20 Longest Living Dog Breeds (Based On Studies)

Pet parents consider many factors when deciding on the right pet for their homes.

The longest life span of a dog is at the top of the list for some, especially if you want the pet parenting experience to last for a long time.

If you’re in this category, getting the longest living dog breeds is your best bet at achieving this dream.

Studies have known that in the doggy world, life span differs. As much as we all want our dogs to live long, the reality is that some are built to live longer than others.

This usually has to do with size as smaller dogs tend to live longer than bigger ones.

Your care also goes a long way in helping your pet stay for long. We can’t control life, but we can do our part. 

Read on to discover the top 20 longest living dog breeds. The majority are small ones, but we threw in some medium dog breeds for variety.

You’ll also get tips to maintain your dog’s life span.

The Longest Living Dog Breeds In The World

1. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is regarded as the smallest existing dog breed. That is probably why it has a long life span getting up to 18 years.

This breed is lucky to not be vulnerable to any serious disease, so the probability of them living for years is high. 

Chihuahuas are also popular and very saucy. These dogs behave like big ones, and if you don’t watch them they can get into dangerous situations like a fight with a bigger dog (Chihuahua hardly back down).

Be mindful of this breed because of its size, and don’t let it close to toddlers who might accidentally injure it. 

2. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of America’s highly loved toy dog breeds. Its name translates as “little lion”, but it isn’t as saucy as the Chihuahua.

On the contrary, the Shih Tzu delights people with its accomodating personality. 

Shih Tzu is also known to live long, getting up to 16 years. All through its lifetime, it is sure to make life memorable for you.

While many might assume that the Shih Tzu is a snobbish, lazy bone who’d prefer lying around all day, the Shih Tzu is rather playful and affectionate. It is hard to resist the charm. 

3. Toy Poodle

Though the Toy Poodle is classified under a different AKC group than other Poodle types, it is not a distinct breed.

The Poodle is the breed, and it comes in three sizes: The Standard, the Miniature, and the Toy.

All Poodles have long life spans, but the Toy Poodle is known to have a longer one. 

Toy Poodles were developed in France for the sole purpose of companionship, and it continues to play that role today.

This breed in general is one of the most intelligent dog breeds and is loyal too. It can also get mischievous, so keep your eye on it. 

4. Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy dog breeds still existing, and it happens to also have a long life span.

Loved by aristocrats of old, the Maltese still has the regal air around it. But don’t be fooled by its delicate looks.

The Maltese is energetic and playful, eager to run around as much as it loves being a lapdog. 

The Maltese is willing to please too and is considered a good fit for both new and old pet parents.

That said, it can sometimes be stubborn and would do better if you have rewards handy.

It is also suitable for an apartment and doesn’t shed much (despite its long hair). The Maltese is considered hypoallergenic, as much as a dog can be. 

5. Beagle

The Beagle started as a hunting dog and hasn’t outgrown its instincts, though it has successfully transitioned into a modern companion.

It has a long life span, and a Beagle named Butch even made history by living up to 28 years. 

Despite being courageous hunters, the Beagle is also gentle, funny, and sweet.

It is difficult to resist this breed once you look into its eyes and soft expression (so maybe you shouldn’t when you don’t want to indulge it).

Expect some naughtiness from this breed as well. 

6. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a healthy, lively dog breed with a long life span.

Its development was credited to a person named Jack Russell, and it was bred to hunt foxes alongside hounds.

This breed also goes by the name “Parson Russell Terrier” or simply “Russell Terrier”.

In the household, the Jack Russell Terrier is energetic, despite its small size.

You’re more likely to find your Russell Terrier playing about than lying idle.

It is also intelligent, but unlike the breeds we’ve seen, it is not suitable for new pet parents. The Jack Russell Terrier can be stubborn during training. 

7. Bichon Frise

One of the cutest, small fluffiest dogs around, the Bichon Frise is like a living stuffed teddy bear with a white, soft coat.

It can be around for a long time, going up to 15 years. Because of its fluffy nature, some people might mistake the Bichon Frise for a white Poodle.

Bichons are a delight to have, and their playful nature endears them to many. They are also hypoallergenic, good news for allergy sufferers.

This is a happy, loving breed that’s suitable for both new and old pet parents. It is also good for apartments.

8. Dachshund

Dachshund translates as “Badger dog”, and that gives a direct indication as to what this breed was developed for.

It started out hunting badgers in Germany and was also used to hunt foxes, boars, and hares.

The Dachshund comes in a variety of sizes and coats, but all are of the same breed. 

If you’re a fan of animated movies and comics, you must have stumbled upon this breed.

Its long body and tiny legs have always made good content for comedy materials, but the.

Daschund doesn’t seem to mind. On the contrary, confidence is one of its signature traits. 

9. Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a popular designer breed that’s a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle, both of which have spots on this list.

Maltipoos were bred to be small hypoallergenic companions and are usually advisable for allergy sufferers.

With a life span that gets to 13 years, Maltipoos live long by doggy standards. 

Allergy sufferers aren’t the only group that will appreciate the Maltipoo.

First-timers will also have fun training this eager-to-please hybrid.

It is also affectionate and enjoys human company, making it an effective cure for loneliness. 

10. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the Schnauzer dogs.

But unlike the Poodle where all three types all fall under the same breed, the Miniature Schnauzer is a distinct breed of its own.

It is separate from the Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer. It also has a long life span getting up to 15 years. 

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the popular dog breeds in the United States, England, and Germany, and for good reasons.

