Although diet, environment, and exercise routines determine the lifespan of a dog, some breeds are predisposed to live longer than the average ten to 13 years. If you’re looking for a furry friend who offers you the longest of companionships, here are 17 breeds to start with.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell terrier, a British breed of small, energetic terriers, lives for an average of 13 to 16 years. They’re known for their great health and high energy levels, and granting you regular exercise and mental stimulation allows you to get the best of life out of it.
Miniature Schnauzers
Although they can live for longer, the ASPCA reveals that many miniature schnauzers live for between 12 and 14 years. Known for their distinctive beards and playful personalities, the longevity of miniature schnauzers can be attributed to their active lifestyle. They’re barely predisposed to health issues, too.
Poodles
The smallest-sized toy poodles live for an average of 13 to 18 years, while the miniature poodles have a lifespan of up to 17 years. They have generally good health owing to their active lifestyle, and, with their coat’s hypoallergenic properties, they’re great for your own wellbeing too!
Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are renowned for their tiny, travel-friendly stature as well as their longevity, living for an average of 15 years. These feisty dogs have a genetic makeup—being small dogs—that puts them at a lower risk of severe disorders, and Spruce Pets says some even live for as long as 20 years.
Dachshund
Dogs with the Dachshund’s distinctive sausage shape generally live for longer than a minimum of 10 years. And while the dachshund itself has an average lifespan of 12.5 years, putting it among regular dogs, it’s not uncommon to see one live for as long as 17 years.
Yorkshire Terrier
A third of pure-bred Yorkshire terriers die from collapsing tracheas, which typically prevents them from living for more than 10 years. However, this doesn’t stop most from getting to the age of between 11 and 15 years. With proper care, Yorkies are known to live for up to 20 years.
Shih Tzu
While the average Shih Tzu lives for about 13 years, their life expectancy stretches to as long as 16 years. The Times of India shares how Smokey, the oldest documented Shih Tzu, lived for as long as 23 years. Many of them lose their lives to heart failures, typically caused by valve tissue deterioration.
Pomeranian
Compact and fluffy-coated, Pomeranians are also known to live longer than many other dog breeds, with an average lifespan of up to 16 years. Pomeranians are high-maintenance breeds, so you’ll need to provide yours with a great diet and regular care to allow it to live life to the fullest.
Maltese
The Maltese live for about 12 to 15 years, and many are known to live for up to 17 years. Of course, its toy size plays a huge role in its long lifespan, and some of the oldest of these gentle and affectionate dogs have stayed with their owners for over 20 years.
Lhasa Apso
Originally bred as monastery watchdogs in ancient China, these natural guard dogs live for an average of about 12 to 15 years too. They’re smart dogs that give you little worry concerning their health and fitness. And the oldest documented Lhasa Apso is said to have lived for 29 years!
Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd lives for between 12 and 15 years. However, this intelligent, active dog is also known to be affected by health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, which could cut its life short. What’s sad is that 30% of Australian shepherds die from cancer-related complications.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dogs live for an average of between 12 and 16 years. But this is barely the most intriguing fact about this breed. Bluey, an Australian cattle dog from the early 20th century, still holds the Guiness World Record for the oldest dog on record, living for 29 years and 5 months (1910–1939).
Beagle
With the beagle, we have a median lifespan of 13.5 years—from a life expectancy between 12 and 15 years old. These dogs are naturally healthy hunting breeds, and your companionship with one could be extended with proper diets, routine care, and regular vet checkups.
Cocker Spaniel
Beloved choices as pets, thanks to their soft ears and large, cute eyes, cocker spaniels are known to live for ten to 15 years. You should, however, note that their long ears expose them to more ear infections, and their thick, long fur coats increase their risk of skin infections when not routinely groomed and maintained.
Border Collie
The border collie is considered a generally healthy dog, and, thanks to its agile and athletic build, it’s a common feature at dog sports events. It’s no surprise why these dogs live for an average of 12 to 15 years and even longer with proper care.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, many claim that they only live for between 8 and 9 years, which is low for a small-sized dog. But, nonetheless, the ASPCA shares that the typical lifespan for these dogs can extend to up to 15 years and even longer.
Bichon Frise
Bichon frises have a life expectancy of between 14 and 15 years. They’re dogs known to adapt to any environment they find themselves in, doing quite well with children and other pets. Bichon frises are hypoallergenic dogs that are awesome choices for people with allergies too.
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