A dog’s companionship is a precious gift, but sadly their time with us is often too short. For those seeking a furry friend with the potential for a longer lifespan, certain breeds are statistically more likely to enjoy extended golden years. This exploration of the 19 longest-living dog breeds delves into these remarkable canines, highlighting their unique characteristics and average lifespans. From petite companions to sturdy working dogs, discover which breeds offer the greatest chance of sharing many happy, healthy years together. Prepare to meet your potential next long-lived best friend.
When you adopt a pet, the last thing you want to think about is when they will no longer be with you. For this reason, many people choose to adopt dogs that have long lifespans. However, sometimes, illnesses play a large part in determining a pup’s life expectancy.
There are some breeds that are just bound to live longer, and they tend to be mostly smaller dogs, though sometimes, medium-sized dogs have a pretty good lifespan as well. How quickly a dog ages is dependent on its size. It’s easy to figure out how to translate dog age to human years by using our dog age calculator.
One of the longest dogs to ever live was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, who lived to be 29 years old.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
When it comes to the longest-living dogs, there are plenty to choose from. Though there are some pups, like the Cesky Terrier, that we didn’t mention, our list is pretty thorough.
1. Chihuahua
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 5″ to 8″ |
| WEIGHT | 3 to 6 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Long or smooth coats come in cream, tan, fawn, black, white, silver, blue, red, or chocolate |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 20 years |
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed there is. There are several different types of Chihuahuas as well. This breed is known for its big personality and trying to be the (cutest) family guard dog.
Chihuahuas are very smart pups who need a lot of physical stimulation, though they are content to be purse dogs, as well. If you own one or more Chihuahuas, your days will certainly be full of love and affection.
Chihuahuas are prone to dental, heart, and eye problems, so these are areas to keep watch for.
2. Shih Tzu
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 9″ to 11″ |
| WEIGHT | 9 to 16 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Long double coat; comes in white, blue, black, silver, apricot, and more |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 10 to 16 years |
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that was bred to be a longtime companion. These pups simply love to be where you are. Shih Tzus are easy to care for in that they require minimal exercise, but they do require regular grooming to keep their coats free of tangles and mats.
These energetic dogs are very playful and friendly, with a spunky attitude that comes out often. The Shih Tzu has some health issues to watch out for, including eye, skin, dental, and orthopedic ailments.
3. Australian Shepherd
| GROUP | Herding |
| HEIGHT | 18″ to 23″ |
| WEIGHT | 40 to 65 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Double coat, medium; black, blue merle, red merle, red |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
The Australian Shepherd is one of the smartest dogs on this list of longest-living dog breeds, and it’s one you won’t want to miss out on. The Australian Shepherd is ready to work from day one. This breed is generally healthy and excels in herding, search-and-rescue, and competitions.
Australian Shepherds will need quite a bit of exercise because they’re high-energy dogs. These pups are prone to eye problems, anxiety, skin issues, joint dysplasia, and epilepsy.
4. Bichon Frise
| GROUP | Non-Sporting |
| HEIGHT | 9.5″ to 11.5″ |
| WEIGHT | 12 to 18 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Long curly coats; apricot, white, or cream |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 14 to 15 years |
If there was ever a pup that was happy to see you, it would be the Bichon Frise. The Bichon Frise dogs tend to be mostly calm and can have short bursts of energy where they just want to play, play, play!
A gentle pup, the Bichon Frise is great with all kinds of families, whether you live alone or have children. This smaller dog breed does require regular grooming to keep its trademark round head shape, though you can choose to forego that.
The Bichon Frise tends to have allergies and be prone to tooth issues, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and obesity if it doesn’t get enough exercise.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 7″ to 8″ |
| WEIGHT | Around 7 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Silky coat, short or long, blue and tan, black and tan, and others |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 13 to 16 years |
Yorkshire Terriers get a rep for being lap dogs, but that’s not entirely true, as anyone who has owned one knows. Yorkshire Terriers do have an active lifestyle; they do like to run around and play.
They’re also terriers in the true sense of the word, so don’t be surprised to see your Yorkshire Terrier guarding. Yorkshire Terriers are also vocal pups and very intelligent. It’s often crossed with the Australian Terrier to create the Silky Terrier.
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for needing regular dental care and may experience allergies, hypoglycemia, and obesity if not exercised properly.
6. Parson Russell Terrier
| GROUP | Terrier |
| HEIGHT | 13″ to 14″ |
| WEIGHT | 13 to 17 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Smooth double coat, short; white |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 13 to 15 years |
These small dogs may not often be heard of, but they’re one of the longest-living dog breeds out there. The Parson Russell Terrier is a very energetic pup that needs exercise. It’s also very intelligent, so it can find itself in trouble if you don’t keep it busy.
