Some dogs stay by your side for so many years, it feels unreal.
When people talk about the longest living dog breeds, it is not just luck. A dog’s lifespan often connects to size, daily habits, and the kind of care dog owners keep up with. Small dogs and small breeds often have a longer life expectancy than large dogs, but certain breeds also come with special needs.
And here’s the best part! A healthier life is not about fancy tricks. It comes from simple steps like a balanced diet, regular exercise, dental care, and regular vet check-ups.
Many pet parents also find that mental stimulation matters just as much as food. This blog looks at 7 dog breeds known for long lives, plus the key factors that can help each dog’s life feel full, happy, and steady.
Dog Breeds with Extended Lifespans: A Detailed Look
1. Miniature Poodle
Curly coat, sharp mind, and a busy little engine!
According to PetMD, Miniature Poodles often live long lives, with an average lifespan that can reach 10–18 years. That puts this pup among the longest living dog breeds, which many pet parents look at first.
The toy poodle name pops up a lot in searches, and the toy poodle look is loved for its neat curls and bright eyes. But this dog is not a couch ornament. It loves active lives and needs regular exercise to keep overall health strong.
This breed is known for a low-shedding coat, which can feel like a win for homes that prefer less fur around. Sounds crazy, right?. But wait, there’s more!
That coat needs regular grooming and consistent grooming to avoid knots and skin stress. A stable routine helps a lot here, because missed grooming often turns into a messy problem fast.
For a longer dog’s lifespan, keep meals simple and steady. A balanced diet with healthy fats helps support heart health, energy, and a healthier life. Pair that with mental stimulation, because this breed enjoys mental challenges and learns fast.
Quick tips for proper care
Keep a healthy weight with measured meals
Add puzzle toys for mental well-being
Book routine check-ups and routine veterinary care
2. Shih Tzu
The lion dog with a soft heart!
Shih Tzus were originally bred as close companions, and that shows in how they stick near their people. As per Pawlicy Advisor, Shih Tzu dogs usually live between 12 and 16 years, with an average lifespan of about 14 years.
This is one of the longest living dog breeds that many families pick for gentle company. The breed’s round face and delicate appearance make it easy to baby them, but steady habits matter more than baby talk.
This little dog can be lively and friendly, even if it looks like a tiny plush toy. The breed has long, smooth fur, a short muzzle, and expressive eyes. Here’s the good part.
That coat can be beautiful with regular grooming, but it also needs care around the face to stay clean. Dental care also matters because small dog breeds can face mouth issues if teeth are ignored. Keep up dental hygiene and simple brushing routines.
It gets even worse, though, if weight creeps up. Extra pounds can stress joints and breathing. A balanced diet and proper nutrition help maintain a healthy weight and support overall health. Keep daily walks gentle and short, and plan regular veterinary check-ups to catch health problems early.
Simple support that helps dogs thrive
Use food portions that match size
Keep face fur clean after meals
Schedule regular vet check-ups
3. Shiba Inu
Foxlike charm with a bold spirit!
According to the AKC, the Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed with a confident personality and a sturdy build. Even though it is not tiny like some small dogs, the Shiba Inu often enjoys a strong average lifespan when given proper care.
Many pet parents love that alert expression and smooth stride, plus those bright markings. And yes, the Shiba Inu can be both sweet and stubborn, sometimes in the same minute.
This breed was once used as a hunter, so it carries a bold, ready-to-move attitude. Regular exercise helps keep the body in good shape and supports overall health.
Mental stimulation also matters because a bored shiba inu may create its own fun, and that can mean trouble. Think short training sessions and games that feel like a job.
Food choices matter too. A balanced diet supports energy, coat quality, and a healthier life. Keep an eye on body shape and avoid overfeeding. When the body stays lean, the dog’s life often feels easier on the joints. Plan routine check-ups and watch for health problems that can show up with age.
Easy habits that support long lives
Give structured play for mental challenges
Use calm, clear training cues
Keep feeding times on a stable routine
4. Lhasa Apso
A palace lookout in a tiny body!
The Lhasa Apso is one of those dog breeds with a rich past and a big personality. This breed served as sentinels in palaces and monasteries, basically watchdogs with luxurious hair.
That history still shows in how alert and confident this dog can be at home. Many pet parents love the mix of comedy and dignity, plus the way these little dogs can stay lively for years.
