What dog has 20 years life span

Dog Life Expectancy Chart: How Long Do Dogs Live?

Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones (most of the time). Think about it: humans live longer than cats, which live longer than a rat, which live longer than a fly. But why isnt this true when it comes to animals within the same species, like dogs and even humans?

Looking at ourselves, a person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. They live longer because of increased health risks for a person who weighs 300 pounds. The same goes for larger vs smaller dogs.

When it comes to dogs life expectancy, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different, and their lifespans reflect this. Beyond size, is there an average dog lifespan based on breed or other factors? Yes. I explore the answers to these questions: How long do dogs live? and What is the dog lifespan by breed?

What Determines A Dogs Lifespan?

Are you curious about ways you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canines lifespan.

Care

As an owner, you can impact the care you provide for your dog. Think of yourself as your dogs parent. A dog with a proper, nutritious diet and exercise can live longer than one without. In addition, taking your furry friend to the veterinarian for annual wellness exams and getting her booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.

Size

Research shows thatlarger dogs live for a shorter period of time compared to smaller ones. For example, an Irish Wolfhound (average 115 pounds) has an average lifespan of eight years, while a Jack Russell Terrier (average of 15 pounds) can live up to 13-16 years. Medium-size dogs like the French Bulldog live between 10 and 13 years. Below, you can see the average lifespan of dogs based on size.

• Small dogs: 10-15 Years
• Medium dogs: 10-13 Years
• Large Dogs: 10-12 years
• Giant Dogs: 8-10 years

Purebred Dogs vs Mixed-Breed Dogs

Inbreeding or pure breeding can reduce canines lifespans. Cross-breed dogs have a longer lifespan than purebred dogs due to greater genetic diversity. Purebred dogs are at risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, mutts who have at least two breeds tend to have the fewest health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.

Not Sure Of Your Dogs Breed Mix?

If you are unsure of your dogs breed mix, try a DNA test kit to find out. Options like Wisdom Panel can give detailed insight into your pups breed as well as genetic health conditions. Learn more in our full Wisdom Panel review with personal experience.

Spayed Or Neutered

Spaying and neutering a puppy at a relatively young age can positively affect a dogs lifespan. Most studies recommend surgical sterilization before five months of age for small breed dogs and 12-15 months for larger breed house dogs.

Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast, and testicles.

Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not be completely accurate, but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies, and this will be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.

Canine Genetic Age Testing With A DNA Test

Do you want to find out your pets biological age? Embark makes it simple to determine your dogs true age with its Dog Age Test which measures your pups DNA methylation. As your dog ages, the level of DNA methylation changes in a predictable way.

Embark uses the amount and position of DNA methylation as a type of clock to estimate age. Order a kit, send in your sample, and get the results back in four to five weeks. Visit Embark DNAs website to learn more and buy a test.

Dog Breed Life Expectancy Chart: 20 Most Popular U.S Breeds

Below is a dog life expectancy chart sorted by the 20 most popular registered breeds in the US.

What Is The Longest Living Dog Breed?

Small breeds with long noses are generally the longest-lived. Chihuahuas are usually referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. In 2023, Spike, a Chihuahua from Ohio, was given the title of oldest dog living at the ripe old age of 24.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs that have lived 20 years or longer. In fact, the longest-living dog verified, according to Guinness World Records, was a female Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived 29 years and five months.

10 Longest Lived Dog Breeds

Recent research published in the journal Scientific Reports in February 2024 examined the longevity of companion animals. The researchers studied over 580,000 companion pups. This study revealed a wealth of information on the differences in breed life expectancy. The ten dog breeds that are least likely to have an early death and their average life expectancy are listed below, according to this research.

10 Dogs With Short Life Expectancies

Youll notice that most dogs in this chart are larger breeds. As mentioned above, larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. Some believe this is because large breeds age more quickly. For example, a Great Dane can gain 100 pounds from its day of birth to its first birthday, whereas a Shih Tzu can weigh up to 15 pounds in its entire lifespan. Below is a table of 10 dogs with short lifespans.

Dog Breeds At Risk Of An Early Death

A breeds average lifespan does not determine how long any individual dog is going to live. Some breeds are at a higher risk of early death, even if they have a fairly long expected lifespan. French Bulldogs, for example, though highly popular, are one breed to be aware of. While an adorable and fantastic pet, the Frenchie is predisposed to poor health. Due to their flat faces, this and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to respiratory issues.

