The healthiest large dog breeds are active, sporty, and always on the move. They love nothing more than being outside with their families, chasing balls, and catching frisbees.
Let’s round up some of these perky pups that will get us off of the couch and out of the house for some good old heart-healthy activities!
Healthiest large dog breeds are the German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Bergamasco Sheepdog, English Springer Spaniel, Greyhound, German Shorthaired Pointer, Border Collie, Alaskan Malamute, and the Doberman.
Proud pet parents of the healthiest large dog breeds will tell you that the only negative side of owning a larger canine companion is that they don’t live as long as the healthiest small dog breeds.
But why is that?
Well, to answer that question, we must first understand the reason behind the answer.
It all has to do with studies, theories, and doggie biology.
The Research
One study was conducted in Europe and collected data from about 50,000 canines.
Their findings concluded that giant dog breeds tend to hit their golden era at the ripe old age of just seven years old. Large dog breeds were a close second, reaching their peak at just eight years old.
Medium dog breeds will become seniors at 10 years old, while small dog breeds will reach their maturity at 11 years old.
If you leave out all the rigmarole, this basically dummies down to say that bigger dogs die faster because they age faster.
But how long your precious pup will live can depend on many factors. Breed, genetics, nutrition, and individual health all play important roles in determining the life expectancy of our loving furry family members.
In this post, you are going to learn all about the healthiest large dog breeds, healthiest guard dog breeds, and which large breed dog has the least health problems.
And if you think that bigger is not always better, these healthy large dog breeds just might make you have a change of heart!
This post is all about the healthiest large dog breeds that will stick around and be your bouncy bestie for years to come!
1. German Shepherd – Healthiest Guard Dog Breeds
This big, beautiful, and fiercely intelligent breed originated from Germany and was originally bred as herding dogs. They have a life expectancy of about 11 years.
Also called GSD, these curious canines are one of the most popular dog breeds in America.
German Shepherds are great service dogs, emotional support animals, and wonderful canine companions for the blind. They are used in search and rescue missions, military operations, and police procedures.
Are German Shepherds a good pet to have? You bet! Underneath that rough, tough, protective exterior is a gentle, compassionate pup who adores their family unit.
These healthiest large dog breeds have a top-notch guarding instinct and are exceptionally faithful to their humans. They will literally put their lives on the line to protect yours.
Do plenty of research before bringing this powerful pup into your home. Even though they are loyal to a fault and great companion dogs, they are also big, strong, muscular, and energetic.
The perfect pet parent for these mighty souls should have the time and stamina to devote to consistent obedience training and vigorous daily exercise.
Visit the German Shepherd Dog Club of America for more information on this awesome pup!
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Want to know which large breed dog has the least health problems? Meet the hearty and robust Australian Cattle Dog.
Also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, this high-energy and adventurous pup can live up to 15 years with appropriate preventative care.
Australian Cattle Dogs are the product of cross-breeding the Blue Merle and the Australian Dingo. They are not barkers but are fiercely protective of their humans.
These loyal canines tend to choose one family member that they will cling to religiously.
This unique dog breed is extremely active and can play for hours on end. You won’t find a couch potato in this healthy hound. But you can expect a little cuddle at the end of a busy, playful day.
Queensland Heelers have been called “shadow dogs” and “velcro pups” because of their need for extremely close contact with their main caregiver.
If you’re looking for an explosive and determined running buddy that will keep your heart pumping, then the Australian Cattle Dog may be the pup for you!
{RELATED POST: 9 Most Affectionate Large Dog Breeds That Are Proven To Take Snuggling To The Next Level}
3. Bergamasco Sheepdog – Healthy Large Dog Breeds
Just take a look at the show-stopping hairdos on these hypoallergenic dog breeds. Bergamasco Sheepdogs are rumored to have been cross-bred with sheep in order to confuse predators of livestock.
Also called Alpine Sheepdogs, these dread-lock babes are known to be one of the healthiest large dog breeds around. They can live approximately 14 years if they are from a proper breeder and well taken care of.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are eager to please, patient, and protective. They are extremely devoted to their families and form close bonds with children.
They are non-aggressive, love to cuddle, and their gentle spirit makes them great companions for seniors.
If you’re an allergy sufferer that’s on the hunt for a handsome hound that doesn’t have loads of energy and can thrive in an apartment setting, then this is your precious pooch!
{RELATED POST: 5 Adorable Dog Behaviors That Prove Your Pooch Loves You}
4. English Springer Spaniel – Healthiest Medium Dog Breeds
The English Springer Spaniel is a highly social pup that is sweet, kind, and caring. They are eager to please, quick to learn, and happy to obey.
They have a life expectancy of 14 years if taken care of properly.
Don’t count on these gentle creatures to be your fierce guardians. They are much too friendly for that. These hugable hounds have never met a stranger and love making new friends.
English Springer Spaniels enjoy long games of fetch and will look for every opportunity to splash around in the water.
Springer Spaniels are excellent family dogs and always ready for a new adventure. They are even-tempered and have a gentle disposition.
These handsome hounds need tons of attention from their families and may suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.
If you are an active pet parent that is looking for a precious pooch with an abundance of energy and endless playtime, then the English Springer Spaniel may be your new bestie!
{RELATED POST: 5 Popular Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed – Which One Is Your Favorite Hypoallergenic Hound?}
5. Greyhound – Healthiest Dog Breeds
The fastest dog in the world is not only one of the best apartment dogs but also one of the healthiest large dog breeds.
These faithful, handsome hounds have a life expectancy of 13 years.
