Breeds Enrichment & Fun News & Entertainment
The 10 Dog Breeds With the Longest Lifespans — What’s Their Secret?
Milka Mullanda
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Permission to be honest for a second? If there’s a wish that unites almost all—if not all—dog owners, it’s that our canine friends could live forever. After all, who else show us unconditional love even during our grumpiest days, comfort us at every chance they get, and enrich our lives more than we could imagine?
The nightmarish reality that our furry companions cross the rainbow bridge way sooner than us is perhaps one of the few downsides of dog ownership. Thankfully, you can enjoy more walks and cuddles with certain dog breeds, thanks to their longer lifespan.
Various factors influence a dog’s life expectancy, size being one of them. Research shows that small dogs tend to stick around much longer than large breeds. Although the average dog’s lifespan is 10-13 at best, smaller dogs often live way longer.
There are a few possible reasons for this. One, is that smaller dogs don’t age at an accelerated pace, as is the case with big dogs. This means that smaller canines are less likely to succumb to age-related conditions sooner compared to larger dogs.
Another scientifically proven theory is that the bodies of smaller dogs don’t have to deal with the strain of rapid growth. This makes smaller pups less susceptible to early deaths caused by wear and tear on major body parts (which is what large dogs experience).
However, it’s worth noting that, just like large breeds, small breeds are also predisposed to certain health conditions that can negatively impact their longevity. Luckily, with a healthy diet, frequent visits to the veterinarian, and an active lifestyle rooted in regular exercise, any breed can enjoy more years on earth. Plus, a dog lifespan drug is in the works, which is great news for owners with large breeds.
Okay, let’s forget about the potential FDA-approved drug for dog lifespan for a moment. If you’re thinking of getting a furry friend with whom you’ll create beautiful memories together for quite a long time, look no further than the breeds on this list. Here are 10 dog breeds known to have the longest lifespans and will offer you companionship for an extended period:
1. Chihuahua
Tiny yet charming, the Chihuahua is proof that the best things sometimes come in small packages.
Chihuahuas are a popular breed for many households thanks to their intelligence, loving, playful personalities, protectiveness, undying loyalty, portable sizes, and, um…..how great they look in accessorized outfits (someone had to say it!). For lovers of small dog breeds, the Chihuahua is often a dream come true.
Typically, Chihuahuas weigh no more than six pounds and grow to around eight inches tall. There are many perks to having a Chihuahua in your life, the top one being their long life expectancy.
According to the American Kennel Club, a Chihuahua dog’s lifespan is 15 -17 years. This is quite a lengthy life expectancy, bearing in mind the average lifespan of a dog doesn’t go beyond 13 years.
If you’re looking for a small furry companion who’ll shower you with cuddles and accompany you on walks for many years to come, the Chihuahua is the dog for you. Surprisingly, it’s not unusual for Chihuahuas to live beyond their average lifespan. You’ll be amazed to learn that the longest-living Chihuahua is a pup from Ohio who, in 2023, clocked 23 years.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Considered one of the best toy breeds for allergy sufferers, Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate, fun-loving, and exceptional guard dogs because of their protective nature.
If you fancy a toy-sized breed that’s a certified attention seeker and loves to be by its owner’s side more than anything, the Yorkie is the dog for you. Despite their small sizes — they weigh up to seven pounds on average and reach heights of eight inches tall — the Yorkshire Terrier possesses a big, admirable personality hidden underneath their little bodies.
Yorkies are among the smaller dog breeds with the longest lifespans. According to the American Kennel Club, the Yorkshire Terrier lives between 12 and 15 years on average. Interestingly, the longest-living Yorkshire Terrier on record is a pup from Britain named Jack, who died at the age of 26.
3. Dachshund
Admired for their uniquely elongated bodies, short stature, and floppy ears, Dachshunds, or “sausage dogs,” are brave and mischievous dogs who will steal your heart before stealing your entire bed.
A standard-sized miniature Dachshund typically weighs between 16–32 pounds and reaches 8–9 inches in height. As one of the dog breeds with the longest lifespan, the American Kennel Club estimates the Dachshund’s life expectancy to be 12–16 years.
