As humans, we crave social connection and belonging. We feel more resilient and stronger when we have a village of people to rely upon while enduring our life’s storms. But cultivating such a deep and fulfilling relationship requires consistent effort, mindful awareness, and mutual trust.
Not to mention, sometimes this desire for companionship and belonging and the importance of social bonds, which influences our overall health and well-being, personal growth, and happiness, makes us take wrong decisions and binds us with a whole lot of compromise, stress, and depression.
This is where human-dog companionship comes to the forefront. Some dog breeds are especially treasured for their long lifespans, offering years of loyalty, comfort, and unforgettable memories by your side.
From gentle lap dogs to lively little companions, these breeds prove that a longer life means more moments of love, laughter, and connection.
In this guide, we’ll explore wonderful dog breeds with the longest life expectancy, perfect for anyone hoping to enjoy a lifelong bond with their four-legged best friend.
Wonderful Dog Breeds with the Longest Years by Your Side
1. Chihuahua
Tiny but hardy, this pup won’t be the cause of your heartbreak after a brief time spent with it. Quite unexpected, isn’t it? Well, that’s the way these pooches like to play. At first glance, you’ll find them delicate and sensitive.
But let’s give some inside information, this smallest dog breed on the planet is actually the sassiest and spunkiest pup you’ll ever find.
Orvis notes that living on this planet since the 9th century, these Mexican Chihuahuas have ancient origins and were part of the older Aztec and Toltec civilizations. Hence, they are as resilient as they come, and will knock your socks off with their alert, protective, and possessive personalities.
These loud vocalists and perky little beasts are also known for dominating the turf with their tiny paws and are also the most easily manageable, portable, and cutest puppies out there. They seem fragile but won’t make you run to the veterinarian too often, and are susceptible to developing lesser health issues than other pups on the canine block.
The oldest individual from this breed is a Chihuahua named Megabyte, who surpassed the average life expectancy of 14-16 years and lived to 20 years and 265 days.
2. Toy Poodle
The Mr. Perfects of the canine kingdom, these Toy Poodles are pretty perfect in their size, their looks, and their behavior. Smart, sassy, and entertaining, these puppies are surely petite in stature but come short in what they offer.
Highly intelligent, trainable, hypoallergenic, and funny, this tiny Poodle is the best pup for those people who love to be active and on the go all the time. They also make great adventure partners and hunting partners because Poodles were originally bred to be water retrievers and duck hunting dogs.
But that’s not their only area of expertise; they also excel in performing tricks, winning at dog sports, and making great show dogs due to the natural grace and poise in their gait and demeanor. Full of energy, adorable from their curls down to their furry tails, and vibrant in every form.
Poodles live longer and healthier lives and don’t cause their parents much trouble when it comes to maintenance, grooming, or handling.
The oldest Poodle on record happens to be Chichi, which lived to its early twenties and died at 24 or 26 years of age. Hence, even beating the Mexican Chihuahuas by a few years.
3. Dachshund
Are you one of those people whose ideal type happens to be folks who are strong-willed, independent, and born with a whole lot of spunk? Do you like being challenged and contested constantly? Not to mention respecting those who don’t listen to others but rather carve their own path.
Hmm! If that’s true, then you’ll love the rebellious and sprightly spirit of this German badger dog. These are the most unique and iconic pooches around the world. They come in six varieties; three different coats are the most fun to keep around due to their big personalities.
AKC says these Dachshunds live the longest due to their genetics and make excellent companions for those who need an affectionate and determined fur companion.
But just be careful about the fact that these Doxies come with elongated backs. Hence, can injure themselves if not stopped from climbing stairs or overexerting themselves. Because they are at a higher risk of disk injury.
Dachshunds have held many Guinness World Record titles for the longest living dog breeds, and one of these pups was named Chanel, who lived a good 20 years.
4. Shih Tzu
The name of these pups literally translates into “little lion,” But there isn’t anything fierce or daunting about these Chinese puppies. On the contrary, actually, they look pretty cuddly, sweet, and cheerful. Originally bred to work as watchdogs for Tibetan monks.
These friendly, curious, and gentle pups make the perfect family dogs as they thrive on human interaction and attention. Hence, if you want a lovable, good pet to dote upon, these Shih Tzus are the answer to your dreams.
Valued for their natural alertness and perceptiveness, these puppies will contribute a whole lot to your life and only ask a little love in return. Excellent in obedience and very easy to maintain, these puppies don’t even consume a ton of space in your home, and will not make you spend too much of your energy either.
