We’re officially a nations of dog owners, with the UK’s most popular pet living in around one-in-three households (and rising).
That means that there are around three million pooches living here, with more people choosing to join the army of dog lovers every week.
Of course, if you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, there are 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
And one thing you might like to consider is that some breeds tend to stay healthier for longer, meaning your vet bills shouldn’t be too painful and your pet has a better chance of a pain-free and lengthy life.
The Labrador Retriever, for instance, may be the world’s favourite dog, but they are predisposed to ear, eye and joint problems.
That’s why they don’t make this list - of the 16 healthiest beeds of adorable dog.
13. Tibetan Terrier
Despite the name, the Tibetan Terrier not a true terrier - they were called that by Europeans who thought they looked like the more familier breeds from their home countries. Tibetan Terriers are resilient mountain dogs with relatively few health issues. They are affectionate, long-lived, and thrive with regular grooming, exercise, and companionship. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Siberian Husky
Given they've been bred to pull sleds over long distances in sub-zero conditions, it's perhaps not surprising that a Siberian Husky will tend to remain healthy as a family pet. While some individual animals will suffer from eye and hip issues, they are unusual early in life. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Basenji
A breed of Central African origin, the Basenji is famous for being a dog that doesn't bark - it makes a slightly odd yodelling noise instead. Bred to hunt prey, as long as they get enough exercise they have no real predisposition to developing any health problems. | Canva/Getty Images
16. Beagle
Developed primarily for hunting animals, the Beagle is now a popular pet with a keen sense of smell - they'll still happily follow scent trails for miles. It's a breed that tends to stay healthy, with eye and hip problems only developing in elderly pooches. | Canva/Getty Images