The coat is famous for being long and flat, and it can look stunning when cared for well. But why bother with that? Because mats can pull the skin and cause stress.
Regular grooming is not just for looks. It supports comfort, skin health, and overall health. The feathered tail curl and dark eyes give the breed a special look that feels almost regal.
For life expectancy support, keep routines steady and gentle. A balanced diet with good portions helps protect joints and keeps the body at a healthy weight. Regular vet check-ups also help catch issues early, including hip dysplasia in some lines.
Little details that matter
Brush often to prevent mats
Keep play calm and regularly
Add slow walks for regular exercise
5. Pomeranian
Fluffy, fearless, and tiny on purpose!
Pomeranians come from Spitz roots and were bred down in size over time. Today, they sit among the small dog breeds that many people adore, with an average lifespan that can be impressively long.
This is one of the longest living dog breeds that often surprises guests who meet one for the first time. That thick double coat, foxlike face, and fluffy neck scruff make them look like living cotton balls.
Even with the cute look, this dog can act like it runs the whole street. It can be a social dog type with its family, but it may also bark at sounds and strangers.
Here’s the good part. With calm training and a calm environment, the energy can become fun instead of chaos. Mental stimulation helps, too, because a busy mind keeps habits steady.
Support the longest lifespan with good daily habits. A balanced diet helps keep the body strong. Dental care is also important for these small breeds, since teeth can crowd. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and stay alert for health problems that need early care.
Quick care that supports overall health
Keep coats tidy with regular grooming
Use toys that encourage mental stimulation
Track food to maintain a healthy weight
6. Rat Terrier
The comedian athlete with a sharp brain!
Rat Terriers are known for energy, smarts, and nonstop curiosity. They can be active dogs that love to join every home moment, from chores to play.
This breed is often best for pet parents who enjoy a lively vibe and can keep up with training. The Rat Terrier lifespan is generally 12–18 years, placing it among the longest living dog breeds people search for when they want a long-time buddy.
This breed was originally bred to hunt rats, so it moves fast and thinks fast. It likes tasks, games, and learning new tricks. Dog sports can be a great outlet for all that drive, as long as training stays kind and structured. Regular exercise helps keep muscle tone, balance, and overall health in good shape.
A longer dog’s lifespan also depends on steady basics. A balanced diet and proper nutrition support energy without adding extra weight. Keep the body lean, and use mental challenges to avoid boredom. Regular veterinary check-ups can help spot health problems early, especially as the dog ages.
Easy ways to support a healthier life
Rotate toys for mental stimulation
Keep walks steady and planned
Use routine check-ups to stay ahead
7. Chihuahua
Tiny frame, huge heart!
Chihuahuas are famous for being little dogs with bold attitudes. Many pet parents say this breed bonds fast and stays close like a loyal companion. This is one of the longest living dog breeds, and some individuals can reach nearly two decades with strong care.
The breed’s small size also means it fits many homes, as long as safety and routine stay solid. Chihuahuas come in short coats and long-haired coats, and they also have two head shapes, often called apple head and deer head.
Their tiny body can make them seem fragile, but they can still enjoy active lives when supported well. Regular exercise does not need to be intense. Gentle daily walks and indoor play can be enough.
Care choices strongly affect life expectancy. Dental care is a must because small dogs can struggle with tooth crowding. Keep up dental care routines, and plan regular vet check-ups.
A balanced diet and balanced nutrition help keep the body strong and protect overall health. Genetics plays a role, too, so staying alert for health problems is smart.
Small steps that protect a long dog’s life
Keep meals portioned for a healthy weight
Add warmth and comfort in cold weather
Stick to a stable routine for stress control
Conclusion
A long dog’s lifespan is not magic. It is built from small choices that stack up over time. The longest living dog breeds often do well when meals stay steady, the body stays at a healthy weight, and regular exercise fits the dog’s size.
Mental stimulation keeps dogs brighter, calmer, and more engaged, especially as they age. Regular vet check-ups and routine check-ups help catch health problems before they grow. And here’s the best part! Even mixed-breed dogs can live long lives when proper care is consistent.
Keep habits simple, stay kind, and enjoy every season of your dog’s life, because the oldest dog stories always start with daily love.
