If you are looking to bring a furry friend home who can stay with you for many years to come, you can adopt a long-living dog breed. Many factors, including genetics, play an important role in determining how long a dog lives.
As a general rule of thumb, small dogs live longer than giant dog breeds. Smaller breeds can live up to 16 years or more, while large dogs usually live no more than 10 to 13 years.
The life expectancy of a dog also depends on its breed, size, and lifestyle. Fortunately, you can influence your dog’s lifespan to a great degree by taking care of things like vaccines, wellness exams, and parasite preventatives.
Here are the longest living dog breeds with whom you can enjoy many years together.
Longest Living Dog Breeds: Enjoying Many Years Together
1. Shih Tzu
Often known as “little lions,” Shih Tzus are adorable little dogs who are happiest when close to their humans. If you are looking for an affectionate pup who can stay with you for many years, a Shih Tzu can be a great fit.
Shih Tzus can live up to 18 years, explains PetMD. This is a generally healthy dog breed overall, but they are vulnerable to certain diseases. Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, which means they can develop respiratory issues and are prone to overheating.
Purchasing the dog from a reputable breeder and avoiding over-exercising them can help reduce the risk of health conditions. These hypoallergenic dogs make ideal pets for allergy sufferers. Shih Tzus are gentle and friendly dogs who love spending time in their owner’s lap.
2. Chihuahua
These pint-sized pooches were originally bred in Mexico. Their manageable size and lively temperament make them well-suited for apartment living. These hardy dogs can live to celebrate their 20th birthday.
Thanks to their compact frame, Chihuahuas experience fewer joint and back-related problems compared to many larger dogs. With age, Chihuahuas can become prone to several medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, which is ultimately linked to mitral valve disease.
Chihuahuas are dedicated lap dogs with a saucy expression. These loyal, playful, and energetic dogs can go from being bold and curious to being shy and timid. Chihuahuas tend to be great around kids, but due to their size, all dog-child interactions need to be monitored.
3. Dachshund
Recognized by their elongated bodies and stubby legs, Dachshunds are one of the breeds with the longest lifespan. It is not uncommon to see a Dachshund over 15 years old. A Dachshund named Rocky reached the age of 25 before passing.
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers. They are generally healthy dogs, but can injure themselves as they get older or develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Back-related problems can be exacerbated by obesity.
Taking care of your Dachshund’s diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular vet checkups can let you enjoy many more years with them. They have a bold personality packed in their not-so-big bodies. Having a comical and endearing nature, Doxies make devoted companions, explains Purina.
4. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent dogs with the longest lifespan. They can stay with you for a good 16 to 18 years. Having hypoallergenic coats, Poodles come in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle.
The active dogs have an eager-to-please nature and tend to learn new tricks and commands quickly. Poodles are one of the healthiest dog breeds with good genetic traits. But they are susceptible to some common health issues like dental diseases and eye problems.
Miniature and Toy Poodles are more prone to problems like Legg-Calve-Perthes and patellar luxation, while Standard Poodles are more at risk of gastric volvulus, dilatation, and sebaceous adenitis. However, regular vet checkups can help minimize the risk of these diseases.
5. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a fun personality and high levels of intelligence. Their eager-to-please nature and ability to pick up new things quickly make them highly trainable. These lean and tough ranch dogs can live for up to 15 years.
Originally bred as herding dogs, Australian Shepherds tend to be very hardworking and active. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay fit. Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they may be vulnerable to some common diseases like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Aussies can also develop cancer, cataracts, and epilepsy. The dog’s ear should be cleaned regularly to avoid wax buildup. If you own an Australian Shepherd, make sure to take your dog for hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, and ophthalmologist, according to the American Kennel Club.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are the smallest cousins of the Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer. They live the longest of the three variants, i.e., up to 15 years. Miniature Schnauzers love doing things with their owners, such as going on walks and having indoor snuggle time.
Miniature Schnauzers are bright and friendly dogs who make great family pets. These small dogs need to maintain a healthy weight to avoid health conditions like obesity and diabetes mellitus. They are also prone to skin conditions like Schnauzer Comedo syndrome and pancreatitis.
Miniature Schnauzers are muscular, fearless, and tough dogs that get along well with other animals and kids. They love vigorous play, are quite family-oriented, and make great watchdogs. Mini Schnauzers have a strong prey drive, so they are not well-suited for homes with smaller animals.
7. Papillon
Papillon, recognized for its butterfly ears, is a small dog breed full of energy. This intelligent dog has an eager-to-please nature and easy trainability. The average life expectancy of a Papillon is 14 to 16 years, and it is one of the longest living pooches out there.
Papillons lead a generally healthy life, but may become prone to certain health conditions. These agile and smart dogs may suffer from luxating patella, dental disease, collapsing trachea, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Papillons are loving dogs who love spending time with their family. They live well with other dogs, kids, adults, and seniors. However, their interactions with rambunctious children need to be monitored. Their petite size makes them ideal for apartment living.
8. Border Collie
Border Collies have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The smartest members of the canine world possess exceptional endurance and thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Border Collies are herding dogs who love having a task to do.
Generally healthy, Border Collies make it to the list of dog breeds with long lives. A Border Collie named Bramble was more than 25 years old when it died. With proper care, these dogs can easily exceed their average lifespan.
These hardy dogs are prone to some hereditary problems like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and eye problems. Agility superstars, Border Collies, can also have a mutation in a gene called MDR1, which makes them more sensitive to medications commonly used in veterinary science.
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are known for their incredible loyalty towards their owners. They tend to bond closely and can risk their own lives in the line of defense. Imagine having such a loyal and protective companion with you for up to 14 years.
Most GSDs are healthy dogs, but like all other breeds, they may develop some medical conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and a life-threatening condition called bloat. Reputable breeders usually screen German Shepherds for such health issues.
German Shepherds are active and athletic dogs who require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds with an eager-to-please nature, due to which they can be trained easily.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dog, also known as Blue Heeler, is a medium-sized dog that boasts an impressive lifespan of 12 to 16 years. These high-energy dogs love being outdoors and having a task to do. Thanks to their herding history, they are quite robust and agile.
The oldest Australian Cattle Dog, named Bluey, died at the age of 29 years and 5 months. Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be very healthy. Like all other breeds on our list, they are also prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy with age.
Australian Cattle Dogs love participating in dog sports like agility and obedience. As pets, Australian Cattle Dogs are loyal, alert, and wary of strangers. Their boundless energy makes them excellent running partners.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds live longer than others. They make an ideal fit for pet parents who want to adopt a canine companion with the longest lifespan. Long-lived dog breeds lead a generally healthy life, where they do not develop diseases.
Life expectancy of a dog largely depends on its size, lifestyle, breed, and genetics. Some dogs are genetically more prone to certain health issues than others. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can further help reduce the risk of diseases.
