Adding a new furry friend to your family comes with a big question: how long will they be by your side?
Not all dogs share the same lifespan, and factors like breed, size, genetics, and lifestyle play a key role. While giant breeds often reach only 7–10 years, smaller pups can live well into their late teens, with some even surpassing 20 years.
Interestingly, size isn’t the only factor. Some medium-sized breeds, like the Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo, can achieve astonishing ages—Bobi holds the record at 31 years and 5 months.
Routine care, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise can extend your dog’s life, but genetics still set the stage for longevity.
Ultimately, choosing the longest-living dog breed with a reputation for a long life is just the first step. With love, care, and attention, your healthiest dog breed can enjoy a vibrant, happy life for many years to come.
Discover the longest-living dog breeds that enjoy a long, healthy life.
Dog Breeds With The Longest Lifespans: What You Need To Know
1. Shih Tzu
Originating in Tibet over a thousand years ago, the Shih Tzu was bred as a companion for monks and royalty. Known as the “lion dog” for its flowing mane-like hair, it traveled from Tibetan monasteries to Chinese palaces and later to Europe and America, securing a place among the world’s beloved toy breeds.
Smart Steps: Training Tips for the Little Lion
Shih Tzus are bright, curious, and eager to please when approached with gentle, reward-based training. Short, consistent sessions work best, and socialization from a young age helps them grow into confident, happy companions who love interacting with people and other pets.
Luxurious Locks: Grooming the Flowing Coat
Their long, dense coats require daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting, with professional trims every 6–8 weeks for those kept at a manageable length. Regular eye and mouth care keeps the Shih Tzu clean and healthy while maintaining the beauty of its signature fur, as per PDSA.
Longevity Charm: Why Shih Tzus Live Long
Small size, a generally sturdy build, and an active, playful temperament contribute to the Shih Tzu’s long lifespan. With proper exercise, mental stimulation, and attentive care, these little lions often enjoy 15–18 years of joyful companionship.
2. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a true American original, born on farms to chase rodents, guard the henhouse, and lend a hand in hunting. With a compact, muscular frame and a shiny pied coat, this small dog was built for both speed and stamina, becoming a versatile farm companion and playful family friend.
Brains in Action: Training the Energetic Rattie
Highly intelligent and spirited, Rat Terriers thrive with consistent, reward-based training. Early socialization and mental challenges help keep their sharp minds busy, while active families benefit from their eagerness to learn and strong loyalty to loved ones.
Sleek and Smooth: Grooming the Agile Companion
With a short, smooth coat, Rat Terriers are low-maintenance in grooming, requiring only regular brushing to keep their fur shiny and clean. Their compact size and energy make daily exercise and play the key to a happy, healthy dog.
Longevity at Work: Why Rat Terriers Live Long
Thanks to their small-to-medium size, robust health, and active lifestyle, Rat Terriers often live 15–18 years. Their high energy, agility, and engaging temperament contribute to a long, fulfilling life when paired with proper exercise and care.
3. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, named after the Mexican state where it was discovered, is one of the world’s smallest dog breeds. With roots possibly tracing back to the Aztecs or Spanish explorers, this little dog quickly became a cherished companion, known for its tiny size but big personality, as per Hill’s Pet.
Little Minds, Big Lessons: Training the Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are smart, loyal, and eager to bond with their owners. Gentle, reward-based training and early socialization help curb their strong-willed tendencies, teaching them confidence and good manners while channeling their lively energy into positive activities.
Petite Perfection: Grooming for Tiny Companions
With smooth or long soft coats, Chihuahuas are relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional brushing and basic hygiene care. Their small size makes them sensitive to cold, so cozy sweaters and safe resting spaces are important to keep them healthy and happy.
Small but Mighty: Longevity Secrets of Chihuahuas
Their tiny frame, combined with intelligence, alertness, and careful care, allows Chihuahuas to live long, often reaching 14–16 years. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a loving environment help these pint-sized pups enjoy a vibrant, extended life.
4. Dachshund
Bred in Germany to chase badgers from their burrows, the Dachshund combines hound and terrier ancestry for courage and tenacity. With its long body, short legs, and lively spirit, this fearless little hunter quickly became a beloved companion and spirited family pet.
Clever and Curious: Training the Determined Doxie
Dachshunds are intelligent, independent, and sometimes stubborn, so they thrive with patient, reward-based training. Early socialization and consistent boundaries help manage their strong prey drive and playful energy, turning these tenacious pups into well-rounded companions.
