Did you know some dogs can stay by your side for almost twenty years? When you bring a dog home, you are not just getting a pet. You are choosing a friend who will share your mornings, your lazy nights, and many big life moments.
That is why many people care so much about how long their dog might live. Most dogs live around ten to thirteen years, but some special ones often stay much longer.
In this blog, we will talk about the longest living stars. You will learn what helps them live so long and what you can do to give any dog a better, healthier life.
By the end, you will feel more ready to pick a loyal buddy who has the best chance of growing old by your side.
Remarkable Dog Breeds with the Longest Lifespans Ever
1. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a tiny firecracker built for a long life. This small breed started out as a hard-working little hunter and still acts like it has a full-time job.
With good habits at home, the life expectancy of a Jack Russell Terrier often falls around 12 to 16 years, and some keep going happily into their senior years.
This breed is bright, noisy, and always ready for action. These are energetic dogs that love fast games, scent work, and silly training drills. A Jack Russell that gets plenty of walks and mental stimulation often feels like a puppy well into the mid-teens.
Many have neat white markings and mostly short-haired coats that are simple to keep tidy with the right grooming.
To protect that spark, you need to watch joints, teeth, and weight. A healthy weight keeps the body moving freely and lowers the chance of aches.
As per PetMD, gentle activities and basic tooth brushing help avoid dental disease and other health conditions as this Jack Russell grows. Give this little clown new tricks and your time, and you give this dog’s lifespan a real boost.
Quick longevity notes
• Short, frequent walks help the Jack Russell burn energy safely
• Puzzle toys and training games keep the brain busy and improve longevity
• Regular tooth brushing and vet checks keep this breed feeling young for longer
2. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a tiny genius and a shining star among the longest living dog breeds. This clever little companion is often listed with a life expectancy of roughly 12-15 years, and many drift happily toward 14 years or even 16 years with steady, loving care.
Here is the good part. The coat is soft, curly, and often kind to people with allergies, which is why Toy Poodles are a favourite in many small homes. These little munchkins are easy to train, love learning new tricks, and need good mental stimulation to stay calm.
Give this small breed short daily walks, fun games, and kind words, and it will gladly act like a polite, happy roommate.
Like all dogs, Toy Poodles can develop health complications as they grow. Some lines face eye trouble, such as progressive retinal atrophy, while others may see heart disease or dental disease pop up in later age.
Proper grooming, regular clipping, proper nutrition, and routine veterinary care help control these risks and keep this little dog healthy for a very long time.
Quick longevity notes
• Needs regular grooming and clipping to keep skin and coat happy
• Very easy to train and loves fun, short training sessions
• Short walks and gentle playtime help the dog stay active without strain
3. Beagle
The Bagle is a happy scent hound with a surprisingly strong lifespan for its size. This breed loves to follow smells, explore, and then curl up with the people it loves most.
With a good diet and steady habits, the average lifespan for them sits around 12-15 years, and many push close to 15 years in comfort, according to Britannica.
Beagles are curious, playful, and always ready for another snack. That big appetite can be a trap, so keeping a healthy weight is the secret move here. Regular exercise, walks that let the nose work, and simple games give this dog both joy and mental stimulation.
And here’s the best part. All that movement also supports heart health and general longevity.
This breed can develop conditions like dental disease, hip dysplasia, or heart disease if their body is not looked after. Measured meals and home tooth care keep many of these health problems under control.
When you mix good nutrition, kind training, and calm home life, you give this little hound a strong chance at a long, healthy lifespan.
Quick longevity notes
• Loves sniff-based walks and simple scent games in the yard
• Needs portion control to avoid extra weight and joint strain
• Regular checkups catch health concerns early and keep life on track
4. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small lion dog with a quiet but impressive lifespan. This ancient breed once guarded homes and temples, and still takes watching the doorway very seriously.
Many Lhasa Apso dogs live comfortably for 14 years or more, often reaching the mid-teens when cared for well.
This little guardian comes with a long, flowing coat and a somewhat flat face that gives a serious, wise look. That fancy coat needs grooming to stay clean and comfy.
Calm play, gentle walks, and relaxed indoor activities suit this dog well. With patient handling, this breed often enjoys long lives close to the people it trusts.
Like many small dogs, the Lhasa Apso can develop health problems over time. Dental disease and breathing issues may appear in later age, and eye trouble is another common concern.
Regular clipping and simple daily brushing help keep these health concerns under control and support a steady, healthy lifespan.
Quick longevity notes
• Daily brushing and coat care stop tangles and skin problems
• Short, calm walks suit this dog better than rough sports
• Watching weight and breathing makes play safer and more fun
5. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is often the little star people mention when they ask which dogs live the longest. This tiny dog may be small, but its life expectancy can reach the late teens, and some even push near 20 years with gentle care and good genetics.
