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.
Here are 13 of the healthiest dog breeds.
9. Border Collie
The lively and loveable Border Collie used to suffer frem several genetic conditions but DNA testing by breeders has helped eliminate many of them, meaning they tend to now be one of the healthiest breeds. Deafness and epilepsy are the two most common conditions to still affect the world's most intelligent breed of dog. | Canva/Getty Images
10. 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
11. Greyhound
Fast, lazy and healthy are the three dominant traits of Greyhounds. The general rule is the larger the greyhound, the more likely they are to develop muskoskeletal conditions - so Italian Greyhounds are more likely to need a vet visit - but in general they stay in tip-top condition until they get old. | Canva/Getty Images
12. 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