The Caucasian Shepherd, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Bloodhound, Affenpinscher, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bulldog are other breeds identified in recent studies as having a high risk of earlier death.

Common Causes Of An Early Death For Dogs

Unfortunately, expected and average lifespans are just estimates. Many things can cause a dog to live less than its breeds expected longevity. In dogs younger than two years old, infectious diseases, trauma, sudden illness, and congenital diseases are the leading causes of early death. Larger pups are more susceptible to cancer, which is the leading cause of early death in bigger breeds.

Canine obesity also affects lifespan and can cause early death. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates up to 59% of dogs in the United States, Canada, and Europe are overweight or obese. Research done by Banfield Pet Hospital shows that dogs can lose up to two and a half years of their lifespan if they are overweight.

How Can I Extend My Dogs Life?

If you could give your dog medication to help keep her in your life longer, would you buy it? Thats precisely whatLoyal is working on right now. Loyal is a team of vets, scientists, and dog lovers striving toward reducing underlying causes of aging in dogs and delaying disease by developing a drug.

Also, consider pet insurance for your pup to help extend their lifespan as much as possible by getting them vet care when needed without worrying about the cost. Insurance cannot directly increase your pups lifespan, but insured dogs often live longer because their owners take them to the vet when something pops up, which allows vets to diagnose and address a condition sooner. Read ourpet insurance reviewsto learn more and get a quote for your dog in our short form below.

There are other ways to help keep your dog healthy and help her live a longer life. The best thing you can do is give your dog adequate exercise daily and make sure youre feeding them a healthy, well-rounded diet. All-natural, fresh dog food is gaining in popularity, and perhaps its something youd like to consider for your pup. Weve tried and reviewed some of the best dog food delivery servicesto help you decide if youd prefer a more traditional kibble or fresh, homemade dog food.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are hundreds of questions about dog lifespan. Below, Ive covered a few of the most frequently asked. If I didnt get to yours, let me know in the comments.

Do female dogs live longer than male dogs?

In some cases, yes. Spayed female dogs live much longer than intact males. Spayed and neutered male and female dogs both live longer than those left intact. Among intact dogs, males tend to live a little longer.

Can a dog live 20 years?

In some cases, dogs can live 20 years, but that is a very old age for a dog. This leads to another question: Can dogs live 30 years? It is incredibly rare for a dog to live 30 years, but there have been claims of such. To date, none of these claims have been verified.

Does having puppies really shorten a dogs lifespan?

This is a widespread theory but not necessarily true. Simply becoming a mother dog and carrying puppies does not shorten a female dogs lifespan. Pregnancy comes with risks, and having puppies too early or too late in life can further the complications and risks. Learn more about dog pregnancy tests here. Older dogs are at a much higher risk of complications and even death during pregnancy. A dogs overall health and care at the time of pregnancy are also factors.

An Active Pup Is A Healthy Pup

Regardless of breed, keeping your pup active will help them live a healthy and happy life. All breeds, regardless of size, need daily exercise. A daily walk is a special bonding time, keeps you active, and is good for your health, too. Learn more in our guide about how often and how long to walk your dog. We also cover step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog to fetch. A simple yet timeless game, chasing after that ball never gets old and is top-notch canine exercise.

Why Trust Canine Journal

Danielle has shared a special bond with dogs since childhood. She has over 30 years of experience with breeds of all sizes and dogs with special needs. Danielle is a dedicated professional researcher and pet product reviewer. She spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to help owners learn whats behind the label.

27 Dog Breeds With The Longest Lifespans, Based On Real Data

When considering bringing a new canine family member into the mix, pet owners want to know the expected lifespan of their new pup. While there is an average lifespan for dogs in general, genetics and breeding can significantly impact how long a life a dog has.

Many factors will play a role in how long a dog lives. The breed is one significant aspect. Along with that, nutrition, care, health, and environment will impact how long each individual dog will live. Spayed and neutered canines tend to live longer than those left intact. Mixed breeds have also been shown to have slightly longer lifespans than their purebred relatives.

Our guide goes through several breeds, presenting general information and average lifespans.

Average Canine Lifespan

The average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Some dogs will live much longer than that. In general, smaller breeds have longer lifespans than larger canine breeds.

