Dogs have a lifespan of about 10 to 13 years on average. But, some breeds of dogs can live longer than most of their peers.
Generally, dogs who are small breeds are likely to live longer than those of big breeds.
This is because huge dog breeds grow old faster, which results in a premature occurrence of irregular tissue developments such as tumor and cancer and aging-related illness like arthritis.
For dog lovers looking for the best 12 dog breeds with long lifespans, there are many things to consider when choosing which dog breeds are the best.
1. Beagle
The Beagle is an old breed of dog. A lot of dog lovers and owners believed that the name of this dog breed comes from “Bee gueule,” a French word that means “wide throat” or “loudmouth,” which is an urban translation.
Indeed, Beagle dogs are loudmouths since they are extremely vocal – Beagles howl and bark a lot.
Snoopy, among the most renowned dog characters in comics, is a Beagle. Snoopy is an excellent representation of Beagle dog breeds.
In real life, Beagles are friendly, gentle, lovable, and smart, similar to the character of Snoopy.
Resembling with most medium-sized dog breeds, the lifespan of ordinary Beagles is approximately 12 years, while the oldest recognized Beagle lived for about 27 years.
2. Australian cattle dog
Australian cattle dogs are exceptional huge dog breeds that have long lives.
The approximate lifespan of Australian cattle dogs is more or less 12 to 15 years.
In the Guinness Book of World Records, the recent longest-living Australian cattle dog is named Bluey, which lived for about 29 years.
This kind of dog breed is intelligent, energetic, and responds extremely well to training since an Australian cattle dog is an average working breed.
Besides, Australian cattle dogs have a strong bond and relationship with their dog owners. Having this kind of dog breed is quite difficult since they are stubborn at times.
3. Lhasa Apso
Originally from Tibet, Lhasa Apso is an ageless dog breed. Though this kind of dog breed is small in size, Lhasa Apso is highly known as a watchdog in monasteries and palaces in Tibet.
The Lhasa Apso these days are not palace watchdogs anymore but purely as a companion dog for its dog owners since they are extremely loyal and lovable towards its owners but always cautious of strangers.
Because of their gentle and calm characteristic, Lhasa Apso enjoys the company of children.
When it comes to its lifespan, a Lhasa Apso dog breed can live for about 12 to 14 years, while some luckily live for almost 20 years.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranian dog breeds are fluffy dogs named after an area split between Germany and Poland.
These kinds of dog breeds are fun to adopt and own since Pomeranians are playful and lively.
Also, they are alert to variations in the environment. Pomeranian dogs may bark once they hear noises outside the household.
When it comes to its life expectancy, Pomeranians live for more or less 12 to 16 years.
Hence dog owners will have a lot of time to bond with this pet. A well-bred Pomeranian having a balanced diet with correct exercise will lead to having minor health difficulties.
Also, if a dog owner wants to have a sturdy Pomeranian dog, it should be fit.
A Pomeranian has the same health problems as other dog breeds, though some diseases like hip dysplasia are infrequent due to the lightweight build of the Pomeranian.
Other health problems of a Pomeranian can develop due to lack of eye, ear, and teeth cleaning and attention.
With proper care, these health issues can be prevented. Also, a Pomeranian is prone to having premature tooth loss, so it is recommended to feed them with dry food.
Pomeranian dog breeds are among the smallest typical litter-sized dogs, with different sources providing numbers of almost 2 to 3 puppies.
5. Dachshund
The sausage dog or Dachshund is another excellent dog breed to own since they live longer than most other normal dog breeds.
A well-known Dachshund has lived for approximately 21 years, while a normal one has a lifespan average of at least 12 to 17 years.
This kind of dog breed comes in a different color, coat, and size. Other than its standard size, Dachshund also comes with kaninchen-size (which means rabbit in Germany) and miniature-size.
By the way, the miniature Dachshund is not distinguished by kennel clubs.
Moreover, Dachshund has distinct variations: wire-haired, long-haired, and short-haired.
Besides, a Dachshund comes in different marking and color combinations. Generally, this kind of dog breed is courageous, loyal, lively, and playful.
It may not be an ideal pet for small kids as a Dachshund can be aggressive once they are not properly socialized or trained.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie or Yorkshire Terrier is one of the tiniest dog breeds recognized for its long lifespan.
The name of this dog was originally known as a broken-haired Scotch terrier.
A Yorkshire Terrier can live for almost 14 to 17 years. Though most Yorkshire Terrier dog breeds are small, they are attention-seeker, curious, and lively pets.
The majority of dog owners must know that a Yorkshire Terrier barks a lot, which is an exceptional trait since they can be recognized as potential watchdogs.
The tiny-sized Yorkshire Terrier is called a Teacup Yorkie, while the Adult Teacup Yorkie averagely weighs about 2 to 4 pounds.
7. Shih Tzu
Another ageless dog breed with a long lifespan is the Shih Tzu, which means a Chinese lion since they were recognized as the best pets for a long time by the royalties in China.
