Dog Health: Here are the 10 breeds of adorable dog likely to need least and most expensive vet visits
Certain breeds of dog will inevitably become more familiar with the veterinary surgery than others over their lifetime. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
They may not be hugely common in the UK but the Australian Cattle Dog can perhaps lay claim to the title of the healthiest dog breed. The Guiness Book of Records includes it as the world’s oldest dog – an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey reached the amazing age of 29. While longevity and health don’t always go hand-in-hand, the breed are known to stay fairly fit. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
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There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One thing worth considering before making a decision is that some breeds have a long list of health conditions they are prone to suffering, often necessitating trips to the vet, while others are likely to need little more than their regular jabs and check-ups.
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 only developing in later life. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
So, here are the 10 healthiest and most sickly breeds of dog.
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The world’s smallest dog breed is also one of the healthiest. The tiny Chihuahua has very few ailments particular to the breed, although older dogs may develop eye and cardiac issues – much like humans. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
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Fast, lazy and healthy are the three dominant traits of Greyhounds. The general rule is the larger the greyhound, the more likely they are to develop muskoskeletal conditions, but in general they stay in tip-top condition. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
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All three sizes of poodle – Standard, Miniature and Toy – tend to stay in good health, with lifespans of up to 18 years, and joint and eye issues only tending to affect older dogs. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Owners of friendly and loyal Cocker Spaniels should be aware that their pet is susceptible to a range of health issues, including a variety of orthopaedic issues, epilepsy, heart disease and liver disease. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced) meaning they are liable to develop health issues that others are not – particularly breathing problems. These bundles of fur can also have problems with dermatitis and eye infections.
Basset Hounds are utterly adorable but are prone to a range of joint issues, digestive issues including bloating and the serious blood clotting condition Von Willebrand. Taking out health insurance on this breed is essential and regular vet visits for checkups recommended. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Obtaining a German Shepherd from a good breeder should hopefully minimise the risk of getting a dog with hip dysplasia – a painful condition that affects puppies that can be prevented through careful screeninig. German Shepherds are also more likely to develop cataracts, cardiomyopathy, and skin allergies than most other breeds. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
English Bulldogs struggle with the same flat-face issues as the smaller Pug (and their close cousins the French Bulldog). They also can become obese quite easily, can suffer from allergies and commonly get skin infections in their skin folds.
