2006-08-30 07:41:54 · 21 answers · asked by Curry MONSTER 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
As funny as it seems, a well cared for Chihuahua is the Methuselah of dogs..they often live to be in their twenties...My breed (Afghan Hounds) live well into thier early twenties with good care and LOTS of exercise...I know a 23 year old who runs 6 miles per day on the beach...
Border Collies are long lived..the 2 oldest dogs in the world (recorded) are border colliies.. One died at 27 just this year..the other is 27 now....the one that died was fed a vegetarian diet!!! shoots most of our notions about diet all to heck..lol
The one still living is in Australia, and fed on kangaroo and emu meat..
2006-08-30 07:54:41 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pure breds tend to have the most problems overall becuase they have been inbred for centuries...you're best bet is a medium sized dog (maybe 20-30 lbs) that is a mix from a shelter or pound. Larger dogs have many hip and ortho problems, while small and tiny breeds are susceptible to many heart problems. And you are right, it varies completely from breed to breed...also breeds with really distinctive characteristics such as wrinkles (sharpei) or smush face (bulldog) have all sorts of other problems...either way, have a slush fund set up becuase vet costs strke out at you at some point and it can be very expensive. It may have nothing to do with the dogs breeding, but maybe they ate something bad or were hurt...just save up before you adopt.
2006-08-30 14:47:18 · answer #2 · answered by rattgrrrl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
from my experience dealing with practically every breed in the world, I would have to say that the Terrier group has the healthiest overall group. Some, however can suffer from back problems is overweight but the majority of them are very healthy and live 15+ years. Some, even up to 20. Go to www.AKC.com to see the breeds by Groups. Also, check out www.dogbreedinfo.com to read about specific breeds as well as their characters, temperments, health, lifestyle.
2006-08-30 15:56:43 · answer #3 · answered by vail2073 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the breed as well, and how you define healthy. Smaller dogs live a lot longer, than larger dogs. Other than that...it all depends. Poodles and Shih tzus tend to have skin problems. Golden retrievers tend to have hip and other bone problems. Larger dogs, such as mastiffs, great danes, ect...also tend to develop bone problems and arthritis.
It's really best to research your breeds before choosing the one that's best for you. And just know that even if you pick one that's not suppose to develop a certain problem, it's always possible!
Good luck!
2006-08-30 20:24:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some of the healthiest breeds with very few genetic predispositions to some of the worst problems in dogs are the sight hounds.
Mutts are no healthier than purebreds that aren't bred by back yard breeders. Mutts have all the problems inherent in all the breeds in their backgrounds.
2006-08-30 15:10:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some terriers have a long and healthy life span and fewer problems. Yorkies and poodles for example can live up to 20 years, so Ive heard. Depending on the dogs initial and continuing care. Making sure your dogs gums and teeth are always clean and healthy prevents other health problems as well. Best thing is to check the breed type youre interested in and check the average life span.
2006-08-30 14:48:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
All purebred breeds have their specific problems associated with them. You can check that out by researching the breeds. Usually your mixed breeds are much healthier and have more resistance. Also, given any dog, if you provide them with a premium dog food diet, regular vet visits, as well as the preventative maintenance such as heartworm medicine, and plenty of exercise they will be healthier and live a longer life.
2006-08-30 14:50:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't know, but I would guess the mutts would tend to be healthier too. My mom and dad had a large Cockapoo (probably Standard poodle and Cocker) she looked more poodle but with the straighter fur from the Cocker; anyhow she lived to be 17 yrs old and only went to the vet 2 times her whole life for ear infections. She did go in for her anual check ups though and was always in perfect health. She probably would've lived longer but she escaped out of the yard one day, took herself for a walk and got hit by a car and injured her spine.
2006-08-30 14:55:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mutts. For some reason they tend to be hardier than pure breeds. I had two mixed breed dogs growing up, and one lived to age 15, the other to age 16. Perfectly healthy--right up 'till the end.
2006-08-30 14:47:51 · answer #9 · answered by freedomnow1950 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You people will believe ANYTHING,won't you???
MUTTS/MONGRELS are *NOT*"healthier" or anything ELSE the advertising "claims"!!
That's TOTAL*B-S*!!
MUTTS/MONGRELS are NOT screened or culled & WILL have ALL(or MORE) the same problems as any other dog !!
Across the board...the SMALLER the breed,the longer they live!Wolfhounds are old at 5 or 6,dobes by 9,chihuahua can be "old enough to vote".
2006-08-30 15:09:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