The saddest part of owning a pet is knowing that they will not stay with you forever. No matter how long you get to spend with them, it seems to be too short. If you want your pooch to stay with you for many years to come, you should adopt a long-living dog breed.
Typically, smaller dog breeds have a longer lifespan than larger breeds. For instance, a Chihuahua can live up to 20 years. On the other hand, a Great Dane lives no longer than 10 years. One of the common reasons is that large dogs are more prone to suffering from some medical conditions as they age.
Fortunately, you can greatly influence the health and longevity of your dog by ensuring regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Also, make sure to follow the recommended preventative care.
Here are the dog breeds with the longest lifespans for a loving family.
Dog Breeds with the Longest Lifespans for a Loving Family
1. Chihuahua
Hailing from Mexico, the Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. These smart and sassy dogs can stay with you up to two decades. Having an eager-to-please nature, Chihuahuas respond well to positive training.
Chihuahuas have an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. They are generally healthy, but are prone to some genetic issues. Chihuahuas are also predisposed to certain health problems like patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, periodontal disease, and heart disease, explains PetMD.
Chihuahuas are also prone to obesity. Taking care of dietary needs and exercise can help maintain a healthy weight. Also, consider purchasing your dog from a reputable breeder who routinely does genetic health screening.
2. Dachshund
Also known as Weiner dogs or sausage dogs, Dachshunds can be easily recognized by their elongated bodies, stubby legs, and floppy ears. One of the most popular dogs, Dachshunds, have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
A Dachshund named Rocky lived up to 25 years, making him the longest living Dachshund of all time. Unfortunately, the dog breed is prone to several health issues throughout its long life. Their long backs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Dachshunds are dolichocephalic, which means they have more nasal lining than short-nosed dogs. That is why they are more prone to fungal and bacterial infections. Dachshunds are also prone to obesity, luxating patellas, and a life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or bloat.
Regular veterinary checkups and taking care of diet and exercise can help maintain a healthy lifestyle for your Dachshund.
3. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle is the smallest of all three Poodle varieties; the other two varieties include Standard and Miniature Poodles. Poodles have gained popularity because of their high intelligence and hypoallergenic coats.
If you are looking for a furry friend who learns new tricks and commands in no time, a Toy Poodle is a great fit for you. One of the longest living dog breeds, they have a life expectancy of around 10 to 18 years. Their longevity is highly influenced by their lifestyle.
According to the American Kennel Club, most Toy Poodles live long and happy lives. However, like all other pooches, this healthy breed is also susceptible to some health issues like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, luxating patellas, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an outgoing, affectionate, and gentle companion. This popular dog breed has an average lifespan of 10 to 18 years. The longest living Shih Tzu was Smokey, who passed away at the age of 23. If you are looking for a playful and outgoing apartment dog, a Shih Tzu can be a good choice for you.
These adaptable little dogs enjoy resting in your lap, acting cute as you try to watch TV. Shih Tzus make great family pets. They are generally healthy, but their flat faces and thick coats make them prone to overheating.
They can also develop respiratory issues, but are generally healthy. Just avoid taking your dog out in hot and humid weather and never overexercising them. Shih Tzus are also prone to some eye anomalies, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dryness.
5. Beagle
One of the longest living dog breeds, Beagles are medium-sized dogs that were originally bred as hunting dogs. Beagles are loved for their keen noses and curious nature. They get along nicely with children and other dogs.
These energetic dogs have a life expectancy of around 15 years. Throughout their life, Beagles are likely to develop a few health problems, like ear infections. You can avoid this problem by regularly cleaning your dog’s ears.
Their strong sense of smell, combined with an insatiable appetite, increases the risk of obesity. So, you need to monitor your Beagle’s food consumption carefully. Beagles are also vulnerable to allergies, lumber tail syndrome, epilepsy, and hyperthyroidism.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and fearless small dogs who may live up to 16 years. They were originally bred for working, and still retain their drive and energy. Jack Russell Terriers require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Their love for adventure makes them better suited for owners with an active lifestyle. If you are looking for a loving companion who can bring warmth and joy to your life for up to two decades, you should adopt a Jack Russell Terrier.
According to PDSA, Jack Russell Terriers are prone to certain health problems, like all purebred dogs. They can suffer from luxating patellas, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, late-onset ataxia, and primary lens luxation. These problems can be avoided by screening parents before breeding.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized herding dogs that are loved for their hardworking nature and beautiful coats. They thrive on having a job to do and require lots of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Australian Shepherds prefer staying close to their owners and do not like being left alone for too long. If you are looking forward to bringing a loving and energetic canine home, you can opt for an Australian Shepherd. Aussies are one of the longest living dog breeds, having a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
They are generally healthy, but can suffer from certain medical conditions, such as hip dysplasia and cataracts. Aussies are also prone to epilepsy and certain forms of cancer. Check your Aussie’s ears for wax buildup and brush their teeth regularly.
8. Maltese
Maltese are cute little pooches having a hypoallergenic coat. These fairly healthy dogs usually live well into the double digits. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Maltese are gentle, playful, and charming dogs who bring lots of happiness and love into your life.
These small white dogs are prone to only a few health issues in life, such as luxating patella, heart disease, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and encephalitis. Vet checkups, proper diet, and regular exercise can help avoid these problems.
In fact, you need to pay more attention to your Maltese’s silky coat, which requires regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition. Maltese are intelligent and eager to please, so they benefit from consistent training.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are bold, curious, and affectionate dogs who are always up for an adventure. These tiny pooches are fairly healthy and can live up to 15 years. However, like all other dogs, they are prone to diseases like tracheal collapse.
One of the most common problems Yorkies experience is a dislocated kneecap, also known as patellar luxation. As a result, your Yorkie would feel discomfort and exhibit an odd ‘skipping’ walk. Prevention is better than cure, but if your Yorkie has a luxating patella, surgery can easily fix it.
Yorkshire Terriers may be small in size, but they possess a big personality. This loyal breed loves its human family and makes an excellent watchdog. Yorkies have all the traits of a typical terrier. Sometimes they can be loud, but you can overcome this problem with proper training and socialization.
10. Lhasa Apso
Originally bred to alert Tibetan monks of intruders, Lhasa Apsos are recognized by their distinctive floor-length coat. Lhasa Apsos make perfect lap dogs and are one of the longest living dog breeds. They have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Like all other dogs, Lhasa Apsos are also prone to certain medical conditions, including patellar luxation and dental disease. They can also experience some eye anomalies such as cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Lhasa Apsos are fun-loving, playful, and alert canines. They are smart, and therefore, mental stimulation is important. Otherwise, they can become destructive in an attempt to entertain themselves. Lhasa Apso responds well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Conclusion
Many dog lovers long for a dog breed that can stay with them for a lifetime. Forever is impossible, but some breeds tend to live longer than others. As a rule of thumb, small dogs tend to live more than large dogs.
Long-lived dog breeds are typically healthy and less prone to canine health problems like hip dysplasia, eye anomalies, patellar luxation, and certain types of cancers. Lastly, you can largely influence your dog’s longevity by taking care of its lifestyle.