Fur and Fun: Grooming the Versatile Coat
With smooth, long, or wirehaired coats, Dachshunds have varying grooming needs—from weekly brushing for smooth coats to regular combing and occasional stripping for wirehairs. Regardless of coat type, attention to hygiene and regular coat care keeps them healthy and comfortable, as per Purina.
Long-Backed Longevity: Why Dachshunds Live Long
Despite their elongated spine and risk of IVDD, Dachshunds often enjoy 12–16 years when provided proper exercise, a healthy weight, and mental stimulation. Their playful nature, resilience, and close bond with owners make them active, long-lived companions.
5. Poodle
Originating in Germany as skilled water retrievers, Poodles were bred to retrieve ducks with agility and style, according to the AKC. Over time, their intelligence and elegant looks earned them fame among European nobility, circus performers, and eventually as beloved companions worldwide.
Brainy and Biddable: Training the Clever Canine
Poodles are famously intelligent and eager to please, thriving with reward-based training and mental challenges. From obedience to agility, service work, or trick training, these dogs excel when given both tasks and attention, keeping their sharp minds active.
Curls and Care: Grooming the Signature Coat
With curly, low-shedding fur, Poodles require regular brushing and professional trims every four to six weeks. Attention to coat care prevents matting and keeps these hypoallergenic companions looking elegant while maintaining skin and ear health.
Long-Lived Elegance: Poodles’ Lifespan Secrets
Thanks to their active lifestyle, mental stimulation, and strong human bond, Poodles often live 12–15 years or more. Their playful energy, intelligence, and resilience make them one of the longest-living and most adaptable dog breeds.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies trace their ancestry to Roman and Viking herding dogs brought to Britain, later refined in the rugged highlands of Scotland and Wales. Known for their nimble bodies and explosive energy, these dogs became prized for guiding livestock.
Minds That Thrive on Challenge
With boundless energy and a sharp intellect, Border Collies excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials. Without purposeful activity, boredom can lead to mischief, so these dogs flourish when given a “job” to do.
Grooming for Active Lifestyles
Border Collies sport medium-length rough or shorter smooth coats that resist weather and require weekly brushing. Regular grooming removes tangles and dirt while supporting healthy skin and fur. Their manageable coat, combined with an active lifestyle, contributes to fewer health complications over time.
Longevity Fueled by Energy
Part of what gives Border Collies a lifespan of 12 to 15 years is their high activity level and mental engagement. Constant exercise, a balanced diet, and stimulating tasks keep them fit and prevent obesity-related issues.
7. Australian Shepherd
Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were refined in the American West during the late 1800s, influenced by British herding dogs and possibly Basque shepherd breeds. Built for herding and guarding, these muscular dogs adapted quickly to farm life and later became versatile companions.
Minds and Muscles That Thrive
Daily exercise, vigorous play, and mental challenges are essential to keep them happy and prevent destructive behavior. Their natural drive to work and problem-solve helps maintain both physical and cognitive fitness throughout life.
Grooming the Active Athlete
Australian Shepherds have a medium-length, weather-resistant coat that comes in merle, red, black, or combinations with white and tan markings. Weekly brushing and occasional baths keep the coat healthy, while seasonal shedding may require extra attention.
Longevity Fueled by Energy and Purpose
Their long lifespan, often 12 to 15 years, is tied to a lifestyle rich in activity, mental stimulation, and proper nutrition. Regular exercise prevents obesity and strengthens joints, while a balanced diet supports eye and joint health.
Conclusion
While dogs may not live as long as humans, understanding the factors that influence their lifespan can help us give them the best possible chance at a long, happy life. Size, genetics, and breed tendencies matter, but they are only part of the story. With proper care, many dogs can enjoy well beyond a decade of companionship.
Preventive health measures, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary visits can make a remarkable difference in how long our furry friends stay with us. Small changes in daily care often add up to years of vitality and joy. Every moment invested in their well-being helps them thrive into their senior years.
Ultimately, longevity isn’t guaranteed by breed alone—it’s shaped by the love, attention, and lifestyle we provide. Choosing a pup wisely and committing to their health and happiness ensures every year counts. By prioritizing care, we can savor more memories and create a lifetime of shared adventures with our loyal companions.
