20 Longest Living Dog Breeds

20 longest living dog breeds_canna-pet

So, you are ready to bring a dog into your home. Obviously, your intention is to have that new four-legged member of the household around for a very long time to come.

Since dogs can become such integral members of a family, it is only natural to want them around for as long as possible. And when you have kids, it’s nice to bring a pup into the home and have that pup grow into adulthood with your child.

It’s important to know that there are some breeds out there that tend to be hardier than others. In general, most dogs have lifespans that are similar, ranging anywhere from 10 to 13 years old.

There are certain breeds however, that have significantly shorter lifespans. Then there are some breeds that surprise us and live a very long time, sometimes up to 15 years and beyond.

Some of the longest living breeds of dog have been known to have instances where they have lived 20 years or longer, although that is rare.

That’s a pretty long time for a dog – it works out to be about 140 years old in human years!

Also, something to keep in mind when choosing your new dog is that when you go with a purebred pooch, though they may have a great pedigree, sometimes their health can suffer and their lifespans can be shorter.

Deciding to go with a mutt instead means you could have a dog that may live longer. It’s also worth noting that smaller dogs tend to have the longest life spans, while larger dogs have the shortest.

Either way, seek out a dog with an amazing personality and tons of vitality, and you will have a source of joy for many years to come.

Keep reading for an overview of 20 of the longest living dog breeds!

Dachshund

Originally bred as a German hunting dog to hunt badgers and other little animals, Dachshunds weigh in at 16 to 32 pounds, depending on whether they are standard or miniature in size.

They can be very playful but also sometimes aggressive when it comes to strangers. They can also be stubborn and a bit difficult to train both in obedience and house training.

Provided they don’t have any serious health problems, these dogs can live quite a long time, with the miniatures tending to live the longest. These dogs are often called “wiener dogs” because of their long back. This means they can be prone to back problems, especially if they are overweight. But when they are well-taken care of with no major health issues, this dog can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

daschund

Chihuahua

Though these dogs are very small, they can be quite fierce. Chihuahuas are often no more than 6 or 7 pounds (if not less), depending on whether they are toy or miniature-sized.

However, because they’re so small they can be prone to quite a few health problems so it’s important to realize that before you bring one home to your family.

These dogs may not be a great for households with small children. They tend to attach to just one person in the home, so they make great companions for someone who lives alone or for couples that don’t have children.

You must be willing to stay on top of their health and avoid over feeding them so that they don’t get too fat. With proper care, these dogs can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

chihuahua

Toy Poodle

This dog is considered a “hypoallergenic” dog breed. They don’t shed much, making them great for families with allergy issues. These dogs weigh in at 10 pounds or less, and are distinct in their looks.

Everyone knows what they are looking at when they come across a Poodle. These dogs are smart and eager to learn, and provided they have no other no contingent health problems, they can live a very long time. Overall, an intelligent, fun little dog that can be with a family anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

toy poodle

Beagle

These dogs weigh in at 20 to 25 pounds. They were bred as trackers, so they have a great nose for finding things and love to sniff up a storm while out on walks. Beagles make excellent dogs for families, in large part because of their sturdiness and size, as well as their personality and temperament.

However, if you do not like dogs that howl, they might not be the right breed for you. They are very spirited, but they can also be stubborn and a somewhat hard dog breed to train. Sweet and friendly, even with strangers, if you can handle the howling and vocalization tendencies, these dogs can make a great family addition.

Just keep in mind they can be prone to obesity if they don’t get plenty of exercise, which can impact their health. When well-cared for a Beagle can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

beagle

Lhasa Apso

These dogs are small and mighty with super long hair. They make great little apartment buddies, and will alert you when intruders are present every time. Lhasa Apsos weigh in at about 18 pounds, though often they may be smaller.

Their personalities can be vastly different from dog to dog, ranging from dignified to mischievous. They are an easy dog breed to train, and overall make a great long-living addition to the family.

These dogs can live from 15 to 20 years, sometimes even longer and are friendly little dogs that love to be loved.

lhasa aspo

Pomeranian

These dogs are small, weighing in anywhere from 3 to 7 pounds. They are full of personality, even described as vivacious, and they love to play. Pomeranians don’t necessarily make the best of pets for families with children, but they make great companions for adults and couples.

These little dogs can live 12 to 16 years or more. Some have even been thought to live 20 years and beyond.

pomeranian

Australian Shepherd

These dogs are herding dogs, once used for driving livestock. They love having a “job” to do, and are very intelligent and energetic. Australian Shepherds need to be kept busy, and have no problems with being in charge.

They can easily become bored and destructive if not given “work” to do. They also may decide to herd your kids, so that is something to watch for. They make great companions especially for active families and weigh in anywhere from 40 to 65 pounds. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, with some of them living up to 18 years. 

Australian shepherd

Toy Manchester Terrier

These dogs are lively and agile. Once bred to kill rats and hunt rabbits, Toy Manchester Terriers love to chase things. They are loyal and make great little watchdogs that love to hang out with their family. They are also smart and eager to learn, and listen very well.

They are quite independent despite their love for their people and can sometimes display destructive behaviors if they become bored or nervous. They can be quite vocal if left to their own devices, so they aren’t dogs you can leave alone for extended periods of time. At least not without annoying your neighbors!

