Is there a healthiest dog breed? How to choose a healthy dog

Lists of "the healthiest dog breeds" are popular, but they can give buyers false confidence. Every breed has health problems that turn up more often than in other dogs, and an individual dog's health depends far more on its parents and how it was bred than on the name of its breed.

This guide explains what actually makes a puppy more likely to grow into a healthy adult, and what to check before you buy.

Why no breed is "healthy"

Pedigree dogs are bred from a limited pool of related dogs. Over many generations, this can concentrate inherited conditions within a breed, such as joint problems, eye diseases or heart conditions. The conditions vary from breed to breed, so a breed that seems trouble-free in one respect may carry a higher risk of something else.

Research using UK veterinary records has found that life expectancy varies widely between breeds. But averages tell you little about the particular puppy in front of you. Two puppies of the same breed, from different breeders, can have very different health prospects.

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

You may hear that crossbreeds are healthier because they come from a wider gene pool. Mixing breeds can reduce the chance of some inherited conditions, but it is not a guarantee. A crossbreed can inherit problems from either parent breed, and sometimes from both.

So the same advice applies: ask what health problems are known in each parent breed, and check that both parents have been tested for them.

Body shape matters

Some health problems come directly from the way a dog is built. Breeding for extreme looks can cause lifelong discomfort. Examples include:

• Very flat faces. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs can struggle to breathe, cope poorly with exercise and heat, and sleep badly.
• Heavy skin folds. Deep folds can trap moisture and lead to sore, infected skin.
• Very prominent eyes. These can be more easily injured.
• Very short legs and long backs. These can put extra strain on the spine.

UK vets and breed organisations advise buyers to think carefully before choosing a dog with extreme features. If you like a particular breed, look for breeders who aim for a moderate shape: a visible muzzle, open nostrils, and a body that lets the dog move, breathe and play freely.

Health testing and screening schemes

Health tests help breeders avoid passing on known problems. There are two main kinds.

DNA tests

For some inherited conditions there is a DNA test. It shows whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected. A responsible breeder uses the results to choose pairings that will not produce affected puppies.

Screening schemes

For conditions that are not caused by a single gene, such as hip dysplasia, dogs are screened instead. In the UK, the British Veterinary Association and the Kennel Club run screening schemes in which a dog's X-rays or other examinations are assessed by specialists and given a result or score. There are schemes for hips and for several other conditions, including one for Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, which affects some small breeds.

Which tests matter depends on the breed. The Kennel Club publishes the recommended and required tests for each breed it recognises, and breed clubs often give further advice.

What to ask a breeder

Before you agree to buy a puppy, ask:

1. Which health problems are known in this breed, and what tests or screening are recommended?
2. Have both parents been tested or screened? Can I see the results or certificates?
3. How old is the mother, and how many litters has she had?
4. Have any of your previous puppies, or the parents' relatives, had health problems?
5. Can I see the puppy with its mother, at the place where it was raised?

A good breeder will expect these questions and answer them openly. If a breeder says the breed "doesn't have any problems", or can't show you test results, treat that as a warning sign.

Beyond genetics

Even a well-bred puppy needs good care to stay healthy. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, giving the right amount of exercise for their age and type, regular vet check-ups and good dental care all make a difference.

If your dog develops a problem with their joints, breathing, eyes or skin, talk to your vet. Some conditions can't be prevented by diet or exercise alone and need proper veterinary assessment and treatment.