Different dog breeds require additional training, grooming, and eating habits that owners need to research and learn. And having these other things and situations to us could also confuse us.
When we want to have a dog, whether to buy from a breeder or adopt one, aside from their appearance and breeds, we must also consider their health. A lot of owners take dogs for the reason of their cute size, their glorious fur, or even their personality! But sometimes, we must also consider their health when having them.
Consider these top 5 dog breeds when finding the healthiest ones.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an intelligent, active, and sturdy dog breeds. Developed by Australian settlers to handle herds of cattle on expansive ranches, they’re still used today as herding dogs. They thrive on having a job and being part of all family activities. An ACD’s body reflects the lean, coiled energy beneath a double coat. While not stocky or brawny, his evenly proportioned, solid frame supports power and endurance, standing about 19 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. The outer coat is short and bristly, while the soft undercoat provides insulation from temperature extremes.
An Australian cattle dog’s colors represent his multicultural heritage of dog breeds, including Dalmatian, collie, and wild Australian dingo lineage. His fur pattern is either mottled or speckled, with shades of white, gray, blue, black, or red, which creates a striking appearance. Each coat is unique, but one consistent element on many cattle dogs is a contrasting color patch over one or both eyes that differs from the muzzle hue. They are considered healthy due to their characteristic of being a shepherd’s dog, always active and in the wild.
Australian Shepherd
Despite their name, the Australian Shepherd dog breeds originated in the western United States, not Australia, around the time of the Gold Rush in the 1840s. Originally bred to herd livestock, they remain a working dogs at heart. Australian shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a solid build and low center of gravity.
These dog breeds are about 18 to 23 inches in height and weigh about 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). Males generally are taller and heavier than females. Aussies live about 10 to 12 years. Aussies have a lush, medium-length coat that is straight or slightly wavy. They have to feather on the back of the legs and a great mane around the neck. Coat colors vary and might be blue or red merle or red or black tricolor, all with white and tan markings. Most Aussies have a naturally short tail, but sometimes tails are docked if longer than four inches.
True to their herding instincts, Aussies protect their families and territory and will let you know if strangers approach, but they are not considered aggressive. And like the Australian Cattle Dogs, their personality makes them one of the best herding dog breeds out there!
Basenjis
Basenji dog breeds are one of the most miniature hounds, ranging in height from 16 to 17 inches and weighing 22 to 24 pounds (10 to 11 kilograms). They have large erect ears and tight forehead wrinkles when alert. Some people feel the large ears may help to dissipate heat. The breed’s high head carriage, long legs, short back, and tightly curled tail all contribute to the square outline. The long legs, relative to the overall size, contribute to the basenji’s speed and agility. While known as a barkless dog, the basenji does “yodel” and growl, so it is not mute.
The basenji can be an aloof dog, very affectionate with his family but not outgoing to strangers. Basenjis tend to be clever dogs, but they are challenging to train. They need creative, patient handling to bring out their best qualities. Basenji breeders and owners often refer to them as “catlike,” as they do a great deal of licking to groom and are quiet. Making them less prone to ticks.
Beagle
Beagle dog breeds come in two basic sizes. Some are about 13 inches tall or under and weigh about 18 pounds (eight kilograms); the second size group is from 13 to 15 inches in height and weighs about 20 pounds (nine kilograms). Beagles are muscular, solid dogs with slightly domed skulls. Their muzzle is squarish, and their nose broad. Ears are long and floppy. Their chest is deep, their back is straight, and they have a moderately long tail that is carried high. The breed’s smooth, dense coat is usually black, tan, and white.
They are considered to be good with other pets and children. They are cheerful dogs that like affection. They prefer company, however, and if left alone, may howl and be destructive. They are also hound dogs, so it’s in their nature to roam.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog breeds.
He gives the impression of elegant robustness. He is a hardy dog, accustomed to living outdoors with a coat built to resist the damp Belgian climate. His elegance and expression denote great strength of character, making him a proud representative of the herding breeds. The Belgian Malinois is an enthusiastic and quick dog with a natural tendency to be in motion. The coat should be short and straight, hard enough to be weather resistant, with a dense undercoat. It should be very short on the head, ears, and lower legs. The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down.
The basic coloring is a rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. The mask and ears are black. The Belgian Malinois is a double-coated breed and will generally shed twice a year. Bathing when dirty, brushing once or twice a week, and clipping the nails will keep your Malinois in excellent condition.
The Belgian Malinois excels not only in herding but also in protection and law enforcement; drug, bomb, and gas detection; search and rescue; tracking; obedience; sledding; agility; and therapy assistance to disabled, ill, or older people. This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner.
Have any experiences with these dogs? Share it with us!
By: Kathleen Beatriz Lapig
