16 Longest Living Dog Breeds

When it comes to the dog breeds that live the longest, it is often the smallest breeds that average longer life spans. Small dogs generally live longer than large breeds, reaching up to 16 years or more, while a medium or large dog's average lifespan is closer to 10 to 13 years. So, if you want many years with a canine, definitely don't opt for a giant breed. They rarely live longer than 8 to 10 years. Genetics can also play a role in the lifespan of a dog.

Fortunately, you can greatly influence the health and longevity of your pet by ensuring your dog receives recommended preventative care, including wellness exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and by promptly seeking veterinary care when things don't seem right. Additionally, obesity can take months to years off of a lifespan of a dog and ensuring your dog is at an appropriate body weight is critical. Here are 10 dog breeds known for living the longest.

Tip

As with any animal, a high-quality diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring a dog's routine veterinary care can maximize their years.

01 of 16

Chihuahua

A black and white smooth coat chihuahua Photo Duncan Smith / Getty Images

The chihuahua is one of the longest-lived dog breeds. Many survive past 15 years, with an occasional individual living as long as 18 to 20 years. Even tiny dogs require plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and training. They are generally healthy, but this breed is still prone to heart, dental, and eye problems.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth or long coat; colors include black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red
Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years
02 of 16

Dachshund

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It's not uncommon to meet a dachshund over 15 years old. A dachshund named Chanel set a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dachshund. She died in 2009 at 21 years old. But dachshunds can have age-related health problems, particularly back issues, which can be exacerbated by obesity. Additionally, if not properly cared for, their teeth can be prone to severe dental disease including tooth root abscesses and oronasal fistulas, and can greatly impact their overall health and quality of life.

Breed Overview

Group: Hounds (AKC)
Height: 5 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 32 pounds
Coat and Color: Short-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired coat; colors include chocolate, tan, black, red, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
03 of 16

Toy Poodle

Irina Marwan / Moment / Getty Images

The sassy, intelligent toy poodle can make a great family pet. But don't underestimate their energy or the amount of mental stimulation they need for their busy minds. It's not uncommon for toy poodles to reach 16 to 18 years old. But the breed is prone to orthopedic problems as well as eye disorders and severe dental disease as well.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: Up to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Curly, dense coat; colors include white, apricot, black, brown, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
04 of 16

Jack Russell Terrier

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The Jack Russell terrier is another small breed that often may live up to 16 years old. According to Guinness World Records, the oldest Jack Russell was Willie, reaching age 20 in 2014. Jack Russells were bred for working, and they retain that drive and energy.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 13 to 14 inches
Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth or broken coat; colors include white with black, brown, or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years

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Shih Tzu

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Friendly and adaptable shih tzus commonly live to 14 years or older. These dogs were bred to be companions and require short daily walks and playtime. Their long coats need daily brushing or else require regular clipping. The breed is prone to orthopedic, dental, skin, and eye issues.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat and Color: Long double coat; colors include black, white, blue, silver, and more
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
06 of 16

Maltese

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The Maltese is typically an exceptionally healthy small breed that can live up to approximately 15 years. These dogs thrive on company and affection, and without proper training can develop separation anxiety. They, like most small breeds, can be prone to dental disease as well.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Dark, alert eyes; silky, white coat
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
07 of 16

Yorkshire Terrier

Cindy Biell / Getty Images

Yorkshire terriers are a popular and intelligent toy breed, but they aren't total lap dogs. Although they are loyal and affectionate with their families, they have terrier traits, including strong guarding instincts and vocal nature. It is not uncommon for a Yorkie to live to 13 to 15 years, provided they are given appropriate health care over their lifespan, which may include yearly teeth cleanings from a veterinarian.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky coat; colors include black and tan, blue and tan, and more
Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
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Pomeranian

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Pomeranians are known for being friendly but sometimes a bit bossy. These dogs are usually extremely loyal to their families and might take on the role of a mini guard dog. Although they can be feisty, consistent training can turn them into great family pets that can live up to 14 to 16 years. Common health concerns for this breed include heart disease, collapsing tracheal, luxating patellas (loose knee caps that can affect mobility and often lead to arthritis later in life), and dental disease.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Fluffy double coat; colors include black, chocolate, orange, red, and more
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

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09 of 16

Shiba Inu

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For a medium-sized breed, the shiba inu has a long lifespan, reaching up to 14 to 16 years of age. These dogs tend to be very strong-willed and aloof, so they're not for everyone. But they are a clean, quiet, and loyal breed. And they're generally healthy provided they are given appropriate preventative care, though some dogs are prone to allergies.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 14 to 17 inches
Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Coat and Color: Thick double coat; curled tail; colors include black and tan, cream, and red
Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
10 of 16

Australian Cattle Dog

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The Australian cattle dog (also known as the blue heeler) has a long lifespan compared to other dogs its size. The oldest dog that ever lived was an Australian cattle dog, Bluey, that lived 29 years until 1939. This Australian breed can commonly reach the mid-teens. These dogs are very smart with a high working drive. They thrive in active homes, participating in dog sports, and other activities.

