We’ve all thought about living with our best friends at least once in our lives, be it during college or that rebellious period in high school. However, it’s not the case for most of us because human connections tend to fall apart, especially after graduation. Fortunately enough, we have dogs—our most faithful, lively, furry best friends. The best thing about having a dog as a bestie is we can live with them every day forever—or at least a decade if we provide them with the proper care and nutrition they need! Most times, dogs choose you more than you do them, but in case you want to be prepared, think it through, and make an informed decision, you might want to read about some of the healthiest dog breeds around. Keep an eye out for a potential new best friend.
Greyhound
These energetic dogs, known to have emerged 8,000 years ago, are one of the healthy ones with a few to none major health risks. They can live up to 10 to 14 years, and their thin, long legs (truly a subject of envy!) enable them to be especially agile and good jumpers. In fact, greyhound Feather jumped 75.5 inches, the highest jump for dogs, according to the Guinness World Records!
Labrador Retriever
A true sunshine in fours, Labrador Retrievers will literally light up (and wag their tail) whenever they see you. These lovely and outgoing dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are generally fit and healthy, but if their diet is not properly taken care of, they may be prone to obesity. Maybe they can also be your new gym buddy (they’ll look at you wide-eyed while you sweat)!
Siberian Husky
If Labrador Retrievers are energetic, Siberian Huskies are hyper. They are very friendly and outgoing despite their intimidating appearance (have you seen those piercing blue eyes?!). They generally live up to 12 to 14 years with regular exercise and proper nutrition. This breed also has some genetic health issues on top of their dramatic shedding, so they need extra care, but their lovely company makes up for it!
Basenji
If you appreciate the silence more than anything else, this “barkless” dog breed is going to be your new best friend. However, what they don’t say through their barks is seen in their soulful gaze—a pair of intense, dark, almond eyes. Moreover, they are independent, capable of self-grooming like cats, and often wary of strangers (but warm with children!). In their 13 to 14 years of life, they are healthy with minimal genetic problems.
Icelandic Sheepdog
This vigorous breed was first created for herding until we ultimately let them inside our homes. Given their origin, they can bark excessively sometimes, but with early proper training, they can easily learn (they respond well to positive reinforcement!). With only minimal health problems, Icelandic Sheepdogs can live up to 12 to 15 years. To maintain their wellness, their diet should consist of only high-quality dog food. This breed only accepts princess treatment!
Miniature Schnauzer
If you want a dog breed that’s a little less energetic but still intelligent, cute, and friendly, Miniature Schnauzer is going to be your new bestie. Expecting to live within 12 to 15 years with regular exercise and proper nutrition, this breed sheds minimally with a few common health concerns like diabetes and pancreatitis. These little balls of fun will certainly stay by your side as long as they can if you take care of them and shower them with love!
Whippet
Whippets share the same group as Greyhounds (Group Hound), making them mirror each other in appearance. They also share the same physical fitness, with Whippets being able to run as fast as 35 miles per hour! However, to keep up with this physically demanding lifestyle, socialization and training are important to this breed. Otherwise, they may develop bad habits indoors throughout their 12 to 15 years of life.
Beagle
These cuties are innate extroverts and vocalizers—they’re small but loud. When they’re in social mode, they get along with everyone—even cats! Beagles can be pretty adventurous, too, so make sure to never take your eyes off them. They can live up to 15 years and, unlike Siberian Huskies, they are free from any genetic illnesses. Oh, and they eat about everything, so if you’re looking to adopt one, make sure to keep those shoes off the floor!
Border Collie
Border Collies are intelligent, tenacious dogs. You got a list of commands and tricks? They can learn them all! In fact, the smartest dog in the world was a Border Collie named Chaser (may her soul rest in peace)! They were first bred to herd in Scotland, which is where they also got their name: collie is a Scottish description for ‘sheepdogs.’ To keep them in shape for up to 10 to 15 years, mental and physical stimulation are a must.
Shiba Inu
This breed is considered more like a cat than a dog because they self-groom, are fine on their own, and are quite stubborn to train. They are an ancient, healthy breed of dogs, accompanying Japanese people as hunting dogs since 7000 B.C. They are also dependable in times of tragedy. Indeed, in 2004, a Shiba Inu named Mari saved her owner from an earthquake together with her three puppies, inspiring the movie, “A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies.” If kept active and healthy, these superstars can accompany you for 12 to 15 years.
Australian Cattle Dog
If you’re in need of a brawny, cute, and intelligent running buddy, Australian Cattle Dogs are for you. Their unquenchable thirst for sports, adventure, and stimulation is their secret to living for 12 to 16 years. These hard-muscled breeds turn their white into either mottling blue-gray or red coats as they age, which, you must admit, is pretty fascinating. They are also innately protective. This type of best friend may not tell you to stop texting your ex, but they will definitely steer you away from suspicious strangers!
Belgian Malinois
This breed is known for its unyielding loyalty, strength, and intelligence—no wonder they’re one of the most chosen breeds to serve as police dogs in the United States. As a matter of fact, back in 2011, Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, aided in taking down Osama bin Laden with the Navy SEALS. But don’t let their daunting presence and square build scare you into thinking they’re not affectionate—depriving them of quality time with you is a threat to their 14 to 16-year existence!
Havanese
These little bursts of energy are born to be city dogs given their long and silky fur, curled tail, and extroverted personality. They are generally healthy if provided with enough mental stimulation and exercise, enabling them to live a long 14 to 18-year life. They are also highly affectionate with admiring onlookers, family, and even other dogs. That’s why if you want to be popular in the park, definitely strut with a Havanese dog, and you’ll make a new friend in no time!
Chihuahua
This “small but terrible” dog breed is ancient, with their ancestors tracing back to the pre-Columbian period. They are referred to as “purse dogs” because of their small build. Their weight does not exceed six pounds throughout their healthy, 14 to 16 years of life. But surely, their “big dog” personality makes up for it. One thing’s for sure about Chihuahuas: they may be dominant, but they still need that lap time, so give ‘em those belly rubs!
Poodle
Revered as the aristocrat of dog breeds (I mean, have you seen the big, low-allergen coat on them?!), Poodles are smart and athletic, especially the Standard variety. Aside from being the nerd and the athlete, they also have to take the model title—talk about an all-rounder! They are often seen in dog shows parading their muscular, healthy bodies—a direct result of careful breeding practices, which exclude them from several genetic illnesses. Amid all of the breeds in this list, they are expected to live the longest with a lifespan of 10 to 18 years. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a friendship bracelet already!