However, it’s also a very obedient breed that loves its family. The Parson Russell Terrier may have issues with patellar luxation, ataxia, deafness, and certain eye disorders.
7. Affenpinscher
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 9″ to 11.5″ |
| WEIGHT | 7 to 10 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Wiry coat, short to medium; black, red, beige, black and tan, or black and silver |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
The Affenpinscher is a very unique-looking small dog breed. Despite its size, it has a lot of bravado and is very adventurous. You can expect this dog breed to keep you on your toes!
The Affenpinscher is also curious and stubborn, so you might need to add extra training to your to-do list. The Affenpinscher is prone to heart anomalies, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and eye issues.
8. Shiba Inu
| GROUP | Non-Sporting |
| HEIGHT | 14″ to 17″ |
| WEIGHT | 14 to 27 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Double coat, thick; cream, red, black and tan |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
The Shiba Inu is one of the healthiest dog breeds on the list. It’s a super-smart pup that needs consistent engagement to keep it from getting bored and, therefore, destructive. However, the Shiba Inu is an affectionate dog towards its family and aloof towards strangers.
If you’ve never heard a Shiba Inu scream, you’re in for a real treat. Common ailments the Shiba Inu may experience include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and hypothyroidism.
9. Miniature Pinscher
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 10″ to 12.5″ |
| WEIGHT | 8 to 10 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Short coat, smooth; black and rust, black and tan, brown and rust, or brown and tan |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 16 years |
The Miniature Pinscher is just like its largest counterpart but in a smaller package. They have the cutest gait and are very high-energy pups despite their small size.
However, if you own a Miniature Pinscher, you’ll definitely feel the love as this is a devoted breed and affectionate to their families. Some of the medical issues they face are eye problems, heart defects, cervical disc, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
10. Dachshund
| GROUP | Hounds |
| HEIGHT | 5″ to 9″ |
| WEIGHT | Mini weighs up to 11 pounds, Standard between 16 and 32 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Short, long, or wire-haired coats; come in black and tan, chocolate and tan, merle, black, or red |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 16 years |
Dachshunds, affectionately known as the weenie dog, are outgoing and playful pups that you’ll enjoy having around your home. Dachshunds are very loving and dedicated to their families, with a tenacious temperament that ensures they get what they want.
Dachshunds do have age-related health problems to watch out for, obesity, and particularly back issues brought on by being overweight, so this is one area to watch out for and need to maintain a healthy weight.
11. Lhasa Apso
| GROUP | Non-Sporting |
| HEIGHT | 10″ to 11″ |
| WEIGHT | 12 to 18 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Long silky coat; black, black and tan, cream, golden, grizzle, red, red gold, white, blue, charcoal, gray, liver, and silver |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
The Lhasa Apso immediately grabs your attention with its gorgeous long silky coat, but did you know it was originally used as a guard dog for Buddhist monasteries? Today, it’s a devoted and fearless family pet, but it still has quite a lively and playful personality.
Training is a must because the Lhasa Apso can be an independent, stubborn small dog breed. These sweet dogs are prone to heart disease, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.
12. Australian Cattle Dog
| GROUP | Herding |
| HEIGHT | 17″ to 20″ |
| WEIGHT | 30 to 50 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Double coat, smooth; blue and red, black and tan markings |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 13 to 15 years |
The Australian Cattle Dog, which is also commonly known as the Blue Heeler, is a working dog that does best in active homes. Extremely intelligent, Australian Cattle Dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Though they are medium-sized breed, Australian Cattle dogs are one of the longest-living around. The Australian Cattle dog may be prone to deafness, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and liver problems. One of the oldest dog was also an Australian cattle.
13. Maltese
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 7″ to 9″ |
| WEIGHT | Up to 7 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Long, silky white coat |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
The Maltese is one of the smaller dogs on this list, but it has a very regal look. Its long silky coat adds an air of elegance, but the Maltese is content to just snuggle with you all day.
You’ll need to keep your Maltese company or come up with tasks to keep it busy because it can suffer from separation anxiety. The Maltese is prone to dental issues, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and heart disease.
14. Toy Poodle
| GROUP | Non-Sporting |
| HEIGHT | Up to 10″ |
| WEIGHT | 6 to 10 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Dense curly coat; comes in white, brown, apricot, and black |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 10 to 18 years |
The Toy Poodle is a sassy one of the small breeds. Toy Poodles make great family pet dogs, but they are full of energy and love to play around. The Toy Poodle is a very smart breed, too; you’ll have no problem teaching it tricks or commands.
