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Bringing a dog into your life is a significant emotional and financial commitment. While every pup deserves love and care, some breeds are naturally healthier and less prone to costly medical issues. To assist future pet owners in making an informed choice, dog experts from PetMD have identified the nine "healthiest" breeds that typically require fewer vet visits. The pet specialists remarked: "A healthy dog is a happy dog. "And while there's no guarantee that any dog will be free from illness their whole life, there are dog breeds that face fewer health problems overall. The healthiest dog breeds have a long lifespan and are less susceptible to getting sick. "This, when coupled with maintaining an appropriate weight and keeping up with exercise, means pet parents can ensure their dogs have the best life possible", reports the Express . The Old English Sheepdogs is generally healthy, with few major health concerns, and has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. According to Spruce Pets , some health problems that can occur in Old English sheepdogs include hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, and bloat. They also advised: "Good breeders will have their puppies screened for conditions and be able to certify the health of a dog’s parents, so it’s important to pay attention to these results when picking out your Old English sheepdog." "German Shorthaired Pointers (GSP) are prized as hunting dogs because of their speed and stamina. GSPs boast high energy levels and need lots of exercise, as well as physical and mental stimulation, to stay healthy and out of trouble," reported PetMD. These dogs can sometimes be susceptible to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can affect their mobility and joint health. They may also be at risk for bloat. The experts at PetMD shared: "The only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese has a long lifespan of 14 to 16 years. This affectionate small breed loves his pet parents and is easy to train due to his exceptional smarts." However, this breed may be prone to certain health issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy, which can affect their vision over time, and patellar luxation, a condition that impacts the kneecap and mobility. Poodles are active and engaging dogs. They are generally healthy and tend to experience only minor health issues as they grow older, making them a long-lasting, joyful addition to any household. According to Lucy Pet , there are five common health problems Poodles can face, these include: bloat, Addison’s disease, thyroid issues, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. The experts rank the Greyhound as the number five "healthiest." Pet MD reported: "The Greyhound is unique among hounds because it’s a sight hunter, meaning the breed relies on speed and agility to hunt prey. "As sight hunters, they might not make good pets in homes with smaller pets, such as cats or rabbits, without proper training and introductions." They continued: "With their high energy levels and strong prey drive, Greyhounds need regular exercise. However, once they get their zoomies out, they can become cuddly couch potatoes." Beagles are driven by their love of food and strong sense of smell, which often leads them into mischief. They thrive with scent-based activities and benefit from a carefully monitored diet, as their hearty appetites can easily lead to overeating if not managed. Pet experts at Long Beach Animal Hospital revealed a few common health issues Beagles can be affected by; this includes: dental disease, ear problems, limber tail syndrome, and eye disease. "Despite a tendency to forget how small they are, Chihuahuas are among the breeds with the longest lifespans," said PetMD. These lively and devoted dogs have big personalities and sharp minds. Because Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, owners should ensure they get plenty of exercise. Missing the number one spot is the Australian Shepherd dog. Pet MD shared: "Smart, loyal, and energetic, Australian Shepherds enjoy keeping active, and need physical and mental stimulation throughout their lives. "These dogs especially enjoy advanced obedience training and excel in herding jobs. As a breed, they can be prone to certain diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and some eye diseases. Nevertheless, they are generally healthy dogs." "The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the healthiest dogs out there," exclaimed PetMD. This breed is known for its intelligence, work ethic, and stamina. It is a typically resilient breed that doesn’t face many health issues. "Just as its name implies, it’s been bred to herd animals and needs plenty of exercise to stay in top shape."
