good choice for families with children. However, this breed’s herding instinct can lead it to nip at the heels of small children, so crate training is recommended.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a healthy breed, but like all dogs, it’s prone to certain health problems. Here are a few conditions that the Cardigan Welsh Corgi may be at risk for:
These diseases can cause your dog to have poor health or even die from it. That’s why it’s important to know which health tests your dog might have so you can build his routine care into your schedule and plan for his long, happy life.