Although Greyhounds are literally made for speed, they are actually considered lazy, laid-back pups with a calm demeanor. They love an evening of snuggle time with their families. But don’t forget the warm blankets, and maybe a snack or two.
These sensitive souls prefer to be in a quiet place and don’t require the excessive exercise that you would think. One brisk walk per day will likely do the trick.
Greyhounds can sleep up to 18 hours per day. They are couch potatoes at heart, loving companions, and overall healthy dogs.
If you’re on the hunt for a fur baby that is either running full speed or snoozing the day away, then this heart-warming hound is perfect for you!
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
This medium-large dog breed was bred in Germany and is the quintessential hunting dog. They have been one of the top breeds in hunting events for generations. They have amazing reflexes and lightning speed.
In fact, the American Kennel Club labels this handsome hound as “one of the world’s most accomplished hunting and sporting breeds”.
Also called the GSP, the German Shorthaired Pointer is pure energy. There is no such thing as too much exercise for these chasers.
Not only is this exuberant healthy dog breed one of the top hunters and pointers, but he is also a loving and devoted canine companion.
His idea of a perfect day is spent hiking, hunting, and swimming – followed by an evening curled up with his favorite family.
Known for their power and endurance, these short-haired pups rarely shed and can live up to 14 years with proper care.
If you’re on the hunt for a healthy hound that loves outdoor adventures, is always ready for a romp in the woods, and has tons of energy to spare, then the GSP may be your dream dog!
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7. Border Collie – Healthy Medium Dog Breeds
Known as one of the pups with the least health issues, the Border Collie appears to evade many of the health problems that are seen in other canines.
This precious pooch can reach the age of 14 with proper care.
Border Collies are highly intelligent, learn quickly, and thrive on attention and praise.
The perfect pet parent for this athletic pup will live in the country with lots of room for this furry fellow to run. They love tons of exercise and need a job to do, whether that’s herding livestock or children, or fetching a ball.
They are devoted, loyal family members and love a good cuddle in the evening, but only if their work is done for the day.
Border Collies have strong instincts, are extremely alert, and make great watchdogs. They are sensitive to noise and always on their toes to alert you of any movement.
If your perfect pooch is one that is full of energy, loves to run in the open outdoors, and is up for any tasks that you throw his way, then the awesome Border Collie is right for you!
8. Alaskan Malamute
This large Nordic sled dog is closely related to the Arctic wolf, which is abundantly obvious at first glance. They howl like wolves and have big, beautiful icy blue eyes.
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest and strongest sled dogs, dating back over 4,000 years. They have a lifespan of about 14 years.
Don’t let their wolfish looks intimidate you. Underneath this strong and powerful body, you’ll find a playful, gentle, and kind canine that is loving towards everyone, including strangers.
They’re pack animals and want to be included in all things family-related. They are devoted to their humans, love entertaining children, and have goofy, loving personalities.
Alaskan Malamutes are some of the healthiest large dog breeds around. In fact, they were involved in the crucial transport of diphtheria antitoxin across Alaska.
These husky sled dogs covered 674 miles in just over 5 days in order to save the small town of Nome and its surrounding districts from a deadly epidemic.
This brave, sometimes torturing, journey would become known as The Serum Run of 1925.
If your looking for a super active pooch that made a name for himself in the roaring 20s, then the courageous Alaskan Malamute is the heroic hound for you!
9. Doberman – Protective Dog Breeds
Also called Dobies, the Doberman Pinscher is one of the healthiest guard dog breeds. Although they may look a bit scary, these pups are loyal to a fault and can make great family companions if they are socialized properly.
As with any dog, especially guard dogs, children and other small animals must always be supervised when around these robust, strapping pups.
Dobermans are highly intelligent with strong protective instincts. These mighty dogs will always have your back. A well-trained Dobie is a friendly, happy dog – unless his family is threatened.
These powerful, muscular, and rugged canines have worked as police and military dogs, and have also been used in search and rescue missions. They even served as the official dog of the Marine Corps during World War II.
Today, Dobies continue to work in law enforcement. They also serve as devoted therapy dogs and service animals.
Doberman Pinschers have a life expectancy of 12 years with appropriate preventative care.
Are you an active outdoor enthusiast hunting for an athletic guard dog that loves a challenging adventure, and is always up for some good old snuggle time?
Then check out the Doberman Pinscher Club Of America and see if this alert and fearless canine is right for you!
{RELATED POST: 7 Remarkable Rare Large Dog Breeds: Which One Is More Golden Than The Giant Panda?}
Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. While there’s certainly no guarantee that the healthiest large dog breeds mentioned in this post won’t develop health problems in their lifetime, these heart-warming hounds tend to endure and live long happy lives. And although the breeds we’ve discussed in this post are loving, caring pups, children should never be left alone with dogs in order to prevent unfortunate accidents.
Summing It All Up – Healthiest Large Dog Breeds
Some proud pet parents will tell you that healthy large dog breeds are the only way to go. Their plush, comfortable size can make us feel safe, secure, and protected.
Even the most affectionate large dog breeds can have a fierce bark that will send intruders running for cover.
When considering one of the healthiest large dog breeds or healthiest small dog breeds, make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder.
You should be able to meet at least one of the pup’s parents, preferably the mother, and receive good health reports.
And above all, be sure that you are giving your new precious pooch quality care, plenty of exercise, the right nutrition, and loads and loads of love!
This post was all about the healthiest large dog breeds that will greet you at the door with slobbery kisses for years to come!
What is your favorite healthy large dog breed? Have anything to add? Let us know in the comments!
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