We all wish our beloved dogs could stay with us forever, but unfortunately, their lifespans are much shorter than ours. If you’re looking for a furry friend who will be by your side for many years, certain breeds are known for their longevity. Here are 18 dog breeds that tend to live the longest.
Border Collie
Border Collies are famous for their high levels of intelligence and agility, meaning they can do exceedingly well in dog sports and other competitions. In fact, according to Reader’s Digest, a popular book on canine intelligence ranks them as the most intelligent breed in the world. If you’re a fan of these impressive dogs, you’ll be glad to hear that they have a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are loved for their friendly personalities and unique, flowing coats. Their floppy ears can make them particularly prone to ear infections, so you should check them regularly and keep them clean. But with the right care, you’ll be rewarded with 12 to 15 incredible years with this beautiful breed.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are famous for their small size and lively personalities. In fact, according to USA Today, they are the smallest dog breed in the world. But did you know that they are also one of the longest-living dogs you can own? While the average Chihuahua will live for 14 to 16 years, some can live to be over 20 years old.
Yorkshire Terrier
Like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers are small in size but mighty in nature. They usually have bold, feisty personalities and can adapt to many different lifestyles. If this sounds like your kind of dog, you’ll be happy to know that these little terriers also live for a surprisingly long time. Their typical life expectancy is 13 to 16 years.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are known for their lively demeanors, high energy levels, and fluffy coats. While they are prone to some dental and heart problems, if you take them for regular health check-ups, they can live long, happy lives. Most Pomeranians will live for 12 to 16 years.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, also known as “Sausage Dogs,” are famous for their long bodies and comparatively short legs. Their charming and unique body shape can make them more susceptible to back issues, so it’s important to manage their diet and weight properly. But when taken care of, they can live more than 15 years.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are highly intelligent, trainable, and energetic, making them great pets for a wide variety of dog owners. These adorable little pups can live to be over 15 years old. However, it’s important to regularly groom their curly coats to keep them in the best condition.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are loved for their outgoing, social, and friendly disposition. But did you know they can also live for a shockingly long time? Most will live for somewhere between 10 and 18 years. However, according to the Times of India, the world’s oldest Shih Tzu lived to be an incredible 23 years old.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet and has become known for its loyal nature and watchful, protective presence. They have dense coats that require regular grooming, but when they’re well taken care of, they can live to be 12 to 15 years old.
Australian Shepherd
If you like active and intelligent dogs, you’ll love Australian Shepherds. These canines thrive on both mental and physical challenges, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied. If you give them everything they need, they’ll reward you with 13 to 15 years of loyal companionship.
Beagle
Beagles are adorable little dogs with a friendly and curious nature. They also typically get along well with children and other animals, making them great family pets. While they are more prone to obesity and ear infections than other breeds, with plenty of exercise and health check-ups, they can live for up to 15 years.
Miniature Schnauzer
As its name suggests, the Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed. But when it comes to their personalities, these little dogs are larger than life. What’s more, with regular grooming and health checks, they usually live to be 12 to 15 years old.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a classic breed loved for its affectionate, social, and loyal nature. Their beautiful coats require regular grooming to help them look and feel their best and they are prone to heart issues. However, when they’re well taken care of, they can live between 9 and 14 years old.
Maltese
The Maltese is playful and gentle and comes with a luxurious white coat, which many dog owners adore. The only downside of their glamorous appearance is that their coat requires daily brushing to keep it soft, smooth, and healthy. With the right care, these adorable little dogs are expected to live 12 to 15 years.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are famous for their spirited personalities and unwavering energy. They do best when given regular exercise and frequent mental challenges to keep them stimulated. In the right hands, Jack Russells can live to be over 16 years old.
Bichon Frisé
If you’re looking for a small, cheerful breed with a hypoallergenic coat, the Bichon Frisé could be the perfect pup for you. These little dogs have lovely curly coats and have an average life expectancy of 14 to 15 years. However, they’re prone to dental and health conditions, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them.
Papillon
Papillons are loved for their small, elegant appearance and distinctive ears. They are also intelligent, highly trainable, and can live to be over 16 years old in the best conditions. However, according to Garden Street Animal Hospital, Papillons are more likely to develop dental issues than most other breeds. As such, it’s important to properly clean their teeth and ensure no serious health issues develop.
Rat Terrier
Many people value Rat Terriers for their versatility as both pets and farm dogs. As their name suggests, they were partly bred to hunt rats, giving them a keen hunting instinct. Most Rat Terriers are expected to live for an impressive 15 to 18 years.