Some dogs live long. Some dogs live very long. And then, you will find some special pups who have found the cheat code to life itself.
The dog breeds that celebrate their birthday number 14 and still run around like a puppy. The dog who makes it to 16, 17, and sometimes even 20… and still wakes you up at 6 AM for breakfast like a clockwork. The dog that becomes the “oldest dog” in your neighborhood and proudly owns that title.
These amazing dog breeds with the longest lifespans revealed below are the ones people can count on for many, many years of love, chaos, joy, and companionship.
Some are tiny.
Some are active working dogs.
Some are gentle lap dogs.
Some are basically fluffy batteries that never run out of energy.
But… these dogs tend to live long. Really long. That’s the truth!!
Fun Fact!
The oldest living dog ever recorded was an Australian Cattle dog, Bluey, who lived to be 29 years old. Almost a century ago. And then, another dog, Bobi, broke this record. As per Guinness World Record, Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, who is almost 31 years old, being born in 1992.
That dog literally lived long enough to see new presidents, new cars, new generations and probably a whole lot of new treats!
Amazing Dog Breeds with the Longest Lifespans Revealed
1. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a “tough ranch dog” with endless energy. It feels like an athlete wrapped in fur. Aussies love to run, play and work, and chase anything that moves. They need action every day. And strangely, that constant movement helps them stay healthy, possibly increasing this dog’s lifespan.
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Aussie has an average lifespan of around 12-15 years. But many live longer when they have a steady routine, a good diet, and lots of training. They are smart dogs. Sharp thinkers. Their brains stay busy, and that mental activity often supports a long life.
Aussies are not really large dogs. And this helps them avoid many big dog health issues. They stay lean when exercised properly, and that lowers the risk of heart disease and obesity as they age.
These herding dogs love their owners deeply. They bond hard. And that emotional connection, paired with their natural drive to move, helps them stay strong well into their senior years.
2. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are full of life!
These dogs have that funny little beard, bright eyes, and the kind of personality that feels bigger than their body. They typically live around 12 to 15 years. And many reach even higher.
They stay active. They stay curious. They stay sharp.
Miniature Schnauzers are mixed-breed dogs and are known for staying healthy when they have a solid diet and a consistent exercise routine.
As per PetMD, they are not the type of dogs that lounge all day. They want to explore. They want to play. They want to follow you everywhere like a tiny, bearded shadow.
Because they are small dogs, but sturdy, they avoid many risks that larger breeds face. They also tend to maintain a healthy weight when fed properly. It helps them avoid heart disease and overall health issues that shorten a dog’s lifespan.
Their energy and drive make them one of the longest living dog breeds around today!
3. Papillon
The Papillon is a light, graceful, and happy little dog.
The kind of dog that prances around your home like it is floating. These dogs often live up to 14 to 16 years and sometimes beyond.
Their ears look like butterfly wings. Their energy is bright and cheerful. They may look delicate, but these small dogs are surprisingly tough and active.
Papillons are tiny, which helps them avoid the bone and joint risks that larger breeds face. They stay slim. They stay alert. They love to play and dart around the house.
This movement helps keep them healthy and strengthens their hearts. Their genetic diversity also plays a big role. Papillons are famous for having a solid structure and few severe health problems compared to other breeds.
They bring a lot of joy and tend to stick around for a long time to share it.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are sweet little companions. Calm. Loving. Gentle. They are one of the longest living dog breeds that were literally made to sit with people, relax, and bring comfort.
This Asian dog breed usually has a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years (WOW!). But many go far beyond that. Their lifestyle helps them. They don’t run marathons. They don’t herd cattle. They don’t hunt. They simply enjoy being indoors with their families.
ROYAL DOG, YES!!
Because of a laid-back life, they stay safe. Less outdoor risk. Less stress. Less physical strain.
Shih Tzus have small frames, which means less pressure on their joints. Their flat face (yes, they are a brachycephalic breed) can cause a few health problems if owners don’t monitor them, but overall… these dogs can enjoy a long life with good grooming, regular vet visits, and proper nutrition.
They become a member of the family quickly. And they stay part of that family for many years.
5. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are legends when it comes to long life, considering they are a herding dog breed, and very active during their prime.
These working dogs from Australia were bred to survive long distances, tough weather, and intense physical jobs.
And that strength carries into their lifespan today.
Most Australian Cattle Dogs reach 12 to 16 years easily. And as we mentioned above, one became the oldest dog and reached 29 years! Unbelievable, right?
