What Are The Healthiest Dog & Puppy Breeds?

woman and dog doing yoga — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be healthy, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

14 Dog Breeds

Only show breeds available for adoption near me

Beagle

Beagles are bold dogs who pack a hefty punch of personality for their size. Their happy, go-lucky, adventurous demeanor makes them full of life and pizzazz. They are highly active, affectionate, and cheerful dogs who love being involved with their owners.  Developed as pack animals, Beagles love being around others and crave companionship from humans and other dogs. They are great watchdogs who are vocal and will bark or howl at anything unusual and let you know when something is off. However, if a stranger offers them food or playtime, this all goes out the window! They are extremely food-motivated and can get especially vocal around dinnertime.  A naturally curious breed that loves to explore the outdoors, Beagles have an enthusiastic way of approaching life making them entertaining and enjoyable to be around. 

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Chihuahua

Don't be fooled by their dainty size—the Chihuahua packs a spicy personality. These little bundles of curiosity are always on the lookout for adventure, their bright eyes sparkling with mischief and intelligence. While some Chihuahuas possess a regal air, others lean into their feisty side, always ready with a playful nip or a sassy strut. But beneath the bravado lies a heart of pure gold, brimming with love and a devotion that will warm you from the inside out.

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Dachshund

Close to the ground, short and sassy Dachshunds aren’t built to win any canine races, but they are built to win hearts. Part cuddle bug and part tiny dictator, this pup can be a pinch stubborn but remains endearing even in its most frustrating moments. Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs since they are always on high alert for their surroundings.

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Havanese

Havanese are busy and curious little pups who love being the center of attention in a family. They play and clown around and are affectionate toward everyone—family, children, strangers, other dogs, pets, you name it. They love to please and pick up training easily. They can bark a lot. 

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Shetland Sheepdog

Bright, sensitive, and willing to please, the Sheltie is an adaptable and hearty farm dog. They are devoted to their families. Their active minds take some time to quiet, and learning how to settle is an important part of their training. They get along well with children, albeit older ones since they are prone to nipping heels and herding while playing which might not be suitable for smaller children. Strangers might find them aloof and reserved, or on the end of a barking fit—Shelties take their job as watchdogs very seriously. 

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Australian Cattle Dog

Often cited as headstrong, stubborn, energetic, and hardworking, Australian Cattle Dogs love a challenge, whether physical or mental. Natural Energizer Bunnies, these dogs love to silently herd and learn new things. Given their instincts, they tend to nip at heels, especially when small children are running but do well with older children.

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English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are the straight-A students of the dog world. They’re busy dogs who are intelligent, quick-witted extroverts who aim to please. They are well-mannered and friendly. The English Springer Spaniel breed was developed to be around people so they thrive on human attention and company. As a result, they make excellent family pets who will want to join in on all the family fun. They are active and do well with equally active families. English Springer Spaniels will never be able to turn down an opportunity to play, find items, and carry objects in their mouth, so fetch is truly just the beginning! 

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Manchester Terrier

Clean, tidy, and compact, the Manchester Terrier is a well-mannered dog. They are sensitive but devoted members of the family and love nothing more than napping after a good romp outdoors. They are game for adventures, especially if they involve digging. They are busy and curious dogs. 

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Whippet

Quiet and devoted, Whippets are the most outgoing and amenable of the sighthounds and have a reputation for being gentle with children. They are calm and quiet indoors but love a good romp outside to get the zoomies out. They can be sensitive mentally and physically and need to be handled gently and with love. 

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Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies retain their working spirit even in the most docile environment; they are always ready to be active companions. They are friendly, gentle, and watchful with an independent streak. Though generally quiet, they can occasionally express themselves with joyful howls. 

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German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer’s dream day is spent swimming, running, and solving puzzles followed by a night curled up next to their owner on the couch. These active dogs are gentle, loving creatures whose brains are sharp and finely tuned to the world around them.  German Shorthaired Pointers have high amounts of energy. They need to have something to do or else they can become unruly. A bored German Shorthaired Pointer can result in poor behavior including digging, chewing, hyperactivity, and getting up to no good.  They are highly specialized working dogs with a history as retrievers and swimmers—they even have webbed feet. Any activity an owner can throw their way they will be happy to tackle—especially if their owners are right there with them. 

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Labrador Retriever

Labradors are the epitome of boundless enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty. These affectionate goofballs crave human companionship. With a seemingly endless appetite for life (and food, too), Labs are always up for an adventure. Their gentle nature and patience make them ideal family companions, thriving in homes with children and other pets alike.  Eager to please, they're quick learners and excel at various activities, from obedience to agility. However, their insatiable curiosity and love for treats may require a firm but loving hand to resist their charming antics. As for their tails? They constantly signal the dog’s joy. 

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Rottweiler

Elegant, graceful, and more loveable than they are often depicted, Rottweilers are large, self-assured dogs. They can be headstrong and stubborn, and when not trained properly, can become aggressive or guarded towards strangers. They can also be overly assertive if they believe their family or property is being threatened. They need socialization, a high level of training, and vigorous daily exercise to become more of a gentle giant than an intimidating household pet.

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Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are a high-spirited, energetic breed who love to exercise, solve puzzles, and play with their owners. They enjoy being around their human companions and require a significant amount of care and attention. They are quick-witted, highly intelligent, and love to have fun, but do tend to get bored easily. You can commonly find them running around, swimming,  playing fetch, and loving on their owners. 

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