These dogs weigh in at 12 to 22 pounds, and can live anywhere from 14 to 16 years.

toy manchester terrier

Scottish Collie

Scottish Collies can vary a bit in appearance, but they are considered work dogs, once used for herding. They are great with children, and have a friendly and gentle temperament. They make wonderful family pets that love to be in the thick of things, though they can sometimes be a bit clingy.

They are also very protective when it comes to kids, and as a bonus, usually get along well with other pets in the family too. Keep in mind that these are herding dogs so they may display herding behaviors toward your children and your other four-legged household friends.

These dogs weigh in anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds and live roughly 12 to 14 years.

scottish collie

Boykin Spaniel

Bred to be hunters, these dogs make an awesome family addition. They are smart and friendly, very good with kids, and need plenty of exercise and activity.

They weigh in at about 25 to 40 pounds, making them a sturdy yet medium-sized dog – perfect for families with younger kids, with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

boyskin spaniel

Cockapoo

These dogs are small but mighty in their personality. They are one of the original so-called “designer dogs”, a crossbreed of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle.

Cockapoos are intelligent and easily trainable, as well as highly affectionate. They are also extremely active and love to show off. They weigh in anywhere from 12 to 24 pounds, and can live from 12 to 15 years.

cockapoo

Jack Russell Terrier

Fox hunters in another life, these are clever and independent canines. They can also be difficult to train, but they are so sweet and affectionate it’s easy to forgive them. However, Jack Russell Terriers are definitely better suited for a more experienced owner.

They are wonderful with kids and can weigh anywhere from 13 to 17 pounds. They will live approximately 10 to 15 years provided they are in good health.

jack russell terrier

Shih Tzu

These dogs are companion dogs, and it’s what they’ve been bred to be. They are affectionate, friendly, and lovable, as well as obedient and agile. Their name means lion, but they are more the lovable type than the fierce type. Shih Tzus weigh in at 9 to 16 pounds, and can live anywhere from 10 to 16 years.

shih tzu

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cattle dogs in another life, it is thought that these dogs have existed for over 3000 years. Sometimes called the yard-long dog, the word “corgi” actually means dwarf dog.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis make an active and affectionate companion for younger kids as well as older kids and adults. These dogs can weigh anywhere from 25 to 38 pounds, and live from 12 to 15 years. Some of them have even been known to live up to 17 years.

cardigan welsh corgi

Portuguese Podengo

These small sighthound dogs are very energetic and adaptable. They love to hunt small furry creatures like rabbits, and tend to make good watchdogs. They can also jump quite high, and come in three different sizes.

They weigh in anywhere from 18 to 14 pounds for the smaller-sized dogs, and up to 66 pounds in the larger versions. Their lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

portuguese podengo

New Guinea Singing Dog

These are graceful dogs that are agile and resemble a fox in appearance. They are thought to be quite closely related to a wild dog, and may not be the best choice for a family.

They need to be socialized very well, so it is best to get one when they are a pup if you do. They can be very gentle with their families, but stand-offish when it comes to strangers. They are called singing dogs because of their unique vocal howl. These canines can weigh anywhere from 18 to 30 pounds with a lifespan ranging from 12 to 16 years.

new guinea singing dog

Miniature Schnauzer

These dogs are little extroverts, with lots of intelligence. Miniature Schnauzers are great family pets and companions, and will stay on your heels all day long. They can weigh 11 to 20 pounds and live 12 to 14 years.

miniture schnauzer

Pug

These are sturdy little dogs that love to show off, and love to spend time with their humans. Often called ‘little clowns’, Pugs are always ready to play. Weighing in anywhere from 14 to 18 pounds, these bundles of personality can live up to 12 to 15 years.

pug

Maltese

These are spry, agile little dogs that make for great companions, therapy dogs, and competitors. They love to spend time with their people, displaying a fearless and gentle disposition. Maltese are known for being friendly with all who enter their orbit. They can weigh up to 7 pounds and live 12 to 15 years.

maltese

Australian Cattle Dog

And last but not least, what’s the longest living dog breed ever?

It appears to be Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog. He lived 29 years and 160 days. That’s roughly 203 human years!

This is not the norm however, most Australian Cattle Dogs range from 31 to 35 pounds, and live 13 to 15 years. They are obedient and protective, as well as loyal.

No matter the years they live, they make a great addition to any family with love to give and Bluey’s record lifespan status ranks them as one of the longest living dog breeds you can find.

Australian cattle dog

 

Sources:

  1. “Top 10 Dog Breeds That Live the Longest.” Cesar’s Way, 5 Sept. 2018, Accessed 9 July 2017. www.cesarsway.com/about-dogs/breeds/top-10-dog-breeds-that-live-the-longest.
  2. “10 Longest Living Dog Breeds.” Chewy, 20 Sept. 2018, Accessed 9 July 2017. www.chewy.com/petcentral/behavior-breeds-10-longest-living-dog-breeds/.
  3. “The 10 Dog Breeds That Live The Longest.” IHeartDogs.com, 22 Jan. 2018, Accessed 9 July 2017. www.iheartdogs.com/the-10-longest-living-dog-breeds/.
  4. “Life Expectancy of Dogs: How Long Will My Dog Live?” CanineJournal.com, 20 July 2018, Accessed 9 July 2017. www.caninejournal.com/life-expectancy-of-dogs/.
  5. Clark, Mike. “The Most Long-Lived Dog Breeds.” Dogtime, 2 June 2016, Accessed 9 July 2017. www.dogtime.com/dog-health/general/4380-long-lived-dogs-list.

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