12 Healthiest Dog Breeds — our top picks
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier: very high athleticism, very high energy and small-sized — a sturdy build with fewer of the structural problems that drive vet bills. Small, energetic hunting terrier with bold personality. Intelligent, fearless, and excellent working dog. Worth knowing before you commit: the Jack Russell Terrier needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Papillon
Papillon: high athleticism, high energy and small-sized — a sturdy build with fewer of the structural problems that drive vet bills. Elegant toy spaniel with distinctive butterfly ears. Athletic and intelligent with surprising agility for their size. Worth knowing before you commit: the Papillon needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Russell Terrier
Russell Terrier: high athleticism, high energy and small-sized — a sturdy build with fewer of the structural problems that drive vet bills. Shorter-legged version of Jack Russell. Energetic, bold, and excellent family companion with moderate exercise needs. Worth knowing before you commit: the Russell Terrier needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Border Collie
Border Collie: very high athleticism, very high energy and medium-sized. Supreme herding dog with intense work drive and intelligence. Often considered the most intelligent dog breed. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Border Collie needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Havanese
Havanese: medium athleticism, medium energy and small-sized. Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Havanese needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog: very high athleticism, very high energy and medium-sized. Tough cattle herding dog with incredible endurance. Extremely athletic and intelligent working breed. Worth knowing before you commit: the Australian Cattle Dog needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Vizsla
Vizsla: very high athleticism, very high energy and medium-sized. Elegant Hungarian pointer known as the "Velcro dog" for their close bond with owners. Athletic and affectionate. Worth knowing before you commit: the Vizsla needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Whippet
Whippet: very high athleticism, medium energy and medium-sized. Medium-sized sighthound, gentle and quiet indoors. Perfect balance of athleticism and calm companionship. Worth knowing before you commit: the Whippet does badly left alone all day.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise: medium athleticism, medium energy and small-sized. Cheerful white powder-puff with hypoallergenic coat. Playful and adaptable companion with minimal shedding. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Bichon Frise needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Brittany
Brittany: very high athleticism, very high energy and medium-sized. Compact, athletic gundog with boundless energy. Eager to please and excellent family companion when properly exercised. Worth knowing before you commit: the Brittany needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Wire Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier: very high athleticism, very high energy and medium-sized. Classic British terrier with wiry coat. Alert, energetic, and excellent show dog with bold personality. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Wire Fox Terrier needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Smooth Fox Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier: very high athleticism, very high energy and medium-sized. Smooth-coated version of Fox Terrier. Alert, intelligent, and excellent family companion with lower grooming needs. Worth knowing before you commit: the Smooth Fox Terrier needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 321 breeds is scored on the traits that decide this particular question — the same trait ratings shown on each breed's own guide page, so you can check the reasoning rather than take a ranking on faith. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking based on your own answers.
Popular breeds that are a poor fit for owners who want a long-lived companion
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a popular choice, but very low athleticism and low energy put it at odds with owners who want a long-lived companion. On top of that, the English Bulldog is stubborn enough that first-time owners often struggle.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a popular choice, but low athleticism and low energy put it at odds with owners who want a long-lived companion. On top of that, the English Mastiff drools enough to notice.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is a popular choice, but giant-sized put it at odds with owners who want a long-lived companion. On top of that, the Great Dane does badly left alone all day.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What is the healthiest dog breed?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Jack Russell Terrier ranks as the top choice for owners who want a long-lived companion, followed by the Papillon and Russell Terrier.
- How was this list of dogs for owners who want a long-lived companion chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for owners who want a long-lived companion — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.
- Which popular breeds are a poor fit for owners who want a long-lived companion?
- The English Bulldog, The English Mastiff, The Great Dane all rank near the bottom for owners who want a long-lived companion despite being widely chosen — usually because the traits that make them appealing elsewhere work against them here.