• According to the American Kennel Club, small dog breeds have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
• Medium-sized dog breeds live on average 10 to 13 years. Some breeds have a longer average lifespan. Many medium-sized breeds live, on average, 13 to 15 years.
• Large and giant dog breeds have shorter lifespans, about 8 to 12 years. In general, giant dog breeds have the shortest lifespans, living an average of 8 to 10 years. Some can live longer, like the Belgian Malinois (14-16 years) and the Irish Setter (12 to 14 years).

The record for the oldest dog ever recorded or greatest reliable age recorded for a dog is 29 years and five months. Bluey was an Australian Cattle Dog from Australia who was a working dog for 20 years.

27 Dog Breeds With The Longest Lifespans

This list includes 26 different canine breeds known for having longer lifespans (listed in order with the longest lifespan first). There are, of course, more breeds, both purebred and mixed, that have longer lifespans. The article is not a substitute for breeder information or information from a veterinarian.

Learn more about these long-lived dog breeds. Keep in mind that the information provided is an estimate. Every dog is different and has environmental factors that play a role in how long they live.

Chihuahua

The tiny yet mighty Chihuahua is one of the most popular toy-sized dog breeds. The smallest dog breed on record in the world, the Chihuahua, is also one of the longest-living dog breeds. On average, Chihuahuas have a lifespan of 14 to 18 years. However, many live well beyond that into their late teens and early 20s. A Chihuahua named TobyKeith currently holds the worlds oldest living dog record. TobyKeith is a ripe old boy at the age of 21.

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, reaching on average between 6 and 10 pounds. They only stand 5 to 8 inches tall. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are known for their huge personalities. This canine breed is known as incredibly friendly dogs, easy to groom, and loves children and people of all ages. Due to their small size, they make fantastic pets for people who live in small spaces, have small children, or are aging themselves and want a small dog that is easy to take care of.

These little dogs are pretty friendly. However, they are also incredibly bossy. It is quite common among Chihuahua owners to report a dog that is small in body but big in attitude, often thinking they rule the roost and can take on any other dog regardless of size.

Chihuahua coats can be short or long and have a range of colors. They are incredibly affectionate and get attached to their people. A classic case of a little dog with a big bark, the Chihuahua, is a very vocal breed. These highly energetic, inquisitive pups will keep their owners on their toes throughout their lives.

This long-lived pup will hold a place in your heart forever.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are incredibly active, highly energetic, opinionated terriers. Another long-lived smaller breed, the lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier ranges from 14 to 18 years, though some live longer. These little tykes weigh 13 to 17 pounds and stand 13 to 14 inches tall. They are incredibly friendly, reasonably easy to train, low grooming, and known to be a healthy breed.

Notorious for their love of barking and digging, Jack Russells are skilled at escaping. They require a firm hand and consistent training to deter this behavior. These are unavoidable traits of the breed, so if you have a yard that you do not want to be dug up, a Jack Russell may not be the best choice. This breed loves to dig and will consistently dig as long as they are healthy and able. Jack Russells love to chase things, including your cat and other small neighborhood animals.

While they can be suitable for people who live in smaller homes and apartments, they will need plenty of opportunities to get that energy out. That being said, Jack Russells are friendly, very affectionate dogs who do make great family pets. Just be prepared for a little bit of training and a whole lot of attitude.

Coton de Tulear

This little-known breed has one of the most extended life spans of dogs. On average, they live 15 to 19 years. This is another tiny, long-lived breed, reaching between 8 and 15 pounds as adults. Males will be slightly larger than females. They are highly energetic and need a lot of physical activity. Otherwise, they get anxious and destructive. Coton de Tulears are friendly to people and other dogs and make active and happy family pets.

This breed is recognizable for fluffy, snowy white coats of fur. This dog was once the prized pet of the nobility of Madagascar. In fact, those not of royal blood were prohibited from owning these little dogs. They are named for the town of Tulear in Madagascar and their fluffy white coats. Coton de Tulear means cotton of Tulear.

This breed is high maintenance due to their dense, soft coats that need a lot of grooming and upkeep. They are often compared to clouds or tufts of cotton. Their long ears go about mouth length but appear to droop almost to the floor when covered in long hair. They have round, happy eyes and long hair that surrounds their eyes. Owners often tie the hair back or get their pups hair trimmed so that the dogs can see.