However, it’s not uncommon for Dachshunds to live beyond their average lifespan. A Dachshund in California made headlines in 2012 after dying at the age of 25.
4. Pomeranian
Categorized as a toy breed, the Pomeranian is a happy-go-lucky dog who’ll spend most of its time entertaining you and brightening your day. Their appealing looks, convenient size, trainability, and exceptional watchdog skills are just but a few reasons why Pomeranians are quite a popular breed of choice for households.
The biggest plus? Their long lifespan. Weighing roughly seven pounds on average and reaching up to seven inches in height, the Pomeranian is estimated to have a life expectancy of 14–16 years.
5. Toy Poodle
Like every other Toy Poodle owner will tell you, the Toy Poodle — which weighs up to six pounds on average and reaches heights no more than 10 inches tall — is one of the best toy dog breeds a family can own. They are unbelievably intelligent (thus highly trainable), affectionate, hypoallergenic, super cuddly, and have an outgoing personality that lightens up the dullest of hearts.
The cherry on top is that having a Toy Poodle means you’ll enjoy more years together with your furry companion. According to the American Kennel Club, Toy Poodles have a lifespan of 13–18 years, making them one of the dogs with the longest lifespan in the world.
Records show the oldest Toy Poodle ever was a pup in New York named Uncle Chichi, who died in 2012 at the age of 24.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Described as lively, gentle, and energetic with an ever-wagging tail, there’s nothing that matters to a Cocker Spaniel more than pleasing their owners. Cocker spaniels make great family pets due to their good temperament and obedient nature, among other incredible traits.
If you’re obsessed with the Cocker Spaniel, here’s something that will take that obsession to the next level: Cocker Spaniels have a pretty lengthy lifespan. This medium-sized breed’s life expectancy is estimated to be 13–15.
With regular exercise, a consistently healthy diet, and regular vet check-ups, a Cocker Spaniel can even live way beyond 15 years. To date, the oldest Cocker Spaniel ever recorded was a California-based pup named Uno, who — on the New Year’s of 2010 — turned 22.
7. Shih Tzu
Loved for its friendly, affectionate, and cheerful personality, the Shih Tzu makes an excellent family dog for households with kids or other pets. If you’re contemplating getting a sweet-natured toy breed that gets along easily with unfamiliar faces and household pets, the Shih Tzu has what it takes.
Besides these amazing traits, Shih Tzus — which weigh around 9–16 pounds on average and grow up to 10.5 inches tall — have a long life expectancy. It’s estimated that the Shih Tzu’s average lifespan is 10–18 years. The oldest Shih Tzu ever documented was a dog named Smokey from Florida, who passed away at the age of 23.
8. Chinese Crested
At first glance (and even from their name), one can easily conclude that the Chinese Crested is a unique, one-of-a-kind toy breed. Despite their strange looks (if naked was a breed, it would definitely be this one), Chinese Crested are a joy to own, thanks to their unwavering devotion, adventurous spirit, and smartness.
That’s not all. Owning this almost-hairless breed translates to enjoying more years together, as Chinese Cresteds have a pretty impressive lifespan. The Chinese Crested — which can weigh up to 12 pounds and reach 13 inches in height — has an average life expectancy of 13–18 years.
9. Lhasa Apso
With a long, amazingly silky coat that’s touted as low-shedding, the Lhasa Apso is beautiful not only on the outside but also on the inside. This gorgeous, non-sporting dog breed is prized for its loving attitude, downright silly antics, and outstanding watchdog abilities.
Lhasa Apsos boast an average lifespan of 12–15 years, making them one of the world’s longest-living breeds. In fact, the oldest Lhasa Apso ever documented — according to the American Kennel Club —died at the age of.…..wait for it…. 29 years!
10. Maltese
Playful, affectionate, and intelligent with an irresistible charm, the Maltese is a popular breed thanks to endearing traits. This adorable breed is full of energy and never shies away from expressing love to its owners, no matter the time of day.
On average, the Maltese weighs seven pounds and reaches up to nine inches in height. Their lifespan, on the other hand, is a whole different story. The Maltese’s life expectancy is estimated to be 12–17 years, but with a high quality of life, it’s not uncommon for the Maltese to live longer.