Did you know some dogs can share your life for more than fifteen years? That is a lot of walks, games, and quiet nights on the couch together.
When we pick a puppy or think about a new friend, we often dream of many happy years ahead. The good news is that some types of dogs really do live longer than others.
Many healthy dogs can reach ten to thirteen years, and some even pass that. With the right care, those years can be full of fun and peace.
In this blog, we will look at the dog breeds that tend to stay by your side the longest. You will learn what helps them live well, how to support their health, and how to make every extra year together truly count.
Longest Living Dog Breeds: Enjoying Years of Joy Together
1. Chihuahua
Tiny body, long life. That is the classic mix with the Chihuahua. This little dog is often one of the longest living dog breeds, with many reaching around 15 years or more. Some have even been recorded living close to 20, which is wild in the best way.
Because they are the smallest dog breed, a Chihuahua slips easily into city apartments and busy family life. They like warm laps, short strolls, and being near their pet parents more than endless rough games.
As per AKC, a high-quality and a good balanced diet, plus regular exercise and mental stimulation, helps them stay at a healthy weight and live longer with happy energy.
Their long lifespan comes with a few watch points. Chihuahuas can be prone to dental disease, heart issues, and little wobbly kneecaps as they age.
Regular vet checks, proper care, consistent training, and fun brain games protect their brain health and overall well being so this living dog can age gracefully right beside you.
Why this tiny friend lives so long
- Remarkable longevity helped by small size and generally robust health.
- Indoor life means fewer risks than many larger breeds face outside.
- Big spirit and a close bond with families keep them active and alert.
Keep in mind
Give your Chihuahua proper exercise, regular grooming, and a high-quality diet so that long life feels comfy, not just long on paper.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds look like a cartoon come to life and are also a long-living dog breed. Many have an average lifespan of about 12 to 16 years, and some famous wiener dogs have reached close to 20.
That is a lot of naps with a sausage-shaped friend curled at your feet.
These pups were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers underground, so there is still a brave hunter hiding in that compact build.
They enjoy sniffing trails, little digging sessions, and long walks at their own slow speed. With regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a steady high quality diet, dachshunds stay lean, silly, and ready for one more game of chase.
Their long back is both their charm and their weak spot. Extra weight and too much jumping can strain the spine and raise the risk of intervertebral disc disease and hip dysplasia over time.
Ramps, soft landings, and proper exercise help this living dog protect its back so it can enjoy a long life without constant aches.
Long life secrets for this long little friend
- Moderate exercise that keeps muscles strong without wild jumps.
- Nose work games for plenty of mental stimulation.
- A balanced diet that supports joints and keeps them at a healthy weight.
Keep in mind
Plan your home with stairs, couches, and kids in mind so your Dachshund can move safely and enjoy many happy years without hurting that famous back.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
If you want a tiny dog with star-level hair and serious staying power, the Yorkshire Terrier is a fun pick. This small breed often has an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years, and many live even longer with proper care.
They are affectionately called Yorkies, and that fearless attitude makes people fall for them fast.
According to PetMD, these little pups were originally bred to catch rats in noisy mills, so they still show real terrier tenacity and a curious nature.
Yorkies love learning tricks, trotting after you from room to room, and acting like spirited dogs who secretly run the house. Good mental stimulation through play and training keeps personality bright and brain health strong as the years roll by.
Their long, silky coat looks like a tiny moving curtain and needs proper grooming and regular grooming to stay smooth and prevent matting.
Tiny legs and teeth also need attention, since small breeds can face luxating patella’s and dental disease if care slips.
With high quality diet, gentle handling, and steady, proper care, this affectionate companion can share many happy years as one of your great companions.
What makes this little star a long-lived dog
- Long lifespan supported by small size and active daily routines.
- Silky coat that many pet parents love to style and pamper.
- Bold, fearless attitude that keeps this living dog playful at every age.
Keep in mind
Make time each day for brushing, play, and calm training so your Yorkie can stay confident, tidy, and close to you for many happy years.
4. Maltese
Maltese may look like tiny clouds, but they are strong players in any group of long living dog breeds. Many have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and a few Maltese dogs have reached close to 20 years with proper care.
More years together means more cozy movie nights and silly zoomies around the couch.
These predominantly white dogs were treasured long ago and still act like gentle little royals today. Their silky white coats and flowing silky coat give a soft, glamorous look, but underneath is a steady, gentle nature that fits well with families.
They love attention, often shadow their favorite humans, and make wonderful family pets when socialized well.
That beautiful hypoallergenic coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and keep skin care on track.
WebMD says that like many small breeds, they can face dental disease, heart defects, or liver issues, so health problems must be watched with regular vet checks.