These smart dogs need movement. They need challenges. They need exercise. When owners give them the mental and physical work they crave, these dogs stay unbelievably healthy.
Their bodies are durable. Their will is strong. Their high intelligence keeps them mentally young.
This is not a couch dog. This is a dog that thrives when you give it a purpose. And in return, they may stay by your side longer than many other dogs.
6. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are all-American farm dogs with a lot of charm. They are quick, clever, and alert. Plus, they bounce around and rarely slow down. But mind you, they have a strong prey drive, so don’t let them out without a leash.
Their average life expectancy is around 12 to 18 years, which is incredibly long in the dog world.
Rat Terriers stay lean because they love to move. Their agility keeps their heart healthy and their body strong. They also tend to have good genetics, mostly when you compare them to very tightly bred purebred dogs.
They are low-drama dogs. Low-risk dogs. And they don’t usually develop health issues when you care for them properly.
Rat Terriers are the type of puppies that follow you for years, through every life change. Every new home. Every new phase.
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be tiny dogs (less than 6 pounds in weight), but their life expectancy is amazingly LONG!! These little dogs tend to live for as long as 14 to 16 years and may even touch 20 sometimes, as noted by Purina. An impressive lifespan.
They are bold personalities in small bodies. And that small body is part of the reason they live so long. And healthy lives. Weight is so less their joints get little pressure. Less stress on the heart. Less physical strain overall. Win-win!!
Chihuahuas also tend to be treated like babies by their owners. A cute furry friend. They get carried. Wrapped in blankets. Held like royalty. And, the truth is, that kind of care keeps them living the longest.
They don’t run into as many outdoor risks. They are not mixing with large dogs as often. They are protected.
That spirit!! That sassy and fearless Chihuahua energy also seems to keep them going. They never act their age!
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds, the famous wiener dogs, have long bodies, short legs, and long lives. They usually live between 12 to 16 years and stay active and playful.
Dachshunds or “Doxies” are cute little dogs with a hunting background! (Yes, as weird as that may sound.) As per PetMD, their backs need special care. Owners must watch their weight and avoid activities that strain their spines. But when you care for them properly, Doxies live surprisingly long and healthy lives.
These are stubborn dogs, funny and curious little creatures. They chase. They dig. They bark at what they think is danger. They make their owners laugh daily.
And all that engagement, mental and emotional… helps keep them young!
But here is a disclaimer! If you are a little bit careless, this breed can get prone to eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, obesity, and patellar luxation etc.
So, be mindful of the factors that can exacerbate your Doxie’s health problems.
9. Poodle
Poodles are smart! Really smart. #2 most intelligent dogs after the Border Collie.
And that intelligence plays a BIG part in why they usually reach 10 to 18 years in age!! Toy Poodles mostly tend to live the longest.
They stay active. They stay sharp. They love to learn and enjoy new challenges. Their bodies are athletic, and they handle exercise well. And why not? They have been the water dogs in the prime time.
Poodles also have fewer severe health problems when bred responsibly. Proper grooming and good nutrition keep them in great shape.
A Poodle ages gracefully. They stay elegant and aware, even when they enter their senior years.
10. Border Collie
As noted earlier, Border Collies are the #1 geniuses of the dog world. They think fast. They move fast. They understand commands better than most breeds.
And some of them are such top-tier geniuses that they can learn up to 1,000 words by heart! And that’s why they need mental stimulation. LOTS of it!!
Most Border Collies live 12 to 15 years when they have space to run, a job to do, and training to keep their mind active.
A bored Border Collie is not a healthy Border Collie. But a properly-simulated Border Collie is a dog that can live a long, full, and very active life.
Their lean frame helps them. Their mental sharpness helps them. Their love of movement keeps them in strong shape.
Border Collies are REALLY made for longevity when their needs are met.
Conclusion
These amazing dog breeds with the longest lifespans revealed today show us that dogs live long when they are loved well.
Good nutrition. Regular exercise. Mental stimulation. Routine vet care. A stable home. And lots of affection.
Be it the small dogs like Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pugs, or Jack Russell Terriers, or rather big dogs such as Labrador Retrievers or Australian Cattle Dogs, each one has the potential for an impressive, happy, and healthy life. These pets don’t get many eye issues, hip dysplasia, or heart defects as they lead long lives with their humans.
And the best thing is, a long-lived dog means more years of memories, love, snuggles, and moments that stay with you FOREVER!!