A Shih Tzu dog breed is friendly, sweet, and adorable towards everyone, which means that they are not recognized as watchdogs.
A Shih Tzu does not usually have a lot of health problems. However, dog owners need to groom the dog regularly.
With an average lifespan of almost 10 to 18 years, a Shih Tzu is an excellent companion dog that entertains the whole family for a very long time.
8. Toy Poodle
All poodle mix and poodles have quite a long lifespan. Toy poodles are recognized as those who have the longest estimated lifespan in the Poodle family, which can live for at least 18 years provided that it is kept in good care by dog owners.
Similar to other poodles, a Toy Poodle is an intelligent and easy-to-train pet dog, in addition to being sweet and beautiful.
Similar to normal dog breeds, a Toy Poodle needs a lot of mental and physical exercise such as brisk walks or games.
Regardless of which size of Toy Poodle a person owns or adopts, it is imperative to regularly feed the dog.
To ensure the best possible dog food for the Toy Poodle, it must regularly visit the veterinarian.
A lot of dog breeds are susceptible to getting overweight, so the dog owner must observe the calorie consumption of the dog, in addition to its weight level.
A dog owner must bear in mind to only give dog treats in moderation. Dog treats can be imperative in the training and grooming of a dog, but giving too much can result in obesity.
The dog owner must always remember to never give fatty table food or cooked bones to Toy Poodles.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
A medium-sized pet, a Jack Russell Terrier, came from England, which was then later carried across, developed, and was provided a typical Australian written record.
A Jack Russell Terrier is an energetic and cute kind of pet. This dog breed can spend the entire day outside of the household.
The life expectancy of a Jack Russell Terrier is more than two decades, which is probably because of the high energy level that keeps them alive for a very long time.
10. Chihuahua
A Chihuahua is one of the longest living dogs in the entire world, not to mention they are the smallest dog.
The life expectancy of a Chihuahua is 15 to 20 years on average. Megabyte is the name of the recorded longest living Chihuahua globally, which lived for approximately two decades.
A lot of dog owners believed that Chihuahuas live longer since they are not susceptible to illnesses.
The most interesting trait of a Chihuahua is that they are intelligent, bold, and full of spirit.
Chihuahuas are very devoted to their dog owners, particularly to children. However, a Chihuahua needs a bit of exercise since it has a small body size.
11. Maltese dog
The Maltese dog breed is commonly a very healthy small dog with a life expectancy of more than 15 years.
A Maltese thrives on affection and company, though, this indicates that it is susceptible to separation anxiety once dog owners leave them behind for a long period.
Maltese dogs are vigorous and energetic dogs who excel not just as pets but also as therapy and competitor dogs in dog sports like tracking, rally, obedience, and agility.
The majority, a Maltese dog loves to be with their pet owners. Even new pet owners and apartment occupants will know how amazing to have a Maltese dog breed as a pet.
12. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog breed that can live up to 16 years or more.
These types of dog breeds are extremely aloof and strong-willed. Hence it is not recognized as a good pet.
However, a Shiba Inu is a loyal, quiet, and clean dog breed. Also, they are usually healthy, but some are susceptible to allergies.
The Shiba Inu is a double-coated dog, with its outer coat being straight and stiff and its undercoat being thick and soft.
The physique of a Shiba Inu is packed with well-developed lean muscles.
When a Shiba Inu sleeps, it curls up and utilizes their tails to protect their nose and face to shield their sensitive areas during the cold climate.
The color of a Shiba Inu comes in different varieties as they have sesame (red with black rolled hairs), tan and black, yellow, orange, and red.
The Shiba Inu is recognized as a basal dog breed that precedes the emergence of the 19th century modern breeds.
The Shiba Inu was originally bred to flush and hunt small game, like rabbit and birds.
Throughout the Meiji Restoration, dog breeds in the western regions were Japanese crossbreeds and imported where it became popular.
During the early 1900s, nearly no pure Shiba Inu was left. In general, a Shiba Inu is a good healthy dog.
However, several diseases such as luxating patella, entropion, hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma, and allergies have been recognized to affect this dog breed.
Like other dog breeds, a Shiba Inu must be walked or must-have exercise regularly to have a longer life expectancy.
Specific and size dog breeds are not the only factors in determining whether a pet lives long enough or not.
There are many considerations that a person who is willing to buy or adopt a dog can control that affects the dogs’ life expectancy.
For example, appropriate veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle are the two best factors.
In short, provided that the dog receives excellent care, it can live longer despite its breed and size.
For many people who want to adopt or buy a dog as a pet, it is best to search for the best 12 dog breeds with a long lifespan.
Choosing the best 12 dog breeds with a long lifespan is not difficult as long as the dog owner knows each dog breed’s different characteristics and traits.
All types of dog breeds are excellent pets since they all have long life expectancies.
Most especially, dog breeds are excellent pets since they are all lovable, cute, adorable, and easy to train and groom.