Miniature Poodles

Miniature Poodles are another smaller breed that can live for a long time. The average lifespan for a miniature poodle is about 14 to 17 years. Fully grown, a Miniature Poodle will only weigh in the range of 10 to 15 pounds. Known as friendly to both children and other dogs, miniature poodles make excellent companion dogs.

They are easy to train and love to play with their human family members. These little dogs are incredibly smart and can learn almost anything their owners want to teach them. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they are highly active and thrive on human companionship.

Miniature Poodles are known for their tightly curled fur that does not shed. Because of the tightly curled coats, miniature poodles will require frequent grooming. They are pretty popular among dog lovers that suffer from pet allergies, as their fur does not shed. This highly active dog has a ton of energy and needs at least 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) of exercise every day. Poodles love to play games like fetch and frisbee and are amazing water dogs.

Though they do have one of the longer lifespans for most canine breeds, Miniature Poodles can be prone to disease. Owners will want to ensure they are providing regular medical care and working closely with their veterinarians to ensure the longest life possible for your miniature poodle. Toy Poodles also have an expected life span of 10 to 18 years. This size poodle is much smaller, weighing just 4 to 6 pounds as adults. Toy Poodles tend to live long lives. However, they can be prone to health issues as they age, including eye disease and orthopedic concerns.

Norrbottenspets

The Norrbottenspets is an exceedingly rare breed of dog that is primarily found in Sweden. There is some debate if the breed originated in Sweden or Finland. However, the breed was officially recognized first in Sweden, so that credit will go to the Swedes. They have a very long lifespan, living from 14 to 17 years. This medium-sized breed reaches 18 to 39 pounds. Also called the Nordic Spitz, these dogs sport a foxlike face, curly tail, and pointy ears.

Historically they were bred as hunting dogs but are now common as pets. This breed is highly intelligent and known for their unique style of hunting. They combine scent, sight, and sound in hunting, rather than relying on only their sense of scent.

Norrbottenspets are a loyal, energetic breed popular for pets. However, they can cause problems with their excessive barking. Though not an aggressive breed, they have a high prey drive and love to chase small animals, including other pets. These dogs are highly active, affectionate, and love to play games.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a toy breed of dog known for living long lives. They live for 13 to 18 years on average. These tiny dogs only reach 8 to 12 pounds as adults. This dog has shorter hair, with tufts of fur on the ankles, tails, and heads. They also come in powderpuff, covered in a long, silky coat. Both varieties have telltale tufts of hair on their heads.

This breed rarely sheds, especially the hairless variety. The breed is thought to have originated in Africa. Its ancestors were much larger and eventually were bred to be smaller toy-sized pups. TheChinese Crested traveled the world with Chinese traders, earning them the nickname Chinese Ship Dogs.

These dogs love to stay inside and just hang out. They are athletic but simply prefer to be lazy if they can. Chinese Crested make lovely companions. They are sweet, friendly, and loving to people. This low-energy breed makes excellent pets for families with kids or those who live in small spaces.

Dachshunds

Dachshunds are a breed that regularly lives to be over 15 years old, and their average lifespan is anywhere from 12 to 16 years. The record for the oldest living document is 21 years old. While these dogs tend to live longer than many other breeds, they can have health and age-related medical problems like several other smaller breeds. Dachshunds can be standard 916 to 32 pounds) or toy-sized (up to 11 pounds). They can have wirehaired, smooth, or long coats.

Dachshunds have big attitudes and were bred to be hunters of small prey and vermin and still have that instinct to seek out smaller animals. While they are friendly to people, they can get aggressive with people and other dogs if not trained properly. These dogs need a lot of training and positive reinforcement to learn boundaries. Despite their smaller size, they make wonderful companions and guard dogs, and have a big dog bark.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, as they are commonly known, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for household pets. Currently, they hold the place of the 10th most popular dogs in the United States for a good reason. These cute little furballs are full of love, attitude, and energy. Like most other toy breeds of dogs, they have a long lifespan and live on average 11 to 15 years, though many live several years longer. These tiny pups only reach between four and seven pounds fully grown, making them tiny long-lived companions that will keep dog owners on their toes.

