Choose a Healthy Breed First and Foremost
Why is it important to consider which diseases are common in a breed before you even choose a dog? Because the tendency to develop certain illnesses is often tied to the breed, and a sick dog is an expensive dog. Breeds that suffer more injuries or illnesses than others lead to higher insurance costs, and their owners are more likely to need frequent vet visits. Even if you have insurance, regular trips to the vet quickly become expensive.
So, try to avoid buying a dog from a breed with many known health problems. Instead, choose one that has proven to be robust and resilient. Of course, there is no guarantee that your particular dog will stay healthy just because the breed is considered healthy. But by choosing wisely, you give both yourself and your dog the best possible chance of a life together with fewer injuries and illnesses.
Statistically Healthy Breeds by Use
Information about the healthiest breeds is best based on the compensation different insurance companies pay out. There are several sets of statistics on which breeds are the healthiest. We have compiled data from 2013/2014–2018/2019 from Agria, If and Sveland, which shows the following breeds (in no particular order), grouped by primary use:
Companion dogs:
- German Spitz (Mittelspitz)
- Bichon Havanais
- Puli
- Phalène
- Shiba
- Saluki
- Coton de Tuléar
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Japanese Spitz
- Skye Terrier
Hunting dogs:
- Finnish Spitz
- Norrbottenspets
- Schillerstövare
- Basenji
- Gråhund
- Hamiltonstövare
- Smålandsstövare
- Hälleforshund
- Jämthund
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Drever
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
- Shiba
- Saluki
- Finnish Lapphund
- Jack Russell Terrier
Working dogs:
- Puli
- Siberian Husky
- Finnish Lapphund
A Well-Cared-For Dog Is a Healthier Dog
Naturally, your dog’s health is also affected by how you care for it. You can, for example, support your dog’s health by making sure it gets the right:
- Food – Which type of food is most suitable, and how much should your dog eat to feel well? Get tips in the Food Guide
- Exercise – Does your dog need a lot of mental and physical activity? Read more under You and Your Dog
- Grooming – How often does your dog need brushing? Read more under You and Your Dog
- Attitude – It takes a lot of work to keep your dog happy. That is something you must be prepared for when you get a dog. A happy dog is, in many cases, a healthy dog.
Get Cheaper Insurance by Choosing the Right Breed
Besides taking good care of your dog, it also needs to be properly insured. Here, too, having a healthy breed is an advantage. Insurance premiums are partly based on the breed’s claims statistics. You will get a lower premium because healthier breeds have a lower risk of developing physical problems. That means you can be more confident that you can afford the right care for your dog if needed.
If you are buying a mixed-breed dog, keep in mind that the purchase price may be lower, but it is almost impossible to reliably predict how healthy the dog will be as an adult.
In the Insurance Guide you can compare different companies and policies so you can easily find the solution that suits you and your dog best.
So think it through in advance and choose a dog with a good health profile – for your sake and your dog’s.
