Some dogs zoom through your house like a tornado.. and somehow, somehow, they keep doing it well past the age where most humans need a nap after walking up the stairs.
And, it is kind of inspiring.
Because when we talk about the dog breeds that live the longest and stay active, we are actually conversing about pups who seem to have a built-in “youth” mode.
The dogs who are 12 going on 3, still chasing tennis balls, still bossing around other dogs at the dog park, and still acting like this dog’s life is just getting started.
These are playful pups that stay energetic, loyal, and lively for 15 years, 16 years, sometimes even more. These are some of the longest living dog breeds with a surprising zest for life.
Dog Breeds That Live the Longest and Stay Active
1. Lowchen
Small. Fluffy. Confident… and low-key unstoppable.
The Lowchen, also called the “little lion dog,” is a tiny, charming dog with a long lifespan and a surprising amount of pep in those little paws.
This is a small dog breed that stays active well into its senior years, and they mostly bounce around as they have never heard of aging.
Average lifespan: 13-15 years!
And they often cross 15 years, sometimes more, which means they are one of the delightful long living dog options for families.
As per Purina, these pups love attention, adore mental stimulation, and thrive on daily play. They are considered one of those small breeds that stay generally healthy with minimal health problems when kept at a healthy weight and supported with routine veterinary care.
And yep! Their confidence is BIG, but they will prove to be very calm dogs for your house.
2. Australian Shepherd
Smart. Gorgeous. Energetic. And very, very long-lived for a medium-sized breed.
The Australian Shepherd is a loyal breed known for being sharp, curious, and constantly ready to learn new tricks. These dogs thrive on activity, hikes, long walks, fun challenges, agility, you name it. All because of their herding dog background.
They are famously one of the most energetic dogs, and guess what, these dogs tend to stay that way for 15 years or more.
Average lifespan: 12-15 years!
Even though they are medium-sized dogs, Aussies tend to be generally healthy when given regular exercise and routine vet care. Their life expectancy is impressive for a dog originally bred for herding. Just be prepared. They don’t do “boring days”.
You take an Aussie out on a lazy Sunday, and they will convince you it’s actually “let’s go outside right now” day.
3. Finnish Lapphund
A fluffy “weatherproof” cloud with the soul of an athlete.
The Finnish Lapphund may look like a cuddly dog, but don’t let the fluff fool you. This ancient breed is alert, hardy, and surprisingly active. They were originally bred to herd reindeer (yes, reindeer!), which explains why they are such lively, intelligent, and working-minded pups.
Average lifespan: 13-15 years!
These dogs tend to hit 15 years or more, thanks to being resilient and generally healthy breeds with fewer major health concerns than many larger breeds. As per PetMD, they are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
They stay playful well into their golden years. That’s why they are a great family pet for households that love the outdoors.
A Lapphund at 12 years old and still zooming is a sight to see.
4. Shiba Inu
Independent. Fox-like. Mischievously adorable.
The Shiba Inu, one of Japan’s most iconic breeds, is very famous for its confidence, agility, and bold personality. They are one of those dog breeds that live the longest and stay active. And the reason is: they remain lively and curious into their mid to late teens.
Average lifespan: 13-16 years!
This Asian dog breed is also very smart, sometimes dramatic, and always entertaining. They stay active with proper enrichment, and with a healthy weight and routine care, they maintain a long life expectancy.
They are also one of the more popular breed choices for people who want energetic but manageable dogs.
Just don’t expect them to smile and obey like a Golden Retriever. Shiba does things… its own way!!
5. Australian Cattle Dog
The Marathon runner of the dog world.
These dogs have a seriously impressive lifespan. In fact, a dog named Bluey has made its way to the Guinness World Record. As per the BBC, it was the oldest dog ever recorded in the 1930s, and it lived to be 29 years and 5 months.
Yep!! Almost 3 decades of being the goodest boy.
Australian cattle dogs are famously active and clearly… living long runs deep in their DNA! These dogs are super energetic, fiercely loyal, and built for endurance. They were originally bred for tough ranch work, and that’s why they tend to stay active well after their youth.
Average lifespan: 12-16 years!
Their average lifespan often reaches 16 years or more with good care. They are extremely smart, eager, and full of drive. They are also one of the healthiest dog breeds when kept from common health concerns like hip dysplasia.
If you want a dog that will hike mountains with you at 14 years old… This is your right breed.
6. Sussex Spaniel
Slow and steady… but surprisingly long-lived breed.
The Sussex Spaniel might move at a relaxed pace, but never underestimate this Spaniel dog breed. They stay active in their own goofy and charming way and often live up to 15 years or more. This long-earned sweetheart is gentle, loyal, and one of those wonderful family pets people don’t talk about enough.
Average lifespan: 13-15 years!
Even though they are a calm breed, they still enjoy regular exercise, sniff walks, and exploring new places. Routine vet care and a high-quality diet help them avoid common health issues like heart disease and keep a long and happy dog’s life.
Plus… the long ears!! Those floppy ears alone deserve an award.
7. Dachshund
Ah yes!! The legendary wiener dogs.
Dachshunds, or Doxies, may be low to the ground, but their life expectancy reaches impressive numbers. Many Dachshunds hit 16 years, sometimes more. They are fearless, loyal, and full of personality. Truly one of the iconic small dogs of America.
Average lifespan: 12-16 years!
They were bred for badger hunting. The nature of this job explains their high curiosity and bold spirit. Although these are long-lived dogs, they can still face health issues like back problems, so keeping them at a healthy weight is super important.
They can be stubborn dogs, but still, a 15-year-old Dachshund will happily chase a squirrel like it is their full-time job. They stay active in heart and spirit long past their youth.
8. Rat Terrier
Tiny detective with endless energy.
Possibly one of the longest living dog breeds among other pets.
The Rat Terrier is one of those long-lived dog breeds you do not hear about enough. But they live a long life. Up to 18 years? WOW!!
Average lifespan: 12-18 years!
As per Chewy, these little pups were bred for farm work, so they have kept that bold, alert, and problem-solving nature. They are playful pups who bond deeply with their pet parents and love both physical and mental stimulation.
And compared to some other small dogs, they are generally a healthy and hardy breed with fewer major health problems. You can take them as an energetic sidekick who never gets tired.
9. Poodle
Elegant… and secretly athletic.
No matter if you love a Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or the standard Poodle, these popular dogs are famous for being one of the longest living dog breeds. They have a long lifespan, intelligence, and an active personality.
Many Poodles live up to 18 years. If you give them good care.
Average lifespan: 10-18 years!
Toy breeds live long and can easily hit long life expectancy when you give them regular exercise, grooming, dental care, and a healthy routine. Plus, Poodle is one of the most intelligent dogs, and their brains need action too: puzzles, training, and new tricks help them keep themselves sharp.
They are loyal, loving, and wonderful family pets with big hearts and big brains. More than some big dogs.
Conclusion
Picking the right pup means thinking about personality, lifestyle, and of course… longevity. And the dog breeds that live the longest and stay active are mostly small dogs or medium dogs with sharp minds, adaptable bodies, and lots of love to give.
Be it a Dachshund, a Jack Russell Terrier, a Shih Tzu, a Yorkshire Terrier, Chinese crested dogs, Maltese dogs, Aussies, or large dogs, these pups live long, guaranteed you take care of their health conditions.
A long-lived dog has a big personality, and it needs good nutrition, routine veterinary care, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and yes… a whole lot of LOVE.
And if you pick one of these nine pups, Chances are… You will have a lively and loyal companion for 15 years, 16 years ,or even more. Sometimes, 18 years!!
