9 Long Lifespan Toy Dog Breeds for a Lasting Bond

What could be better than a loyal companion who brings joy, love, and calm to your life? AKC says 90% of people said having a dog helped them enjoy life and feel loved. While 80 percent of people claimed that pets helped them de-stress.

That’s why toy breed dogs with long lifespans are ideal companions. They offer years of love, loyalty, and joy to their owner. These small dogs have the longest lifespan, 10 to 15 years, as compared to larger breeds, according to PetMD.

Typically under 15 pounds, they suit apartments, busy lives, or quiet homes. With their compact size and affectionate nature, here are 9 toy breeds that bring immense joy and companionship to many families.

Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance buddy or an energetic playmate, toy dog breeds bring joy and love into your lives. They make a wonderful addition to any family.

Long Lifespan Toy Dog Breeds

1. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound breed has been around for over 2,000 years, according to PetMD. With a rich history, the Italian Greyhound boasts unique characteristics that define its charm. These distinctive characteristics are detailed in the table below.

Italian Greyhounds are energetic dogs, a loyal breed ideal for apartment living. Their playful spirit shines with daily playtime, and they adore snuggling with their owners. But they can also be prone to shyness or hyperactivity if they do not receive enough attention and love.

They have a strong prey drive due to their history as hunters. This instinct can cause them to chase small, fast-moving animals like cats, rabbits, or squirrels. Treats, toys, and patience are essential for the successful training of this breed.

2.  Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa apso is an ancient dog breed originating from Tibet over a thousand years ago. Known for their long hair and protective nature, they have been a symbol of peace, protection, and loyalty. Named after Tibet’s capital city, Lhasa Apsos were used as watchdogs in important buildings.

Here are some key characteristics of these dog breeds.

The Lhasa Apso has a long, thick coat to stay warm in freezing Himalayan temperatures. However, this long, thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Long hair can cause eye infections, skin infections, and breathing issues if not trimmed.

Lhasa Apsos are alert dogs prone to barking, but training can help. They are playful and smart, requiring mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Interactive toys can keep them engaged.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, a small dog breed, originated in England’s Yorkshire and Lancashire regions during the 19th century. They make great family pets, suitable for both apartment living and big houses, due to their adaptable nature.

The following characteristic makes them distinct.

Yorkies require regular grooming and protective clothing due to their long coats and cold sensitivity. To maintain their overall health and well-being, it is also important to provide them with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Routine vet visits are crucial for Yorkies to catch any health issues early and increase their life expectancy.

4. Papillon

The papillon is a charming and intelligent small breed known for their butterfly-like ears. They have been depicted in artwork since the 16th century. Papillons are friendly lap dogs that thrive as companions.

As a long-living breed, they tend to have happy lives with proper care. Papillons are one of the healthiest dog breeds due to their longevity and overall health.

Papillons are sociable and friendly dogs. They enjoy the company of people and other animals when properly socialized. They require mental stimulation and exercise to manage their energy. Papillons make great apartment dogs due to their smaller size.

5. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are miniature descendants of the Spitz dog breed. Despite their small size, Pomeranians are known for their bold and curious nature.

They are great companions for many types of pet parents, including families, singles, and older adults.

Pomeranians are considered one of the longest-living dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 12-16 years. But it is possible to develop various health problems over the course of time. Routine veterinary care is required for the early detection and management of these issues.

6. Maltese

The Maltese is a small dog known for its luxurious, floor-length white coat and playful personality. These dogs originated on the Mediterranean Island of Malta and have been loyal companions for centuries.

Maltese is considered one of the best dog breeds due to its friendly and outgoing personality. It gets along well with other dogs, making a great companion for many families.

Maltese are long-lived dogs that require proper care for a healthy dog’s life. If you are looking for a new pup, the Maltese can be the right dog for you. They make wonderful companions with proper care and attention.

7. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, a furry friend and small breed, is well-suited as a lap dog due to its affectionate nature and compact size. As a toy breed, they thrive on human interaction and make ideal companions for those seeking the longest-living dog breed.

Shih Tzu love to be spoiled with attention and treats; they love to please their pet parents and are usually quick to learn new tricks.

Dogs live longer when they receive proper care and attention, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

8. Toy Poodles

Toy poodles make great furry friends due to their affectionate nature. They are also a long-living dog breed, typically living a long life of 18 years with proper care.

They are easy to train due to their intelligence and respond well to positive reinforcement. They have a close bond with their family and may develop conditions like separation anxiety if left alone for longer periods.

All poodle sizes have hair that grows throughout life and sheds very little. They need baths every two to four weeks with a gentle dog-specific shampoo and conditioner.

They have a complex temperament that combines friendly loyalty with anxious tendencies. It makes them unique from many other dogs.

9. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the longest-living dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 14-16 years. The Chihuahua breed originated from the Techichi, a small dog from the Toltec and Aztec cultures. They are regarded as the world’s smallest dog.

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are known for their big personality and loyal nature. They are generally easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of situations, making them a popular choice as pets.

They are prone to various health conditions, including patellar luxation, which is characterized by loose kneecaps. Additionally, these dogs tend to be susceptible to obesity. Making it essential to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

The toy dog breed that has achieved a Guinness World Record is the Chihuahua. This breed is most notably represented by Pearl. The current world’s shortest dog measures 3.59 inches.

Conclusion

Toy breeds are ideal companions for those looking for a lifelong friend. With their long lifespan, small size, and adorable features, it’s no wonder that many people fall in love with them.

Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance pet or a loyal companion, toy dog breeds are definitely worth considering.

So, if you are ready to add some joy and love to your life, consider bringing home one of these 9 adorable toy dog breeds.