If you have allergies, you’ll appreciate the low-allergen coat the Toy Poodle has. Toy Poodles are often prone to eye disorders, dental disease, and orthopedic problems.
15. Beagle
| GROUP | Hound |
| HEIGHT | 13″ to 15″ |
| WEIGHT | 20 to 30 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Short coat, smooth; white, black and tan |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
If you’re looking for a goofy pup to join your household, you won’t want to miss the Beagle. The Beagle is a good-natured pup that devotes itself to its owner. However, if you own a Beagle, know that regular exercise is a must.
The breed is prone to obesity if it doesn’t get enough daily movement. Additionally, Beagles can get ear infections and may suffer from hypothyroidism, allergies, and epilepsy.
16. Chinese Crested
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 11″ to 13″ |
| WEIGHT | 8 to 12 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Hairless or short to medium silky coat; multiple colors, including black, tan, apricot, cream, palomino, slate, pink and slate, pink and chocolate, and more |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 13 to 18 years |
The Chinese Crested is one of the most popular Chinese dog breeds. It’s also one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a long lifespan of up to 18 years. This healthy breed is lively and loves to run around, but make no mistake. At the end of the day, it will be cuddled up to you for unwavering affection.
They make great pets for homes with adults or children, and with appropriate training, they will get along with most other pets. They may be prone to eye conditions, patellar luxation, and idiopathic epilepsy.
17. Papillon
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 8″ to 11″ |
| WEIGHT | 5 to 10 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Silky coat, medium; multiple colors, plus white markings |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 14 to 16 years |
Papillons tend to look a bit like Pomeranians, but they’re not quite as fluffy. These beautiful dogs may be small in stature, but they have big personalities. Papillons are affectionate and an extremely loyal breed to their families, and they are extremely intelligent too!
Feel free to teach them tricks because they will easily pick up on them. Daily exercise is a good idea as the Papillon tends to have a lot of energy. These pups can be prone to epilepsy, luxating patella, allergies, and tooth issues.
18. Pomeranian
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 6″ to 7″ |
| WEIGHT | 3 to 7 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Double coat, fluffy; orange, red, chocolate, black, and more |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 16 years |
Pomeranians are known for their affectionate nature towards their family and their protective stance against strangers. They’re known for being feisty, but with proper training, Pomeranians easily become family favorites and known as great family pets.
Pomeranians do have some health issues to be aware of, notably hypothyroidism and luxating patella. This long-living dog breed also made it to our list of cutest dog breeds.
19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| GROUP | Toy |
| HEIGHT | 12″ to 13″ |
| WEIGHT | 13 to 18 pounds |
| COAT AND COLOR | Silky, wavy coats, medium; Blenheim, black and tan, black and white, or ruby |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12 to 15 years |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very noble-looking pup that brings all of the best traits to the table. It’s an affectionate, gentle dog that does well in homes of all types. They’re also graceful and get along well with children and other animals.
It’s important to note that they can be prone to eye conditions, patella luxation, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and mitral valve heart disease.
FAQs
What Breed of Dog Lives the Longest?
The longest-living dog breed is the Chihuahua, which has an average lifespan that extends 12 to 20 years. Many live past the age of 15 when healthy. The American Kennel Club states this dog’s average lifespan to be around 15-17 years.
Can a Dog Live 20 Years?
It’s not very common, but yes, a dog can live to be 20 years old. Typically, this is seen in the smaller toy dog breeds.
What Is the Healthiest Dog With the Longest Lifespan?
The healthiest dog with the longest lifespan is the Australian Cattle Dog. It has very few health issues.
Wrap-up
When adopting a dog, it’s only natural to want to have one that will live a long life and be able to spend many years with you. The longest-living dogs on this list have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which means they will be a longtime companion.
Not only that, but they’re mostly smaller breeds, which means they’re easy to take on the go and care for. However, when you shop for a pet, make sure you’re doing your research into how they fit into your lifestyle and any health conditions they may be prone to.
We’re sure that pet parents would be glad to see how many dog breeds have impressive life expectancies. Many breeds, like Jack Russell terrier and miniature schnauzer, couldn’t make it to our list, but we’ve tried to be as extensive as we could.
If you are curious about how long the breed you’re interested in will live, check out our dog life expectancy calculator.
While all dogs enrich our lives, some breeds are predisposed to longer lifespans than others. Smaller breeds generally outlive larger ones, with breeds like Chihuahuas, Jack Russell Terriers, and Toy Poodles often reaching their late teens. However, genetics, diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care play a crucial role in any dog’s longevity, regardless of breed. Choosing a breed known for a longer lifespan can increase the chances of enjoying more years with a beloved companion, but ultimately, providing a loving and healthy environment is the key to a happy, long life for any dog.