A high-quality diet with healthy fats, proper exercise, and loving routine helps this long-living breed enjoy healthy lives and real longevity.
Why this little cloud lives so long
- Long lifespan backed by generally good health when cared for well.
- Calm family life and indoor comfort suit their soft, affectionate style.
- Big spirit in a tiny body, which keeps them playful even as a senior living dog.
Keep in mind
Maltese need daily grooming and gentle handling, plus time with their favorite people, so every extra year feels safe, calm, and full of joy.
5. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a fluffy little guardian with a gift for long life. Many have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and there are reports of a Lhasa Apso living close to 30.
Sounds wild, right? That is a lot of mornings with the same wise little face watching the door.
These pups were originally bred to guard monasteries in Tibet, so they take their watchdog job seriously.
Around strangers, they may seem a bit reserved, but with their own families, they show a playful side and a calm temperament. That mix of loyalty and independent dog spirit suits pet parents who like canine companions with opinions.
Their long coat can almost sweep the floor and needs regular grooming to prevent matting and protect those big eyes. Lhasa Apsos can face eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy, so early checks and proper care are important for eye and mental health in later years.
A high-quality diet, regular exercise, and gentle mental stimulation help this adaptable nature shine so the dog can age gracefully in comfort.
Why this tiny guardian keeps going
- A long lifespan that often reaches and even passes 15 years with proper care.
- Watchful personality that fits relaxed homes and close families.
- Enjoys short walks and simple games that keep mind and body moving.
Keep in mind
Plan for lifelong eye checks and coat care so your Lhasa Apso can keep watching the world with clear sight and a soft, well-kept coat.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is royal fluff with a very nice, long lifespan for a toy dog. Many enjoy a life expectancy between 10 to 18 years, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy that cute little face.
A Shih Tzu may not always be the very longest living dog, but it comes close for a living dog that mostly wants your lap and your love.
These little lions were originally bred as palace companions in China, so being beloved lap dogs is part of their story.
Today, a Shih Tzu still loves curling up with pet parents, soaking up cuddles, and showing off a sweet personality. Their affectionate nature, gentle nature, and playful style make them wonderful family pets who usually get along with kids and other pets.
That short nose is cute, but it can bring breathing issues, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and dental disease if care is not steady.
Daily grooming keeps that long-haired double coat smooth and helps prevent matting around the eyes and mouth. Add regular exercise, mental stimulation, high quality diet, and proper grooming, and your Shih Tzu can enjoy many happy years as an affectionate dog.
Long life tips for this royal fluff
- Long lifespan supported by indoor living and a calm, cuddly routine.
- A double coat that protects their skin but needs regular grooming and proper care.
- Calm temperament and loving style that suits many families and older dog lovers.
Keep in mind
Watch heat, weight, and dental care, since extra pounds and hot days can make it harder for a Shih Tzu to breathe and stay comfy.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are tiny, fluffy dogs with a big spirit and lovely longevity. Many have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years, and a few have stayed around even longer.
Here is the good part. Most of those years are packed with twirls, tail wags, and goofy grins.
These little spitz dogs come from chilly climate ancestors and wear a thick double coat that makes them look twice their size.
They like to strut, spin, and show off for pet parents, bouncing around like furry friends in the living room. With social play, gentle training, and fun mental stimulation, their personality stays bright instead of bossy.
Because they are small dogs, Pomeranians can be prone to dental disease, collapsing trachea, and eye problems, especially in later years.
Regular grooming, proper exercise, and a high-quality diet support overall well-being and help this long-lived dog stay active into the teen years.
Why this puff stays around so long
- Long lifespan helped by small size and generally sturdy build.
- A fluffy coat gives warmth and makes them stand out among other dogs.
- Big spirit that keeps them fun and talkative even as a senior living dog.
Keep in mind
Teach gentle handling early and avoid big jumps so little joints stay safe, and keep up regular vet checks to spot breathing or throat issues before they slow your dog’s life story.
Conclusion
Genetics play a key role in any dog’s lifespan, but your daily choices also matter. Years of selective breeding have shaped many breeds for different jobs and temperaments.
There are farm dogs like the border collie, big dogs who guard and watch, and many small dogs who rule sofas and city streets. Food, rest, play, and vet care are simple factors you can shape to support a long, happy life.
When you think about adopting, imagine the kind of furry companion who will fit into your days. Some will herd cattle or follow you over fields, others will nap on your lap, but all share one thing.
Dogs bring joy, and dogs thrive when they feel safe, loved, and understood. With a bit of planning and a lot of heart, you and your dog can walk through every season together.
