10 Dog Breeds that Live the Longest
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Which dog breeds live the longest? From Maltese pups to adorable Dachshunds, some dogs have longer life expectancies than others.
However, how long a dog lives for is of course down to a number of key factors – not just which breed they are. For a dog to live a long and happy life, it needs suitable living conditions, proper care, an adequate hygiene routine, a healthy diet and satisfactory exercise.
Sadly, not all dogs are given the best start in life and not all pets are cared for in the same manner, regardless of their breed. So, when researching which dogs have the longest lifespan, it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee and both circumstance and owner play a huge role in determining how long a dog will live for.
We must also note that all canine lives, however long or short they are predicted to be, are equally as important and deserving. Giving an old dog a loving new home so it can live out the rest of its days in peace can be just as rewarding as raising a puppy.
According to Rover, some of the things you can do as a pet owner to help your dog live longer include:
Encouraging a healthy diet
Ensuring your pup gets lots of exercise
Keeping their mind active with stimulating games
Brushing their teeth regularly
Visiting the vet for expert advice
Sticking to a healthy grooming routine
Making sure your dog doesn't come into contact with any harmful household objects and substances
As a broad rule, smaller dogs live longer than larger breeds. Here are 10 dog breeds which have the potential, if they live a healthy and happy life, to live longer...
1. Maltese
These gorgeous white-haired pups — which first originated from Malta — are known for having a longer life expectancy due to their small size. While they generally live for around 15 years, research by Paw Leaks found that the oldest Maltese dog to have ever lived was 20-years-old.
"Females of this breed tend to live one year longer than their male counterparts, but all Maltese pups are expected to have long lifespans since they suffer from few serious genetic diseases," explain the team at Cesarsway.
Life expectancy: 15 years
2. Beagle
While there is no guarantee for the average life expectancy of a Beagle, the typical longevity is 12–15 years — a common lifespan for dogs of their size. While some may be prone to epilepsy, medication can help to control this. According to Cesarsway, the oldest known Beagle lived until 27 in 2009.
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
3. Dachshund
Adorable Miniature Dachshunds live for around 12-16 years, while Standard Dachshunds live for around 12-14 years. According to The Spruce Pets, a Dachshund named Chanel set a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog who died at 21-years-old.
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
4. Cockapoo
It is not unusual for a healthy Cockapoo to make it to their 13th birthday. Aside from the breed's size, there are various factors which can affect a Cockapoo's lifespan including energy levels, diet, health, and overall lifestyle.
"This is a hybrid breed — a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle — but their lifespan must be inherited from their Poodle side, since Cocker Spaniels generally only live between 10 and 14 years," add the team at Cesarsway.
Life expectancy: 16 years
5. Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu dog – famous for its distinct long-haired coat — will live to approximately 12 to 16 years. It's thought the oldest living Shih Tzu was a dog from Florida called Smokey who lived to be 23-years-old.
Life expectancy: 10-16 years
6. Toy Poodle
Known for being the world's curliest dog breed, the Toy Poodle can live for around 12 to 18 years. Of course, like all purebred dogs, the Toy Poodle may also have inheritable health problems, but can live longer than others with the right care.
"All poodles and poodle mixes have a fairly long expected lifespan, but as the littlest of the group, toy poodles have the longest," explain the team at Cesarsway.
Life expectancy: 12 - 18 years
7. Yorkshire Terrier
One of the smallest dogs, these longer-living breeds can live for around 13 to 16 years. Some of the health problems which may affect them include hypoglycemia, legg-perthes disease and skin allergies. Always visit your local vet for expert guidance.
Life expectancy: 13-16 years
8. Pomeranian
Looking to adopt a Pomeranian? As well as having heaps of character, these beautiful pups can live for around 12 to 16 years with the right care.
The team at The Happy Puppy Site explain: "Small 'toy' breeds generally have longer lifespans than large dogs. Their ages can range into their teens. Or, in some cases, even their twenties. This is because small dogs age slower than larger dogs."
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
9. Chihuahua
According to research by Chihuahua Wardrobe, the current data suggests that Chihuahuas live an average of 15 to 20 years when properly cared for by a loving owner. While there are many factors which can play into how long these pups live, they are one of the longest-living breeds around.
Life expectancy: 12-20 years
10. Shiba Inu
The average life expectancy of a Shiba Inu is around 12 to 15 years, especially when given lots of walks. With good health, these pups can live longer, with the oldest known Shiba dying at the age of 26 in 2011.
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
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