Some breeds live longer than others, and flat-faced dogs have the tendency to die younger, as per a sweeping study of UK pets. As a matter of fact, medium-sized dog breeds live longer than larger-sized dog breeds. This is because the smaller a dog is, the more it tends to age slowly.
We can say the small dogs win the jackpot at being the longest living. However, there are many medium-sized dogs that have the tendency to live longer than your past few relationships combined. A lot of them refuse to kick the bucket and try to stay with their owner for the longest period.
Let’s talk about the longest living medium dog breeds that seem to have gulped down the fountain of youth and stay with their human family members for generations.
Longest Living Medium Dog Breeds
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Weight: 35-50 pounds
Height: 17-20 inches
Body Type: Muscular
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
This gorgeous dog with blue or red speckles is a medium-sized breed, known to live quite long.
The Australian Cattle Dog is a healthy and hardy breed. If you get your hands on this dog from a reputable breeder, there is a great chance you won’t have to visit a vet for months!
But let me clear one thing, these dogs are pretty high on energy. Some evening, you’ll feel as if your pet has consumed some energy drink and just can’t sit back and relax.
Wanna drain its energy? Take it to the dog park and let it run around. It will do wonders!
Reddit also says this dog has an exceptional life expectancy and lives quite a healthy life.
Did you know that the longest living Australian Cattle Dog, as per PetMD, was Bluey, who lived for 29 years and even made it to the Guinness World Records?
2. Beagle
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Height: 13-15 inches
Body Type: Muscular
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
This family-oriented dog is all about love and affection.
Cherry on top? It is one of the longest living dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Hence, it is a true witness to most of your major life events.
PetMD says this dog’s life is longer than that of others, which is due to its tendency to stay fit and not catch diseases.
Don’t worry about its upkeep as it is a low-maintenance dog, saving you from all the hassle that comes with the DIVA dogs.
Caution: If you have a Beagle, keep it entertained! A bored Beagle is the recipe for disaster. Loneliness and boredom can make them bark a lot, and they may even chew your new pair of Nikes out of frustration!
3. Whippet
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Height: 18 and 22 inches
Body Type: Athletic build
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Whippets live for as long as 12-15 years, and do you really wanna know their secret to longevity?
Well, these watch dogs have a relentless determination and a resistance to gravity.
Bred to hunt, the oldest whippet is thought to have lived up to 21 years.
Phenomenal, isn’t it?
These are medium-sized dogs; they are easy to maintain in a home environment. Compared to smaller dog breeds, they have moderate exercise needs.
This means a walk of 20-25 minutes outdoors will be enough for their mental stimulation.
The most common disease found in Whippets is Progressive Retinal atrophy. This refers to a gradual loss of eyesight, causing a lot of distress for both the pet and the pet owners.
4. Australian Shepherd
Weight: 50-65 pounds
Height: 20-23 inches
Body Type: Slightly longer than they are tall
Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years
The Australian Shepherd is like that best friend who has seen all the ups and downs of your life. It has been through everything with you from school to college, and then it serves as your shoulder to cry on about your work-life imbalance as well.
These dogs are pretty lively. In their puppyhood, it is difficult to keep up with their pace.
However, as they grow, they tend to calm down. With age comes maturity in their behaviour as well. They get quieter and much more balanced.
With an average lifespan of 13 – 15 years, these dogs make great family pets, especially for homes with kids.
5. American Staffordshire Terrier
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Height: 18-19 inches
Body Type: Stocky build
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
Okay, now this is one robust breed with an average life expectancy of around 12-16 years, which makes it quite an impressive dog!
Mostly, these loyal breed dogs live a very healthy life and don’t really catch any serious diseases. Pethealthnetwork praises them for their sturdiness.
But let us warn you, these dogs are averse to heat. They can’t tolerate very hot weather, hence you need to be cautious of the environment you keep your dog in.
Even during your evening strolls outside, make sure the dog stays in the shade as much as possible.
Oh, and keep your dog hydrated if you really want to see it healthy and robust at all times. Dehydration can really impact its health badly!
6. Brittany
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
Height: 20 inches
Body Type: Square-proportioned body
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Give a Brittany a nutritionally balanced diet as per their life stage and energy needs, and see this dog thrive in life!
When compared to most larger breeds, this medium-sized dog has an impressive life expectancy of 12 – 15 years, and that too without encountering any major health issues.
WebMD says these are intelligent dogs, easy to train, and quite sociable.
At home, they can suffer from separation anxiety and would miss you if you stay out of the house for a long period.
Energetic dogs like these ones really need robust activities on a regular basis, or else they may engage in activity during the day, or can become very noisy and annoying.
7. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Weight: 25 to 34 pounds
Height: 36 – 43 inches
Body Type: Long body and a fox-like tail
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is one of the longest living dog breeds in the dog world.
With a healthy weight of around 25-34 pounds, this dog’s lifespan is pretty impressive. We’re talking 12–15 years of a solid life, that too filled with health and happiness. You won’t have to spend a fortune on the vet by rushing to him at every inconvenience.
Oh, and AKC gives them props for being affectionate and loyal. It says this dog is super loving and is a great addition to a home with kids.
And a healthy diet? Not optional.
Give this healthy breed dog a nutritious diet, and it will live and thrive for the longest period possible!
8. Keeshond
Weight: 35-40 pounds
Height: 17-18 inches
Body Type: Sturdy and Compact
Life expectancy: 13–15 years
Keeshond is a sturdy dog that will surely outlive your motorcar, your cell phone, and may even have a longer life than your favourite video game player.
These dogs are built to thrive. They have energy for days and are always excited for something fun and exciting.
Where the giant breeds tend to be lazy and more interested in a nap than anything else, this one really wants to play and enjoy its life to the fullest.
Keeshond lives a legendary life and doesn’t really encounter any serious health issues.
9. Poodle
Weight: 20 and 35 pounds
Height: 15 and 20 inches
Body Type: Square-like body
Life expectancy: 10–13 years
Belonging to Europe, don’t let this dog’s stylish hair and Paris Hilton aesthetic overwhelm you!
The Standard Poodle comes with a long life and is one of the longest living dogs out there!
Appearance-wise, what sets them apart from other dogs is their long muzzle and dropped ears. They are really distinct in appearance and can catch feelings easily.
Also, it’s a healthy dog that wouldn’t require you to use the pet insurance as such!
Whether you live alone or with your family, adding a Poodle to your life would surely be a great decision.
Conclusion
When compared to large dog breeds, pet parents observe that the medium-sized ones have a longer life span and don’t generally get health issues like the intervertebral disc disease. For example, the Chinese crested dogs, Yorkshire terrier, Miniature schnauzer, Shih tzu, and Bichon frise have impressively long life spans. With routine veterinary care, high-quality diet, and regular vet visits, you can help your dog live a longer, healthier life!