Breed Overview

Group: Herding (AKC)
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth double coat; colors include blue and red with black and tan markings
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
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Miniature Schnauzer

David Courtenay / Getty Images

Spunky, intelligent, and affectionate. the miniature schnauzer can be stubborn, but with good training and socialization, these terriers can be wonderful family pets that enjoy romping with the kids, patrolling the backyard, or just hanging out with their families. They do require regular grooming or haircuts to keep their coats looking their best, however.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier (AKC)
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
Coat and Color: Wiry medium coat in black, black and silver, or salt and pepper
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
12 of 16

Beagle

Manuel Breva Colmeiro/Getty Images

Bred to accompany hunters in packs, the beagle can live up to 15 years. These medium-sized dogs are affectionate and good-natured canines that get along well with children, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats. Beagles are energetic dogs that need regular exercise, playtime and attention to keep them from becoming destructive or engaging in excessive barking.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth short coat in various combinations of black, tan, and white
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

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Bichon Frise

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It's hard to resist these adorable dogs with their rounded heads and cheerful expressions. The Bichon Frise is an exuberant, affectionate dog that loves just about everyone it meets. Their curly coat is hypoallergenic and barely sheds, making them a good choice if allergies are a concern. These hardy, intelligent, and playful companion dogs can live to be 15 years old.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Coat and Color: Long curly coat in white, apricot, or cream
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
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Papillon

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"Papillon" is French for butterfly, and it's the beautiful, wing-shaped ears that give this breed its name. The Papillon is a tiny dog with a big personality; these canines are very devoted to their families and are highly affectionate. They are smart and curious, as well, and also have quite a bit of energy. Papillons do well at agility and are also easily taught tricks. Surprisingly, their long silky hair doesn't require an excessive amount of grooming beyond an occasional brushing and trim.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky medium coat in almost any color along with white
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
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Whippet

Nicole Hammond / EyeEm / Getty Images

Long-lived for a medium breed, the Whippet was born to race, but off the track, these dogs are easy-going, calm, and affectionate. They make great family pets, as they get along with just about everyone, including children, other dogs, and dog-friendly cats. While the Whippet enjoys taking it easy at the end of the day, it does require regular exercise and a chance to stretch its legs. Your Whippet can live as long as 15 years.

Breed Overview

Group: Hound (AKC)
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth short coat in just about any color or color combination
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Miniature Pinscher

Photo © iStockphoto.com / Nancy Paiva

The Min Pin is a fearless, fun-loving, and feisty toy dog with an oversize personality. These small dogs are known for their prancing gait, their high energy level, and their protectiveness for home and family. Living up to 16 years, the Min Pin is an affectionate and devoted breed with family, although they are not always tolerant of boisterous children.

Breed Overview

Group: Toy (AKC)
Height: 10 to 12.5 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Coat and Color: Smooth short coat in black and tan, black and rust, brown and tan, or brown and rust
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Breeds to Avoid

Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the shorter the lifespan, and giant breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than the rest of the canine population. Irish wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed in the world. They, along with Great Danes and Bernese mountain dogs tend to have shorter lifespans. Each of these dogs lives on average to about age 7 to 9 years. Some dogs live longer than others, while some individuals and breeds are prone to more health issues.

If you are trying to decide what breed is right for you, veterinarians are always a great resource as they often have familiarity with a wide variety of dog breeds and their common health concerns. They can also advise you on the best care options available for your pet's health, including diet, vaccines, parasite prevention, and wellness screening such as exam frequency, labwork screening, and preventative dental care. Preventative care is one of the most important factors that you can do to improve the longeveity of your canine companion.

FAQ

How many dog breeds are there?

The American Kennel Club recognizes 200 breeds, with nearly 100 possible new breeds working toward official recognition.
What are the healthiest dog breeds?

This is a tricky question, as there is no real data on this. However, anecdotally, the top three include beagles, shiba inu, and Siberian huskies.
What dog breeds are not good with cats?

While there are no official statistics on this, The American Kennel Club suggests that basset hounds, beagles, bulldogs, cavalier King Charles spaniels, collies, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, papillons, and pugs are great companions for your feline family members.

10 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds

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Jul 14 AB, Jul 14 2016 | 5 Minutes, Minutes 2016 | 5. How long do dogs live? American Kennel Club.

16 Longest Living Dog Breeds

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