This adorable dog breed can be traced back to Terrier-type dogs from Scotland and England. They are tiny little bodies full of energy and love to have fun. Because they are Terriers, they are great hunters and ratters. They will chase almost anything they see that moves. Despite being so full of energy, they tire easily and will happily spend hours napping with their human friends.

They need daily exercise to stay fit and to prevent boredom. With proper care, these little pups live long, happy lives. Yorkshire Terriers are popular both as pets and as show dogs.

Whippet

Whippets are a British breed of dog related to the Greyhound. They are known for their sleek, unique appearance. Bred as racing dogs, these medium-sized dogs are remarkably fast. They are not often thought of as the first choice for a family dog, but that has nothing to do with their personality or style.

The Whippet looks lean, muscular, and proud like a racing dog. They weigh between 25 and 40 pounds and have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Whippets have hardly any body fat, crinkled rose-shaped ears, and big round eyes. This breed has very narrow faces and exceptionally long necks. The Whippet has a short thick coat but gets cold quite quickly due to their bodies low amount of fat. Whippets will need a sweater for chilly weather.

They do amazingly well with children and love being around people. They do not like being left alone and can get lonely quickly. The Whippet is a highly adaptable breed. As long as they get plenty of time for exercise, they can live about anywhere.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, also called the blue heeler, is a breed that has risen in personality over the last decade. These dogs have an incredibly unique look and a fun, affectionate nature. They can live long lives, on average, about 12 to 16 years. The blue heeler is a dog that likes to work and will keep pushing himself even through illness or injury.

Australian Cattle Dogs will weigh between 35 and 50 pounds when fully grown and stand between 17 and 20 inches tall from paw to shoulder. This breed has a small yet sturdy frame, pointy, erect ears, and oval-shaped eyes, which often have heterochromia. This condition creates one single blue eye. While the Australian Cattle Dog has a short double coat, he also has a bushy tail, often compared to a fox.

Known for being an incredibly healthy dog breed, it is not surprising that the blue heeler can live for an exceptionally long time. They are friendly with both people and children. This breed has a stubborn streak and needs an owner that is just as stubborn. Blue heelers may be a long-living breed, but they are not the best breed for people who have never had a dog before.

Maltese

The Maltese are tiny, fluffy, brave little furballs with prominent personalities. Like many other small breeds of dogs, Maltese have a relatively long lifespan, from about 12 to 15 years. These tiny tots do not get big. They only weigh 4 to 8 pounds fully grown. They are incredibly friendly to children and other dogs. This breed is known as the oldest toy dog breed that originated in Europe. This breed is quite ancient. Depictions of them were found on ancient Greek vases.

Despite their small size, Maltese are known for their brave, feisty personalities. They rarely realize how small they are. It is essential to train this breed properly, or they will find themselves in danger constantly. Being so small, they can quickly get underfoot and are very headstrong and protective.

These tiny white fluff balls have silky soft, fine hair. Maltese require a lot of grooming to keep this silken hair in undamaged shape. Despite being high maintenance with their coats, this breed makes excellent pets. They love people, and other dogs, are easy to train, and do well in small homes.

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a designer dog breed that has been around since the 1960s. This breed is often a mix between a standard poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, although sometimes they are a cross between a poodle and an English Cocker spaniel. There is not much difference between these two variants though some breeders will call them different breeds.

Because of the selective breeding of these dogs, they have a personality that meshes well with their human owners. The Cockapoo is a happy-go-lucky pup who is very smart and affectionate. These dogs love strangers and family members alike. They are also bundles of fluff and energy and will need loads of attention.

The Cockapoo comes in three sizes: toy, mini, and standard. The standard can get up to 50 pounds. This breed also has a very long lifespan. On average, Cockapoos live between 14 and 18 years. Due to careful breeding, these dogs are pretty easy to train, are incredibly smart, and very affectionate. Due to their fluffy coats, they will need a lot of grooming. Their coats are quite thick and dense and should be soft and silky to the touch with proper grooming and care. Cockapoos can be single or double-coated due to the variation in their parent breeds. This dog sheds a lot and is unsuitable for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic breed.

