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Healthiest Large Breed Dogs

Since large breed dogs typically have shorter lifespans than small breed dogs, you’re going to want the healthiest one you can find so that you can fully enjoy their shorter lifespans.

Below are the large breeds with the best health histories. Choose one of these and you’ll likely be able to enjoy your best friend for a longer time.

Large Mixed Breed Dogs

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We know this technically isn’t a breed, but large mixed breed dogs make the top of this list for a reason.

Mixed breed dogs usually have a larger genetic pool than purebred dogs do. This can help them dodge some of the genetic conditions that can plague purebred dogs.

Overall mixed-breed dogs can not only be adorable but are often quite healthy as well. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a purebred dog. There are many purebred breeds that also have good health records.

Poodle

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Poodles are smart, intelligent, and have hair instead of fur, so they don’t shed. Poodles come in 3 sizes with standard poodles being the largest of the breeds.

If you have allergies, then a Poodle can be a good choice because they don’t produce a lot of pet dander. Because they have hair you do need to groom them yourself or have them groomed professionally.

The lifespan of a Standard Poodle is normally around 12 to 15 years and they have very few health problems.

Pointer

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Pointers are hunting dogs and they like to exercise. If you live in an active household, they could be a good fit. But you must be willing to walk them daily.

Pointers live an average of 12 to 17 years, so you can expect to enjoy your companion for a long time.

They have a short coat and shed moderately, so be prepared to vacuum dog hair off your couch.

The one big health issue to watch out for in pointers is thyroid disease. This is rare, but it can happen in this breed. If your dog suddenly loses energy levels, make sure you take them to the vet.

Pharaoh Hound


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The national dog of Malta usually has very few health problems.

They have a lifespan of 11 to 14 years and are “class clowns” who like to make their owners laugh.

Pharoah Hounds make good family dogs and typically do well with kids and other dogs in the household. They have short coats and are extremely easy to groom, but they do shed.

Greyhound

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Greyhounds are best known for competing in running around racetracks, but they also make good family dogs and are moderately good with young children.

Greyhounds like to do their own thing, so you need to be able to handle that type of independence.

Greyhounds have a typical life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. They also have very few genetic problems, although rarely they will suffer from a condition called Greyhound Polyneuropathy which can affect the way they move.

German Shorthaired Pointer

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These are beautiful dogs that need a lot of activity but are overall very healthy as a breed.

They have lovely short coats that shed moderately and if you have a German Shorthaired Pointer you need to be prepared to exercise your dog regularly.

German Shorthaired Pointers have a reputation for being dogs that are great with young kids and family life.

The life expectancy for this breed is 10 to 12 years and these dogs have few major health issues.

English Foxhound

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Warning – hounds smell very “doggy” and like other hounds, this dog will need its ears cleaned on a regular basis.

Weighing up to 75 pounds, these dogs have a typical lifespan of 10 to 13 years and are generally healthy animals.

They can get hip dysplasia, but plenty of exercise can help prevent that from occurring. And because they are hunting dogs they will need lots of physical activity, so you should be prepared for that.

Personality-wise English Foxhounds are known to be good with small kids and they like other dogs. If you don’t mind their smell and will get them plenty of exercise these dogs can make great pets.

Border Collie

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If you’ve ever met a Border Collie you know that they will try to herd anything that moves. These are extremely intelligent dogs and need an environment that will keep their sharp minds and agile bodies busy.

Border Collies aren’t great with young kids but do make good family dogs as kids get older. They also aren’t awesome with other dogs.

Border Collies live 12 to 15 years and about 2 in 100 can develop something called Collie Eye Anomaly. Otherwise, they are generally healthy animals with beautiful flowing fur that sheds significantly on a seasonal basis.

Belgian Malinois

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The Belgian Malinois is generally a one-person dog. They form what is often called “an unbreakable bond” with their human partner. They are frequently used as K9 partners by law enforcement agencies due to their extreme protective behavior towards their handlers.

Belgian Malinois are best suited for owners who are single or who are partnered with someone who is OK with the dog being a “one person animal”. They are energetic so they need a lot of activity.

If you like to hike a lot then this dog could be a great fit for you.

This breed has a long lifespan of 14 to 16 years and can weigh up to 80 pounds. Overall, they are a healthy breed but can occasionally lose eyesight as they get older.

With a medium-length coat the Belgian Malinois does shed quite a bit, so that is something you should be prepared for.

Australian Shepherd

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This breed is a stunner with a multicolored flowing coat and striking blue eyes. They are often ranch dogs and are great herders.

You need to keep Australian Shepherds active and engaged. They are good with young children, but only moderately great with other dogs.

Australian Shepherds have heavy seasonal shedding and typically weigh a maximum of 65 pounds.

They are generally very healthy dogs if they get plenty of exercise and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Although it’s rare, they can get Collie Eye Anomaly, so it’s a good idea to have them screened.

Siberian Husky

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Known for its striking looks, the Siberian Husky is a powerful dog that can weigh up to 60 pounds.

These beautiful dogs are used to running in packs and do well when they are together with their littermates.

These are wonderful family dogs and are affectionate with young children, but they need a great deal of physical activity.

The Siberian Husky has very few health problems and lives 12 to 14 years on average.

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