Some dogs enjoy a really long life, and then there are those pups who seem determined to stay by your side for as many years as possible. Of course, there are genetics helping them grow gracefully, the seniors who still walk around the neighborhood like it’s their first day on Earth.
Now the question is, how long do they live? Well, it varies from dog’s size and breed, but the average lifespan for a dog is 10-13 years according to PetMD. There are a few medium-sized dogs that surprise everyone by sticking around far beyond the average life expectancy.
Bobi is in fact an incredible example, the Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo, who’s 30 years old and still counting according to Guinness World Records.
Lifestyle and good care make a big difference too. So, if you’re dreaming of a companion who will stay with you well into the future, here are seven amazing dog breeds that live the longest.
Amazing Dog Breeds That Live the Longest
1. Shiba Inu
Life Span: 13-16 years
The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed, well-known for their expressive, fox-like face and their dramatic Shiba scream. The Internet-famous dog breeds are alert, clever, and full of personality. They also have an independent streak that must be good for pet parents appreciating a self-reliant dog.
Shibas are surprisingly clean, confident, and quite attentive sometimes. They can be aloof with strangers and scream when something displeases them. But the deep, loyal, and strong-willed nature should be admired, definitely.
Care and Maintenance
Despite being medium-sized, they enjoy an impressive lifespan. Shiba Inus are one of the healthiest dog breeds, but may be prone to skin allergies and dental diseases. Ensure they get regular vet check-ups, grooming, and consistent dental care. For the right household, a Shiba Inu is a charming, long-lasting companion.
2. Poodle
Life Span: 10-18 years
Poodles’ sizes come in three main varieties: Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Standard Poodle. Toy Poodles are the smallest of all poodle types, yet they have the longest lifespan. These tiny dogs often stand out for their intelligence, charm, and adaptability.
Toy Poodles are bold and affectionate dog breeds. They love staying close to their owners. Also, they adapt well to apartment living if given proper care and attention. They are ideal dogs for families seeking a compact yet long-term friend.
Care and Maintenance
Toy Poodles need frequent grooming because their curly coat grows continuously. They are generally healthy but can experience a few health conditions, like eye problems and dental issues. Routine veterinary care can detect any eye or joint problems early. These intelligent dogs need daily walks and mental stimulation to be engaged.
3. Border Collie
Life Span: 12-15 years
The Border Collie is a British herding breed of medium size, often resembling an Australian Shepherd with a slightly longer body. These active working dogs live happily in rural settings. Known as one of the smartest dog breeds, they are quick learners and highly responsive.
Border Collies have strong protective instincts from their herding lineage, which contributes to their watchdog abilities. According to Hill’s Pet, they love children as much as their herd and will do anything to safeguard them. Keep in mind, they are extremely energetic and need a “job” to remain satisfied.
Care and Maintenance
These highly energetic dogs require plenty of exercise, which can be anything, whether herding or playing fetch. They are moderate shedders and benefit from weekly brushing to keep their thick coat healthy. Early socialization and obedience training can make them confident and reduce nipping.
4. Papillon
Life Span: 14-16 years
Papillons are popular toy dogs with a distinctive appearance. They have butterfly-like ears and bright, expressive eyes, which adds them to the list of cutest dog breeds worldwide. They are energetic despite being a pooch and love their humans.
Papillons are affectionate and fun-loving, making them wonderful family pets. They are highly trainable and don’t get shocked when they perform mini agility tasks (yes, they can do it). Shy? They’ve never heard of it! They love meeting new people and other pets.
Care and Maintenance
These sensitive little pups are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Start with basic training for obedience; they are smart and will pick up quickly. Brushing can keep their furry coats healthy and shiny. Check for eye and ear care, specifically keep an eye on dental hygiene.
5. Australian Cattle Dog
Life Span: 12-16 years
The Australian Cattle Dog, or you can say Blue Heeler, enjoys a long lifespan compared to other dogs. In fact, the oldest dog, Bluey, was an incredible Australian Cattle Dog who lived 29 years until 1939. While that is exceptional, these medium-sized breeds commonly live into their mid-teens.
Australian Cattle Dogs have strong work ethics. They prefer staying in active households and participating in many dog sports, agility, and any task that keeps them busy. They are an impressively hardy breed, though they can develop conditions like hip dysplasia or PRA (retinal atrophy).
Care and Maintenance
Because they’re bred to work, they need regular exercise for almost an hour. Consider strength training, fetch, or herding exercises. Brush them regularly to remove loose fur and distribute oils. Australian Cattle Dogs need high quality diet to maintain their strong, muscular build.
6. Dachshund
Life Span: 12-16 years
You’ll rarely see a Dachshund live more than 16 years. These Weiner dogs have an interesting physique- long body with short legs, giving them an animated look. They were originally bred to become hunters and are highly devoted and energetic.
These dog breeds (specifically long-haired) are part of the scent hound group, cherished for their compact size. They are easy keepers, and you would absolutely love to keep this warm-hearted, affectionate dog around you.
Care and Maintenance
Dachshunds may have high energy, but this doesn’t mean that they can do heavy workouts. The distinctive stature requires a limited amount of jogging or walking to keep up with an active lifestyle.
Royal Canin advises keeping their short bodies warm as they are sensitive to cold.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Life Span: 12-16 years
Nicknamed, Min Pins are energetic little dogs with big personalities. They are often said to be a mini-Doberman Pinscher, but they are actually a much older breed. They were originally bred in Germany to work on farms and still enjoy tasks where their bodies and minds are fully engaged.
With their expressive, shabby faces, they are intelligent and full of character. They are the smallest of all Schnauzer types and a long-living dog, according to the American Kennel Club. The iconic appearance, diminutive size, and outgoing nature make them a perfect canine companion.
Care and Maintenance
These trainable dogs love interactive challenges. Mini Schnauzers have hard, wiry coats that require daily brushing to prevent matting. Vet checkups are necessary as they can have health problems like heart disease.
Also, it is important to keep training sessions short and fun to keep them motivated. Positive reinforcement methods are highly recommended!
Conclusion
When it comes to longevity, the small breeds often live longer than giant breeds (they have the cheat code of life). It’s natural for dogs to reach their late teens, making them ideal for families who need a long-lived breed. Still, choosing wisely means enjoying more companionship with one of these longest living dog breeds, many of which make great family pets.
All thanks to their friendly temperament and loyal nature. These dogs live longer if you keep up with preventive care, health issues, and proper nutrition. If you are more interested in the dogs with impressive life expectancy, look for more like Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested Dogs, and Shih Tzus. They make great canine companions, too!