They are great companions for you, and your children will do anything to make you smile and make you believe in the goodness remaining in this world. Thus, what are you waiting for? Get these warm, inviting, and lively pooches from a shelter or an ethical breeder today.
The longest living Shih Tzu was Smokey from St. Petersburg, Florida, who reached an awesome 23 years old.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Many dog lovers know that when one opts for becoming a dog parent, the loyalty that comes with them is unquestionable. But if you bring in this multi-talented maestro, you are getting much more than just loyalty from this lil scruffy pup who descended from an old hardworking breed of German dogs.
You will also get protection, affection, a whole lot of valor, vigilance, and peppiness all in one pup. PetMD says Miniature Schnauzers make incredible furry friends. Not just because they are long living, but they are also low maintenance, versatile, and clever.
This accounts for breezier training, less frequent grooming, yet a very playful and entertaining companionship. Yes, you might have provided them with regular exercise to utilize their high energy. But once you own a Mini Schnauzer, you won’t ever go back to a mainstream lapdog.
Not only are these pups distinctive due to their bearded faces and bushy brows, but inside their scruffy-haired bodies lies a pup who knows what it wants and does more for their human companions than any other pup on the market.
The longest living Miniature Schnauzer on record reached 16-17 years old. But some even reach 20 with proper care and nutrition.
6. Lhasa Apso
This Tibetan pooch embodies the majestic serenity of the Himalayas, farsighted wisdom of Buddhist monks. If you are a person seeking spiritual enlightenment or calm in your life, then these tiny canine disciples of Buddha are the perfect smaller breed for you.
Whether or not you can reach the Himalayan mountains, you can surely bring a piece of Tibetan Zen home. These pups are independent-minded and aloof in the presence of strangers and will see you with discernment in the beginning.
But once you earn their trust, they’ll show you the quirky and fun-loving side to them.
Lhasa Apsos were also bred to be watchdogs, hence you won’t have to worry about patrolling your parameters anymore after bringing in these floofs. But that’s not all they bring to the table; they are spirited, goofy, and truly reliable.
Because they can endure harsh weather conditions and will not leave your side too soon. More precisely, these Lhasa Apsos live a long life of 12 to 15 years, and the longest living Lhasa apso lived to the great age of 29 years.
7. Maltese
Fearless, elegant, and observant, these Maltese were so beloved by the Romans, Greeks, and the British that they carried these lapdogs in their arms like a symbol of nobility.
Ancient writers and poets wrote words of endearment for these sophisticated dogs, and there were many enthusiasts who would have sung serenades for these pooches with silky white hair.
No other dog breed has been honored the way these charismatic Maltese have. Tombs were erected in their honor, and many of them can still be seen bathed in candlelight and captured in classical oil paint of the Baroque art and Renaissance paintings.
The symbol of refinement and status, these pooches were also once the object of “Fad popularity”. But they reached such glory because of not one but many of their attributes. For one, these Maltese dogs were exquisitely beautiful, they were soothing and therapeutic, hypoallergenic, devoted, and so easily manageable that they rivaled all the larger dogs with their mere presence.
These pooches still remind their owners of the luxurious golden eras and serve as memorabilia of Greek, Roman, and British imperialism. Hence, if you want to hobnob with royalty, then these Maltese dogs aren’t a bad choice because they aren’t just cute and angelic in looks.
They live longer than 12-15 years.
Not to mention a rescue Maltese named Zac, who surpassed the average life expectancy and drew attention for living to twenty years old.
Conclusion
At the end, more empathetic and more nurturing, these puppies will provide a more stable and satisfying dynamic than an always-conflicting and antagonizing human relationship. That is to say, yes, these puppies will not live beside you for your entire lifespan.
But the time you spend with them and the memories you make will be unforgettable, comforting, and reassuring enough that you’ll look back and never regret the day you thought you wanted to be a pet parent.
These wonderful four-legged confidants give us humans unconditional love and support, and fill the void left by human relationships in no time, and add significance to our plain lives.
Hence, if you are a person who actively avoids making lifelong commitments and has chosen to lead a solitary life, or are scared of the complications that come along with building social bonds, then you have an opportunity at building a human-canine bond and let us tell you if you don’t take this chance then there is a plenty that you are missing out on.
So, just don’t accelerate the FOMO and rush to the nearest animal shelter and get yourself one of these pooches today.
