There are over 150 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not only does each one of them have a different size, personality and activity level, certain breeds are also predisposed to certain health conditions.
This does not mean that a dog belonging to a certain breed is guaranteed to acquire a genetic disease or develop a fatal condition. It only means that the breed has a lower or higher chance of acquiring health conditions compared to others.
If you are considering which dog to welcome into your home, it pays to look into the breed’s history and common health issues to know more about you can tailor-fit its diet and lifestyle to prolong its lifespan. There are plenty of studies that support …show more content…
Chihuahua
Though small, Chihuahuas are very loyal, intelligent and among the healthiest breeds. It has an average lifespan of 14 to 18 years, and is also famous for being low-maintenance.
5. Havanese
Another relatively small dog that has made it to the list is the Havanese. The breed is known for its friendly demeanor and gentle personality. As such, it has become a popular family pet.
It can also live between 12 to 14 years, and is prone to developing health problems such as patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia.
6. Siberian Husky
This medium-sized mutt is popular for its abilities as a sled and racing dog. It is also relatively healthier compared to other breeds of the same size. It has an average lifespan of 12 years.
Purebred dogs are generally regarded as healthier. The problem with inbreeding is that it increases the likelihood of inbred dogs to inherit undesirable traits and health conditions.
Health conditions such as hip dysplasia and patella luxation are just two of the many potential hereditary conditions that can occur from inbreeding. Not only are mixed dogs predisposed to genetic conditions, they also have weaker immune systems. This means they are highly likely to acquire all sorts of illnesses – from minor infections to serious