Intelligent, extroverted, and funny, the Miniature Schnauzer is sure to make friends with everyone it meets around it.

It also loves human company and would always want to be with you. 

11. Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers come in two types: Smooth and Wiry. Both types are recognized by some as the same breed but by the American Kennel Club as distinct breeds.

They have a similar body build, but their coats differ in texture. They accompanied hunters on expeditions, and their main prey was often the fox. 

Both the Smooth and Wiry Fox Terrier share the same personality.

Funny and friendly, the Fox Terrier is sure to keep you laughing for the years it remains with you.

It can also be sly like its prey and would try to outsmart you with every opportunity it gets. 

12. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgis is one of two Welsh Corgi breeds, and it is the older of the two, having existed for 3,000 years.

The second is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They were both considered the same breed but are now regarded as different.

They both have long life spans, though, falling between 12 and 15 years. 

Cardigans and Pembrokes started as herders, and both are now companions.

In comparison, Cardigans tend to be less sociable than the Pembroke, and more likely to mark its territory.

It makes a good watchdog for this reason but needs more socialization. 

13. Australian Shepherd

Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States, not Australia.

The name most likely came from its ancestors, Collies, that were imported from Australia.

The Australian Shepherd has since become very popular in the United States. 

Though still used to herding, the Australian Shepherd has joined other domestic dogs to become household companions.

It is independent and not for everyone, but a loyal pet to those that can handle it. It is also known for its activeness and intelligence. 

14. Coton de Tuléar

Originating from the African island of Madagascar, the Coton de Tuléar shares ties with the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.

This explains the resemblance all three share. A very healthy breed, Coton can live up to 19 years and even more. 

It is a companion dog to the core, which means it would love the human company more than anything else.

Coton de Tuléar is prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long. That might be the only challenge you’d face with this breed though.

Coton de Tuléar is a good family dog, one that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

It is good for apartment dwellers, old and new pet parents, seniors, and allergy sufferers. 

15. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a Japanese dignified breed whose lifespan extends to 16 years. At first glance, you might confuse the Shiba Inu for a fox, but it isn’t.

This breed also shares a strong resemblance with its relative, the Akita Inu. Bred to be a hunting dog, the Shiba Inu was employed to draw out small prey. 

The first trait you’d probably notice with the Shiba Inu is its confidence. This breed carries itself with dignity and elegance, much like it owns the place.

It is also independent, making it highly difficult to train. Having said that, the Shiba Inu is loyal and affectionate to its family. 

16. New Guinea Singing Dog

Ever come across a New Guinea Singing Dog while out on the street? The possibility of that happening is zero.

The New Guinea Singing Dog is considered the rarest dog in the world with only about 100 still in existence.

It was once considered extinct but was later discovered to still exist.

The New Guinea Singing Dog is not known to suffer from any disease and, thus, has a long life span. 

This breed is often shy around humans, especially those it doesn’t know. It also has wild tendencies, and as such doesn’t make good pets.

However, they can be affectionate with their caretakers. 

17. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is an old breed from Tibet and was named after Lhasa, a holy city.

It started as an exclusive companion to monks and nobles, and it played the role of a guard as much as a companion. 

These days, there are bigger guard dogs one can get, but you can’t tell that to the Lhasa Apso. It is fully convinced that it is big, and carries itself that way.

The Lhasa Apso feels no need to please its owner and would often come across as stubborn during training.

New pet parents can own one, as long as they have what it takes. 

18. Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is the second designer breed on this list which is as popular (if not more) than the Maltipoo.

It is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle and has a lifespan that gets to 15 years.

The Cockapoo is so popular that some enthusiasts have started making moves to turn it into a purebred. 

The Cockapoo was developed to be friendly and loving, and it continues to be so.

It flows well with kids and other pets, and it is one of the best companions you can find amongst designer dogs. It is intelligent and very easy to train too. 

19. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is of the spitz family and is the smallest of them all. It got its name from the province of Pomerania in Germany, where it originated.

It has been popular for a long, and even Martin Luther theologian owned one. The Pomeranian’s lifespan extends to 16 years. 

Pom, as it is fondly called, is one small dog that behaves bigger than its size.

Though it can be a good first-time dog, anyone who wants to own this breed should learn to be firm and in charge lest it takes over. 

20. Yorkshire Terrier

The final dog breed with a long life span on our list is the Yorkshire Terrier.

Though classified as a Toy Dog by the American Kennel Club because of its size, Yorkie acts and comports like a Terrier.

Expect some sassiness, confidence, and even cockiness sometimes. 

With family members, the Yorkshire Terrier is affectionate and loving. Strangers might meet a wary and reserved dog.

It needs to be well socialized so it won’t become fearful and aggressive.

Ways to Maintain Your Dog’s Lifespan

Getting a breed with a guaranteed long life span is only part of the work. Sadly, many things can cut short your dog’s lifespan.

Some of these are out of our control, but we can still be intentional about giving our beloved pets the best we can. 

Here are some ways you can maintain your dog’s lifespan:

• Healthy and balanced diet
• Exercise (according to the breed’s requirements)
• Vet check-ups
• Accident-free environment
• Pet insurance
• Keen observation

Also See:
20 Dogs With Shortest Lifespan (Based On Studies)

Related Questions

Final Thoughts on Dogs with Long Life Spans

Different breeds, different expectations but the same unifying factor.

All breeds on this list have lifespans that peak at 13 to 19 years, and they are considered the longest living dog breeds using canine standards.

Give your dog breed the best care you can, and you further increase the likelihood that it will get far before it says goodbye.

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