Vet shares 'five healthiest dog breeds with the lowest bills'

Daily Record

15-07-2025

The vet has shared which dogs may save you more on vet bills - and number 3 on the list is shocking to a lot of people, he admits.
A veterinarian has revealed the five healthiest dog breeds that could help you save on bills. Describing them as the breeds with the "lowest" health-related costs, prospective pet owners should carefully consider their choice and make sure the dog suits their lifestyle before adopting or purchasing.
While it's exciting to welcome a dog into your life, preparation and thoughtful decisions are key to a happy, healthy pet - and fewer unexpected expenses.
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When it comes to taking the right dog home, whether it's just you, your partner, or your children, experts at the RSPCA stress: "You might choose a particular breed of dog because of the size, looks, or behaviour associated with that breed.
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"Remember, while different breeds may be more likely to show certain types of behaviour, their attitude will greatly depend on how they're raised and trained."
Healthiest dog breeds with the lowest vet bills
Beagle
According to the expert, Amir Anwary aka @amirthevet on TikTok, the veterinarian revealed a bit of history to explain why they're so healthy. He noted that "this breed was originally bred as hunting dogs.
"They have an extremely strong and robust immune system and very few genetic issues."
Talking about the "main problem you're going to have to deal with", he said that it is all down to "obesity because they love eating everything. And a few ear infections. Otherwise they're really healthy."
Australian Shepard
The Australian Shepard dog is 'very high energy and very beautiful', he noted, adding that thankfully, they have 'very few genetic abnormalities."
He added: "If your dog does happen to have certain abnormalities, they will usually not allow them to breed meaning they won't propagate those diseases which is why this breed is actually so healthy.'
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Chihuahua
You may be surprised to see this on the list, but it's true. Calling it "shocking" to some, admitting people may not expect them to be classed as one of the healthiest, and cheapest, he notes that this breed can live up to 20 years.
'They are very healthy and because they are so small, this often puts so little pressure on their joints that their joints survive for very, very long", he said. Now, they can suffer from dental disease and luxating patella but compared to your other toy breeds, this is definitely one of the healthiest.'
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Australian Cattle Dog
In at number two is the Australian Cattle Dog which he called a 'very active and very intelligent breed.' They also have a 'very strong and robust immune system.'
The dog can 'suffer from certain genetic conditions but this is minimised though really good breeding and the oldest dog to have ever lived is actually a 29-year-old Australian Cattle Dog. According to Vet Explains Pets, his name was Bluey and he lived exactly 29 years and 5 months.
Basenji
This may be a dog you've never heard of, but it is taking the crown in today's list. Called a Basenji, pronounced bass-en-j, Amir said that this is an "ancient African hunting dog and it doesn't actually bark, it yodels.
'The reason it's so healthy is because it's an ancient pure-bred dog that has been minimally inbred. So if you're looking for a dog that doesn't bark and that's pretty healthy' this dog is ideal for you, he concluded.