Chihuahuas are small dogs with an immense personality. They enjoy warm laps, soft blankets, and short walks with their favorite human. With proper nutrition, calm routines, and plenty of affection, many chihuahua pups live long lives that feel like they go on forever.
But wait, there’s more. Because they are so light, their joints often stay in good shape well into old age.
This breed can still develop health issues, especially in the mouth and heart, says the AKC. Dental disease, heart defects, and other health problems can show up if teeth and weight are ignored.
Gentle activities keep this dog’s lifespan on track and help this tiny friend live longer with less stress.
Quick longevity notes
• Needs careful dental care
• Short, easy walks keep muscles strong without tiring the dog
• A safe, calm home helps shy or nervous Chihuahuas feel secure
6. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a fluffy white charmer with a strong lifespan and a soft heart. This breed is often listed with a lifespan around 14 years, and many happily reach 15 years or more thanks to their sturdy build and cheerful outlook.
Bichons are gentle, fun-loving, and very people-focused. They thrive on playtime, cuddles, and simple indoor games. Their soft coat is often described as hypoallergenic and can suit some people with allergies, which makes them great family pets for many homes.
Exactly. A dog that loves both kids and couches is hard to beat.
As they grow, Bichons can develop health issues like dental disease, skin allergies, or eye irritation. Regular grooming and soft shampoos help a lot.
A good diet keeps health concerns in check and supports long lives full of play and cuddles.
Quick longevity notes
• Light walks and quick games indoors keep this dog fit
• Needs gentle grooming on a regular schedule
• Loves company and does best in homes where people are often around
7. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a fox-like companion known for both style and longevity. This Japanese breed often has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years, and many slide toward 16 years with steady, sensible care.
One famous Shiba named Pusuke lived to 26 and once held a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog of this breed. Sounds crazy, right?
Shiba Inus are independent but extremely loyal to the people they accept as family. They are energetic and sharp, and they love outdoor walks and simple activities that let them explore safely.
With enough mental stimulation and calm guidance, this breed thrives in both city homes and quiet suburbs. Some Shiba Inu lines can develop health problems such as allergies or hip dysplasia. Regular exercise and good nutrition help manage these risks.
When you mix kind training, clear rules, and fun outdoor time, you support this dog’s lifespan and let that proud tail curl for many long years.
Quick longevity notes
• Needs daily walks and safe off-leash time only in secure areas
• Thick coat needs brushing but little trimming
• Does best with patient owners who respect its independent streak
8. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a tiny watchdog with a big personality and a surprisingly long lifespan. This lively breed often reaches 12-15 years, and many enjoy life well into the mid-teens when looked after with care.
These dogs are quick, bold, and love to zoom around the house. They are energetic, playful, and can be a real handful if they get bored. The short-haired coat is easy to keep clean, so most of your effort goes into safe play and fun training rather than long grooming sessions.
Miniature Pinschers can develop health issues like dental disease or heart disease in later years. Regular checkups, tooth brushing, and a steady, good diet help lower those risks.
With safe activities, simple walks, and clear rules, this small breed can stay active and enjoy a long, impressive lifespan beside you.
Quick longevity notes
• Needs daily playtime and short walks to burn off energy
• Benefits from early training, so the bold nature stays polite
• Simple coat care makes this dog an easy choice for busy homes
9. Dachshund
Dachshunds are famous little hunters with long backs and short legs, and they often show up when people talk about the longest living dog stories. This breed usually has a lifespan of around 12-15 years, and many dachshunds reach 16 years when their backs and weight are managed with real care.
These dogs are brave, curious, and wonderfully playful. They love nose work games, cosy blankets, and time on the sofa with their favorite person.
With sensible walks, gentle activities, and ramps instead of jumps, this breed can enjoy strong longevity and stay active far into old age.
Back trouble is the big focus here. Without a healthy weight and careful handling, health problems like slipped discs can appear. Regular exercise on flat ground and smart home design help these pups live longer and keep that tail wagging.
But why bother with that? Because watching an old Dachshund still trot happily across the room is pure joy.
Quick longevity notes
• Stairs and high jumps increase risks for the lower back
• Short, steady walks keep muscles strong without strain
• Measured meals and lean treats help protect joints and spine
Conclusion
When you read about the oldest dog, one thing is always clear. Love and daily care matter more than any chart. Whether you live with a tiny lap dog or a hardy breed from a working farm, the same rule holds.
Good food, gentle routines, and kind attention help those years add up happily.
Active dogs like the Australian Shepherd or border collie can also live the longest when their needs are met. They need play, clear training, and time to rest that busy brain.
The simple habits you use for these breeds will help your other dogs, too. In the end, a long life is really a shared project between you and your best friend
