Top 10 Longest Living Dog Breeds
As any puppy parent will confirm, having a canine companion is one of the best things we can ask for. Unfortunately, compared to us humans, doggos don’t live nearly as long enough as we wish. But don’t worry, there are some breeds which are known for living longer than most other dog breeds and that’s what we’re going to focus on in this article. Just from looking at the names of these dog breeds you might be able to notice a trend. The majority of dogs which live the longest lives happen to be quite small in size. This can be for a number of different reasons such as health conditions which are often related to a dog’s size. Exercise, diet, and wellbeing are some other key factors which contribute to the length of a dog’s life. So, in no particular order here is a list of the Top 10 Longest Living Dog Breeds.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are a small, energetic, and loving dog breed which can live up to 18 years. This is mainly because the Chihuahua is so small that it isn’t exerted to too much strain on its body. Unlike larger dogs, the Chihuahua simply needs a short walk every day to stay fit and healthy. So, if you buy or adopt a Chihuahua from a respectable breeder, ensure that there are no inherited medical conditions, and carefully manage your pup’s diet and exercise habits, you can be sure the year Chihuahua will live a long and happy life.
Check out our guide on Dog Food For Chihuahua.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is another perfect example of a dog where its size in no way compares to its massive, bubbly personality. It’s energetic, active and curious nature mean that the Yorkie loves to stay physically and mentally stimulated through exercise and playing. While a few medical conditions can be found in the breed (Leg-Calve-Perthes disease and patellar luxation), these can be avoided through medical tests carried about the vet. These tests should be carried out regularly, usually at the vet’s recommendation, and will ensure any potential risks are minimized. A healthy, happy, and looked after Yorkshire Terrier can live up to 16 wonderful years.
Head over to our review of the Best Dog Food for Yorkies for more choices.
Pomeranian
While the Pomeranian might look tiny, its personality is huge and is a great addition to any family. This precious pup loves to stay mentally and physically stimulated so they need to be kept busy with daily walks and playtime with their favorite humans. Like most dogs, some medical conditions can be found in the Pomeranian such as shoulder or patellar luxation or hypoglycemia. However, these can usually be treated easily with some lifestyle and diet changes. A healthy Pomeranian can live up to 16 years making it one of the dogs that live the longest.
For more options head over to our guide on the Best Dog Food for Pomeranians.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is another breed in this list which originated as a hunting dog. Dating back to the 1600s, the Dachshund has been selectively bred over centuries to maintain a breed standard comprising of its most desired characteristics and to remove negative ones. While most medical conditions have been removed through selective breeding, some persist simply due to the breed’s physiology. The main condition faced by the Dachshund is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) caused by its lengthy body, which causes problems with the spinal cord. This condition can be worsened or triggered by obesity, which is also common in the breed and can increase the risk of diabetes. Providing your precious pooch with regular checkups from the vet and giving them a consistent exercise and diet schedule will help to minimize the risk of these conditions. A fit and healthy Dachshund can live up to 14 years.
You may also like our article on Dog Food for Dachshunds.
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle, being the small version of the regular Poodle, proves the old saying that “good things come in small packages” as it typically grows no taller than 10 inches. This beautiful and loving little breed is energetic and makes the perfect addition to any family. The Toy Poodle can be found with a few minor conditions such as the ones previously mentioned – patellar luxation, epilepsy, Leg-Calve-Perthes disease and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – which can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and some mediation depending on the severity. The risk of developing these conditions can be greatly diminished by regularly taking your pup to the vet for eye, knee and hip exams. When the Top Poodle is raised in a loving home and receives the correct medical attention whenever needed, they can live for up to 14 years.
Maltese
The Maltese dog breed has existed for centuries and has been carefully and selectively bred to ensure the breed standard is healthy and that inherited medical conditions have been removed. Due to this selective breeding the Maltese is an incredibly robust dog breed which regularly lives up to 14 years. Although this breed is typically strong and healthy, it is prone to some medical conditions such as patellar luxation – a common medical condition found in small dogs.
Find out more about Dog Food for Maltese here.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is widely believed to be an ancient dog breed dating back several centuries. While the breed may have originated as a noble lap dog or for chasing small rodents, its energetic and sometimes stubborn personality hasn’t changed. Since the breed has existed for so long, the breed standard has been carefully monitored to remove negative characteristics such as aggression and health issues. Despite the breed standard being carefully continued, some medical conditions occasionally appear without apparent reason such as retinal atrophy and patellar luxation. However, these problems can usually be minimized through selective breeding and they will be noticed during any medical tests. Lhasa Apso dogs can live up to 14 years if they are looked after carefully and receive the correct dietary and exercise needs.
Pug
The Pug is arguable the most recognizable dog breed at the moment and have achieved celebrity status for their frequent appearance in the media and films. Although the origins of the Pug aren’t well-known, it’s widely believed that they were common household pets from as long ago as the 16th century. It might seem surprising that the Pug is one of the longest living dog breeds since they are known for being at risk from numerous medical conditions. Limb luxation, hip dysplasia, obesity, seizures, skin infections and allergies are some of the many medical problems frequently associated with the Pug. However, the Pug remains as one of longest living dog breeds with a lifespan of up to 15 years – perhaps due to the ease of treatments and medications available. So, despite these possible conditions, Pugs can live a long life so long as they receive the right care from a loving owner.
For more options, check out our detailed review of Dog Food for Pugs.
Beagle
The Beagle is another one of the most instantly recognizable breeds due to its coat color, patterns and size. Originating back in the 1500s, the Beagle was primarily used as a hunting dog but has since been domesticated to fit the family home perfectly well. In fact, Beagles are one the few dog breeds which are perfectly suited to either country or city life, so long as their exercise needs are met. Because of its athletic origins, this breed requires more exercise than most other dogs in this list so a backyard or access to a park is recommended. There are, however, a few medical problems which can appear in the breed including epilepsy and glaucoma. If noticed early, these conditions can be treated using a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. A happy and healthy Beagle whose exercise and dietary needs are met can live for at least 13 years.
Take a look at our review of Dog Food for Beagles for more info.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer, dating back to the 19th century, is a small, affectionate and active dog which loves to play, exercise and enjoys its owner’s company. This bubbly and energetic pup makes a great companion to adult owners but is equally suited to a family environment as they love the attention from the owners and can be highly sociable. Just like many dogs, the Miniature Schnauzer is prone to some eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia as well as allergies and limb luxation. However, this breed is strong and robust and, with the correct medical attention where necessary, can live a long and happy life. Most Miniature Schnauzers have a lifespan of up to 14 years.
Final Thoughts
Now you know some of the dogs with longest lifespan and some important facts about their general health and personality. Choosing to raise a pup is a big decision and requires lots of consideration. This can be difficult if you wish to introduce a pup into your family as you’ll want your canine companion to be around for a long time. Choosing a pup which is known for having a long lifespan and minimal medical concerns is usually the best way to go. So, now you know which dog breeds typically live the longest and what dog-care might be like for each breed.
Source:
- How long do dogs live – RSPCA