Though they have incredibly influential personalities to humans and do very well with other household pets, the Cockapoo is bred from two breeds of hunting and working dogs. This genetic mix gives them a high prey Dr, meaning this is a breed that chases after small and other pets. They are also quite limber and quick, so this breed needs consistent training and proper leash training and handling throughout their life.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese canine breed. They have been a prevalent dog breed for generations. The Shiba Inu was originally bred to work with hunters in the mountains and forests. These medium-sized dogs live about 13 to 16 years. Shiba Inu reach about 17 to 23 pounds as adults.

The Shiba Inu is most known for its striking appearance. This breed has a short, fluffy coat, a bear-like face, and a muscular body. Shiba Inu has a very particular set of markings called urajiro, ventral markings along the face and different parts of the body. A very famous Shiba Inu is the face of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin.

This breed does have a good relationship with other dogs. However, they like attention and can be selfish, territorial, and possessive of their humans. They do best in one-dog-only households. They are a highly independent breed, making them hard to train and in a handful well past puppyhood. Shiba Inu are very curious and are excellent at escaping.

These dogs have a tough time living in highly populated urban areas, as they like to run off and can get into trouble with cars and congested areas. As hunting dogs, they have a powerful drive to hunt smaller animals, including cats, rodents, and neighborhood animals. However, this breed is quite loyal and loving and requires a lot of attention. They are not good dogs for small spaces or first-time pet owners.

Pug

The Pug is a medium-sized dog breed that has long been popular as a family pet. These dogs offer a lot of personality for a relatively small body. They reach about 14 to 18 pounds full grown. Like most other small dogs, Pugs can live for quite a long time, with an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. These little dogs are well known for their unique appearance. They have small, squished faces and smiley-looking mouths that give them a very agreeable appearance. They are a small breed with a lot of character. The Pug is also known for their big egos; they tend to like to strut their stuff and show off for their humans and other dogs.

Pugs are popular as family pets because they do very well with children, they tend to be high energy, so they do well with kids who like to run around and play. These dogs are also pretty friendly with other dogs, and they can be a bit boisterous at times. The good news is that once a Pug tires themselves out, they love to lay around and nap.

Pugs are known among the canine world as some of the loudest snoring dog breeds ever. These little guys are super affectionate, love to cuddle, and do not like to be left alone. They are also a breed with a tightly curled tail, and some even will have a double curl. The wrinkly faces and fun personalities make Pugs one of the most lovable companion breeds of dogs.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Siberian Husky. This breed is newer and growing in popularity. This breed was intended to be a companion dog, sharing the same striking looks like the beloved Husky. The Klee Kai was developed in Alaska in the 1970s.

These intelligent little dogs are easy to train because they love to please. They are affectionate but wary of strangers. High-energy dogs and Pugs need plenty of walks and exercise to keep out of trouble. These little dogs love the hunt and may not do well around other small animals, including housecats.

Alaskan Klee Kais only weigh 13 to 15 pounds as an adult. They can live for about 12 to 16 years and are a healthy breed. They require a lot of grooming and will shed a good deal, most significantly, when the seasons change.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer, which is almost just a miniature version of a standard schnauzer, also makes the list of long-living dog breeds. Mini schnauzers live about 12 to 15 years on average. These are small dogs weighing 10 pounds to 20 pounds when fully grown. Overall, these dogs are incredibly healthy, friendly breeds.

Though they may be small, their bark is significant, making them excellent guard dogs. This breed is pretty energetic and loves to play. Miniature schnauzers need a lot of attention and tend to suffer from separation anxiety. They are also known as strong chewers and will chew up just about anything they can get their teeth on when they are bored.

This breed is intelligent but stubborn, making training a bit of a challenge. Despite that, they are very loving and enjoy time with children, making them excellent pets for families. Due to the stubborn streak and constant need to win arguments, this can be a tricky breed for first-time dog owners. They also require a high level of grooming, though this dog is known as a hypoallergenic breed because they do not shed.

Rat Terrier

This small Terrier is a fully American breed. Bred from a mix of other terrier breeds, the Rat Terrier is small yet bold. This little tyke can live from 12 to 18 years and reaches 10 to 25 pounds fully grown. Originally bred as a ratter, this dog is talented at hunting down small prey. There are two sizes, the larger stands about 13 to 18 inches tall, and the smaller ones stand 10 to 13 inches tall. Neither weighs over about 25 pounds.

They are known as intelligent dogs that can have a stubborn streak. This breed can be tricky to train and may not be the best for soft-hearted or newer dog owners. They are known as yappy barkers, making them wonderful watchdogs.

