When we think about getting a dog, we often imagine the joy they bring: those playful moments, tail wags, and endless cuddles. But with that joy comes a quiet fear. How long will they be with us? No pet parent wants to watch their furry friend suffer or face frequent health scares. This is why choosing a dog that’s not just adorable but also naturally healthy and easy to care for is important. Especially if you’re new to pet parenting, finding low-maintenance pets with long lifespans can make a huge difference. Some dog breeds are simply built stronger. They have better immunity, need fewer vet visits, and live longer, healthier lives.

Below is a list of the best pets for beginners and experienced owners alike:

1. Australian Cattle Dog: The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the healthiest breeds and is known for being smart and athletic. These dogs love being outdoors, are typically resilient, and don’t face many health issues. Living up to their name ‘Cattle’, these dogs were originally bred for herding and need regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. An ACD named Bluey holds the Guinness World Record for being one of the oldest dogs, as he lived to the age of 29.

2. Australian Shepherd: The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, athletic breed and is one of the most popular dog breeds in North America. They are low-maintenance pets and are pretty intelligent, active, loyal, adaptive, and protective. These dog breeds need physical and mental stimulation throughout their lives and thrive on being put to work alongside farmers. Australian Shepherds have a median life expectancy of 13.7 years (anywhere between 12 and 15 years). Nevertheless, they are quite happy and healthy dogs and enjoy being obedient and trained.

3. Chihuahua: Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world and were originally bred in Mexico. Besides their cute appearance and popularity, they are also energetic, have a big personality and plenty of smarts. They are pets with long lifespans and are fans of short walks and playtimes. They can live as long as between 11 years and 18 years. They love warm laps and cuddles but are also prone to obesity, which is why short exercises or playing fetch at times are crucial.

4. Basenjis: Basenjis are often described as catlike due to their aloof temperament and strong grooming habits. Basenjis love to lick their fur clean, just like cats, and yodel, to express themselves in front of strangers or intruders. This breed requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation or exercises to satisfy their active minds, which also helps them keep out of trouble. Basenjis are curious, intelligent, and playful, and may be genetically predisposed to Fanconi syndrome, a type of kidney disease. They have a median life span of 13 years but can live anywhere between 13 and 17 years.

5. Greyhound: Greyhound is unique, tall, muscular, and smooth-coated. This breed is originally from Egypt and is admired for its perfect form and quickness during a chase or coursing. As the name ‘hound’ marks, this breed loves to hunt and relies on speed and agility to identify prey. They have higher levels of energy, and therefore, adaptation requires proper training, introductions, and regular exercise. Greyhounds are considered one of the top easy-to-care-for pets because of their calm temperament and minimal hereditary health issues. They have a life expectancy of 11 to 12 years, and as they age, they may develop joint-related issues like osteoarthritis. In such cases, treatments like laser therapy for arthritis can help ease pain and improve their mobility.

6. Belgian Malinois: Belgian Malinois are a medium-sized breed admired for their energy and intelligence. They make excellent companions for outdoor-loving pet parents. These dogs are highly obedient, have great stamina, and pick up training quickly. This is the reason Belgians are favored by the military, mainly because of their perky ears, dark face, and intelligence. They also make excellent working dogs and can be trained for tasks like herding or drug detection. This dog breed is strong and can survive difficult & bad weather conditions, leading to a life expectancy of 12 to 13.8 years.

7. Bichon Frise: The word Bichon comes from Middle French, meaning “small dog.” The Bichon Frise typically stands 23 to 30 cm tall and is most often pure white. Despite their compact size, they’re energetic and don’t require long outdoor workouts, making them one of the top low maintenance pets. Naturally affectionate and cheerful, they enjoy human company and live, on average, 14 to 15 years. This breed is less prone to developing diabetes mellitus, a common condition that affects dogs’ abilities to regulate their blood sugar levels.

How to keep your dog healthy and help them live a longer, happier life

Just like humans, a dog’s lifestyle, diet, and daily care play a major role in their overall health and lifespan. As pet parents, after adopting them, you can consider the following things that will help them stay active, lively, and in top condition:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise plays a crucial role in preventative care for dogs, and it’s never too late to start your dog on a daily training routine. Doing this will help them stay active while perpetuating long-term benefits. This way, your dog will be able to combat obesity and regulate high energy while easing into senior years without added stress.

2. Diet: Pet parents need to pay close attention to what goes into their dog’s bowl. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a balanced diet should include six essential components: protein, fat, carbohydrates (including fibre), vitamins, minerals, and adequate water intake. Avoid highly processed foods with added sugars, salts, or refined flours, as they offer little nutritional value and can lead to long-term health problems. Always check the label to make sure your dog’s food is both healthy and properly portioned.

3. Pet Care: Routine pet checkups benefit dogs and can help identify any or all health-related issues before time. Dog breeds are susceptible to certain heart and immune diseases. Additionally, you must visit the top veterinary care, namely McCallum Centre Animal Hospital, for annual checkups. They provide certified veterinary experts and help to catch the start of any hereditary diseases or prevent them altogether.