Dog Breeds That Live The Longest

Did you know that in dogs, smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds? Numerous research studies have shown that larger dog breeds have a shorter lifespan when compared to smaller breeds. But other factors can help determine the lifespan of canines. These include the following:

Care and attention

Sharing your life and home with a dog means you are committing to the responsibility of providing for your pet’s needs– a complete and balanced diet, regular exercise, annual wellness checks, vaccinations, etc. With proper care and attention, pets can live well past their prime while enjoying a happy life.

Inbreeding versus Cross-breeding

The practice of inbreeding can have a negative effect on the lifespan of dogs because the offspring have a higher risk of having genes for medical conditions that commonly affect the breed.

Do mixed breed dogs live longer?

Yes! Mixed or cross-bred dogs or mutts generally live longer because they tend to have fewer problems than purebred dogs, especially those caused by inbreeding.

Spaying or neutering

These surgical procedures can have a positive effect on the lifespan of dogs. Spaying (females) and neutering (males) can help lower the risk of some types of cancer that affect dogs. In females, spaying can protect from ovarian and breast cancer. In males, neutering protects dogs from testicular cancer.

What dog breeds live the longest?

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are recognized as the smallest among the canine breeds. Their average lifespan is 15-20 years. The longest living Chihuahua on record is called ‘megabyte’ who lived for 20 years. They’re an ancient breed, tracing their roots back to the 9^th century in Central America. They will need extra support from the cold, having originated from warmer climates.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are well-known for their longevity. Their average lifespan is 14-17 years. The breed was originally developed to hunt rodents and vermin. They do tend to bark a lot and are also great attention-seekers.

Poodles

Most toy poodles live 14-18 years while their larger counterparts, the standard poodles, have an average lifespan of 11-13 years. Poodles thrive with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Boston Terrier

These little gentlemen have an average lifespan of 14-16 years. Their characteristic big, bulging eyes are prone to irritation thus they need a visor to protect them peepers.

Jack Russell Terrier

These medium-sized dogs originated from England. They are very energetic and love spending time outdoors. Their average lifespan is 14-16 years but a Jack Russell named “Willie” made it to the Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog. He died at 20 years of age.

Maltese

The breed has been around for 28 centuries. It’s believed that Maltese dogs were worshiped by ancient Egyptians. In the past, they were also used to hunt rats and vermin. Their average lifespan is 12-15 years.

Pomeranian

These fluffy little dogs are lively and playful. They are very alert and make excellent guard dogs. Their life expectancy is about 12-16 years.

Pug

These adorable dogs with big eyes and flat noses live an average of 12-15 years. But they are extra-sensitive to heat and are heavy shedders. They have a voracious appetite and can easily pile on the pounds, so you have to watch your pet’s diet.

Miniature Schnauzer

These dogs make great pets for families with kids. They are sturdy and they typically live 12-14 years. They are, however, prone to pancreatitis, so they will benefit from a special diet that is low in fat.

Dachshund

These adorable ‘weiner dogs’ can live up to 12-14 years. There are 3 types of dachshunds based on their hair coat — long-haired, wired-haired, and smooth. During the middle ages, these playful pooches were used by Germans for hunting. They can easily access badger dens because of their long, low-slung bodies. The longest-living dachshund on record lived for 21 years.

Lhasa Apso

These dogs first graced the palaces and monasteries of Tibet as a watchdog. Today, Lhasa Apsos are popular pets, affectionate, and loyal to their owners but suspicious of strangers. They make ideal pets for kids. These are one of the dog breeds with low separation anxiety which means they make great pets for those who are working away from home for a good part of the day. Their average lifespan is 12-14 years. A few have been known to reach 20 years.

Beagle

These curious, smart, and energetic dogs live about 12-14 years. These dogs can be quite vocal, they can bark and howl a lot. To prevent health issues associated with being overweight or obese, watch your beagle’s calorie intake.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties were originally bred for herding animals on the Shetland Islands. Their average lifespan is 12-14 years. These dogs have higher risks of developing an inherited eye condition called ‘collie eye’ that can cause blindness. They are also at risk of Von Willebrands, a disorder that can affect the blood clotting mechanism of the body.

Shih Tzu

These charming little dogs can be traced back to China’s Ming Dynasty. The breed’s name literally means “lion” in Chinese. They don’t have a lot of serious health issues but they are among the dog breeds prone to skin problems. Shih Tzus usually live 11-14 years.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are among a few large-sized breeds that live longer than most breeds their size. The average lifespan of America’s most popular breed is 10-12 years. But they’re prone to hip issues and their good appetite increases their risk of becoming overweight or obese and suffering from medical problems brought about by the excess weight.

Average Lifespan Of The Longest Living Dog Breeds

Note: this is a guideline

Can a dog live 20 years?

While dogs do not usually live till 20 years, there have been a few cases where these dogs have defied the norm! The oldest dog to have ever lived, lived to a remarkable age of 29 years!