It is hard to track down the exact lineage of Rat Terriers. They were bred from at least seven breeds, including the Whippet, Beagle, Bull Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and the Old English White Terrier. This was done to create a dog breed with exceptional hunting ability as this dog was originally bred to control pests.

Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier were often given as gifts and rarely sold, as they were thought to be good luck charms. This smaller breed reaches 18 to 30 pounds fully grown. They have an expected lifespan of 15 to 16 years.

Though the breed has Terrier in the name, this dog does not belong to the Terrier family. They were given the moniker because they resembled terrier-type dogs. The Tibetan Terrier has a wooly double-layer coat. The heavier undercoat is topped with an overcoat of long, fine hair. This breed also has unique flat feet, which helped them traverse the snowy mountain terrain of Tibet.

Tibetan Terriers love people and thrive from human attention. They make excellent therapy dogs and are easy to train. These little fluffy friends are full of energy and need a lot of activity to keep them from getting all sorts of destructive. They love to play and learn games and tricks well. A highly adaptable breed, they can adapt to any situation and love colder climates.

Pomeranian

The fluffy, adorable Pomeranian, nicknamed the Pom, is the smallest of the Spitz dog family. This breed is related to the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed. However, at just 3 to 7 pounds fully grown, this breed will not be pulling any splits. They live long lives with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. With a long, incredibly fluffy coat, the Pomeranian is one of the fluffiest dog breeds in the world. They have a soft, dense undercoat with a long coarser outer layer. Pomeranians fur is weatherproof, keeping them warm wherever they are. The relation to sled dogs is apparent in the Pomeranian facial structure and coloring.

These little fluff balls are pretty small. However, they believe they can take on just about anything any other dog can. Despite being one of the smallest dogs at the park, they will be one of the loudest, and you can bet if there is a Pomeranian around, they will be telling everyone what to do.

They require almost constant supervision due to their small size. This is an excellent dog to use crate training with because if they are left unattended, they will find their way into trouble. Under no circumstance should these dogs be left alone outside. Pomeranians are the perfect size for larger birds of prey to snatch up and make an afternoon snack.

Beagle

Beagles are a super friendly breed and popular for family pets worldwide. Beagles come in two sizes. One reaches up to 35 pounds fully grown. The smaller size reaches 22 to 30 pounds. Beagles have a long lifespan, on average 10 to 15 years. This breed hails from the U.K., where they were bred as hunting dogs. The Beagle might be most known for their impressive howling and very loud barking. Beagle is believed to have been derived from the French word meaning loudmouth.

Beagles are a friendly, intelligent breed with a chipper personality and love affection. The loud barking makes it difficult for them to be house dogs, as they can annoy the neighbors and those they live with. This breed is highly active, bright, and fun-loving. Beagles are driven by scent and spend hours following their noses.

Known for being stubborn, Beagles may be hard to train and can take a long time to housetrain fully. Beautiful, known for floppy ears, tricolor coats, and medium-length coats, Beagles look similar to Foxhounds.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a long-living breed of dog that is said to have been bred by Tibetan holy men in hopes of creating a miniature lion. They were a companion in the Chinese Imperial court, though the breed dwindled after the Communist Revolution. It is said that todays Shih Tzu population all descended from only fourteen dogs that were taken from China to the United Kingdom.

These little tykes are a toy breed that reaches about 9 to 16 pounds fully grown. The Shih Tzu has a long lifespan, on average living from 10 to 18 years. They have sweet eyes and a floor-length double coat of silken fur. This breed sheds a moderate amount and needs daily brushing to keep their luxurious coats in top condition.

The Shih Tzu is a popular pet and a top contender as a show dog. These fur buddies are very affectionate and love nothing more than to lap sit and cuddle for hours. Though they love a good cuddle, the Shih Tzu also has a lot of energy and needs to have daily physical activity. These tiny pups are extremely sensitive to heat and must be kept inside. The Shih Tzu can play outside and go for walks but should never be kept in an outdoor kennel. These little loves make wonderful pets for families with kids and perfect companions for seniors and those dog lovers living in apartments.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized canine breed with a big personality and unique look. Cocker Spaniels surged in popularity after the 1955 Disney movie Lady and the Tramp. The breed came from the larger Spaniel family and was bred originally as hunting dogs. Cocker Spaniels, on average, live about 12 to 15 years. They weigh 24 to 30 pounds as adults. Males will be slightly bigger than females.

