What are the longest-living dog breeds?
Dogs bring infinite joy and companionship to our lives, becoming highly cherished family members over the years. While the lifespan of a canine friend can vary due to various factors, including care and genetics, certain breeds are known for their impressive longevity.
If you’re looking to add a pet to your family, you may be wondering what the longest-living dog breeds are. Not all pups live for the same amount of time, that’s certain. Usually, the smaller the breed, the longer their life expectancy. This doesn’t mean there aren’t medium-sized dogs that can’t live longer.
If you want a furry friend that will stick around for a long time, we’ve made a list of some of the longest-living dog breeds!
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahua may be small in size, but they have an impressive lifespan! Known for their loyalty and feisty personalities, these dogs are lively, alert, and sometimes sassy.
As one of the longest-living dog breeds, they make great companions that will stick around longer than other breeds. Their life expectancy is between 14 and 18 years.
Despite their diminutive stature, Chihuahuas are protective and spirited, forming strong bonds with their owners. They thrive best in a loving, caring environment, and with proper care, they can easily live well into their maximum life expectancy.
However, Chihuahuas are prone to several health problems, including heart disease and patellar luxation (knee dislocation).
2. Dachshund
Known for their elongated bodies, dachshunds are often affectionately referred to as “wiener dogs”. With a playful nature, they are one of the longest-living dog breeds and can reach 16 years.
These dogs originated in Germany and were originally developed for hunting. Interesting fact: Their unique shape allowed them to easily burrow into tunnels to pursue prey. Today, Dachshunds are cherished for their adaptable personalities and long lives, making them excellent companions for families.
Their lively and alert disposition contributes to their enduring popularity, and their ability to form strong bonds with their owners ensures they enjoy a lengthy and affectionate life.
3. Beagle
Beagles are beloved for their boundless energy, friendly disposition, their origins in England, and because they are one of the longest-living dog breeds. These compact hounds are known for their impressive sense of smell, and they were initially bred for hunting small game.
Today, Beagles are beloved for their sociable and good-natured temperament. The average life expectancy of these lovely dogs is 12 to 15 years, and a well-balanced diet and regular exercise help maintain their vitality well into their senior years. They are prone to some health conditions, including ear infections, so it’s important to keep their floppy ears clean.
Beagles adapt well to family life and are particularly great for households with children.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are bearded cuties. They are the smallest cousins of the Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer, and they are the dog with the longest life expectancy of the three (12–15 years).
With their origins in Germany, these pups were originally developed for rattling and as watchdogs. Today, they are adored for their adaptable and friendly nature, making them ideal family pets.
As one of the longest-living dog breeds, Miniature Schnauzers are known for their loyalty, ensuring a long and affectionate partnership with their owners. Regular exercise is essential to avoid obesity, which they are prone to.
Read on to discover the other longest-living dog breeds!
5. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos, hailing from Tibet, look like adorable little mops due to their long, silky fur drapes over their entire body to the floor. They were originally bred to work as watch dogs at Tibetan palaces and monasteries, but today they are perfectly content to be your lap dog.
In fact, as one of the longest-living dog breeds, Lhasa Apsos are companions that can stick around for about 12–15 years. Known for their independent spirit and alert nature, these lovely dogs offer unwavering loyalty and an enduring presence in their owners’ lives.
It’s important to note that Lhasa Apsos are prone to a few eye conditions, including glaucoma, dry eye, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
6. Maltese
Maltese dogs are cherished for their gentle demeanor and elegant, flowing white coats. Hailing from the Mediterranean island of Malta, these pups need daily upkeep to make sure their coats stay free of tangles.
They are one of the longest-living dog breeds, often reaching 12–15 years. Moreover, Maltese are fairly healthy pups, so their owners can focus more energy on grooming than managing any health conditions.
These lovely, small dogs provide unwavering loyalty and a loving presence, making them great companions for a decade and more. They are also considered to be hypoallergenic, so if you’re allergic, a Maltese is a great choice for you.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Curious, bold, and affectionate Yorkshire Terriers are always up for adventure, though they can be pretty stubborn and aren’t shy about letting others know when they don’t like something. Often called “Yorkies,” these dogs are small in size but big in personality and are one of the longest-living dog breeds.
They are known for their long, flowing, silky coats, which make them adorable. But this lovely feature is also incredibly time-consuming to care for. What’s interesting about their coat is that it has a similar texture to human hair, but this isn’t always fun. It can easily tangle into knots if you don’t brush it every day.
8. Cocker Spaniel
The frolicsome and merry Cocker Spaniels, with their big, dreamy eyes and impish personalities, are one of the world’s best-loved and longest-living dog breeds. They were originally bred as hunting dogs but eventually gained wide popularity as all-around companions.
Those long, lush ears, that sweet expression, and those big, dark eyes are features that will make you fall in love instantly with a Cocker Spaniel. These dogs have a life expectancy of 12–15 years, and they thrive on human companionship and are able to form strong bonds with their owners. Whether it’s going for a walk or playing fetch, they are always up for some fun.
This breed is usually affectionate and friendly towards people and other pets when well-socialized.
By the way, here’s a guide that can help you train your puppy!
9. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, hail from the US and were originally bred for sheep herding. Today, they are still put to work on ranches across the world, but they are also beloved furry friends and among the longest-living dog breeds.
Athletic, smart, and devoted, Aussies are built to run all day long and love to keep busy (hint: they need a lot of exercise). They are also agile, quick, and have a ton of stamina; therefore, they’re a great dog for those who have an active lifestyle.
With proper care and regular exercise, Australian Shepherds can remain agile and lively well into their senior years, offering a long-lasting partnership filled with energy and companionship.
10. Parson Russell terrier
Parson Russell terriers may be small in stature—they only weigh less than 17 pounds and 14 inches tall—but everything else about the breed is oversized. These dogs have high intelligence, bold personalities, big energy, and a strong prey drive. And yes, they are also one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 13–15 years.
Parsons are active, outgoing, clever, energetic, independent, and athletic pups with an always-on-the-go attitude. This dog will test your patience, so it’s important to train and socialize your Parson Russell terrier from a young age.
As a high-energy breed that wants to go, go, go, it’s important to ensure these dogs get lots of exercise.
If you liked our article on the longest-living dog breeds, you may also want to read 10 Empathetic Dog Breeds That Can Sense When You Are Sick or Sad.