Cocker Spaniels are known for their loud barks, making them wonderful guard dogs. They love children and tolerate other dogs well. This breed is known to be chipper, full of energy, very smart, and gentle, making them a great family pet for young children.

Bred as a hunting dog, the Cocker Spaniel does not do well off the leash unless owners are prepared for them to run. They love to hunt and will chase anything they see that moves. Birds, cats, rodents, and other small dogs are all fair game. These little pups are also avid diggers and big-time chewers. Cocker Spaniels should not be left outside unsupervised due to their behavior and tendency to bark obnoxiously.

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is an adorable breed many folks have never heard of. They are small, weighing 12 to 18 pounds as adults. These dogs live relatively long lives, on average 12 to 15 years. This rare breed is most known for their extravagant flaxen locks. They have floor-length double-coated, straight hair. The hair is so plentiful it almost buries their lovely little eyes. Despite looking fluffy, the hair is rather hard to the touch. It stands up to dirt and dust. They have intense grooming needs if their hair is kept long. Lhasa Apsos show dogs need daily grooming, though all are high maintenance.

This rare Tibetan breed dates to ancient times and is named after Tibets sacred city of Lhasa. Historically, the little dogs served as guards for monasteries and palaces. This canine breed is viewed as holy and revered creatures even today. The Lhasa Apso has a guard dog personality and is highly protective of their trusted humans. Though small, they have a mighty loud bark.

This breed is lovable and cuddly when they are not on guard duty. They happen to be one of the breeds of smaller dogs that do not mind a little solitude and can be left alone inside for a few hours. This breed is a bit stubborn and can be a challenge to train. Small yet sturdy is a good description for this lovable, unique-looking breed.

The Lhasa Apso is rare in the United States but is a popular breed for celebrities. Elizabeth Taylor, Gwen Stefani, and Ellen DeGeneres are among the few Lhasa Apso owners in the U.S.

Xoloitzcuintli

This unique breed is tough to pronounce (show-low-etz-QUEENS-lee) and is named after the ancient Aztec dog of the gods. This breed comes in hairless or coated and has three sizes, toy (10 to 15 pounds), miniature (15 to 30 pounds), and standard (30- to 55 pounds). Xoloitzcuintli has a long lifespan. On average, they live 13 to 18 years. This breed is often referred to as Xolo.

The Xolo is a breed considered a national treasure in Mexico and has been around for over 3,000 years. They have noticeably short coats, leading to the nickname Mexican Hairless Dog. This breed is exceedingly rare in the United States. They were a breed depicted often in the works of famed Mexican artists and lovers Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The Xolo is still revered as healing dogs in Mexican and Central American culture.

This breed does better in a calm environment and may not be the best for families with small children. The Xolo is protective, intelligent, and loyal but does not respond well to reprimands or harsh tones.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small dog weighing only 7 to 14 pounds. These toy-sized members of the sighthound family look just like their larger relatives, the Greyhound simply miniaturized. They live relatively long lives. On average, the lifespan of an Italian Greyhound runs 12 to 15 years. These tiny little guys are friendly with other dogs and people and do very well with children.

Italian greyhounds have sleek muscular bodies, and just like their larger relatives, the Greyhound, they are made to run. They have thin, delicate, short coats all over their bodies and require regular grooming. Due to these thin coats, this particular dog breed does better in warmer temperatures. Often referred to as hypoallergenic due to their shortcuts, this dog does shed. They require extra support like sweaters and coats in colder weather.

Though small, this toy-sized Greyhound loves to chase other animals and will run after anything they see outside that looks like it might give a good chase. Inquisitive dogs like to run off, so they need a high level of supervision when they are outside. Because of their small size, these dogs do very well in small spaces like apartments, as long as they get regular exercise outside every day.

Papillon

The Papillion is a toy-sized dog, just reaching 5 to 10 pounds as adults. They live 14 to 16 years. The Papillon is known for their looks and fun, happy, and alert personality. These tiny little tykes are energetic yet calm and love sitting in laps, getting attention. Unlike other toy breeds, these dogs are not high-strung and handle a lot of stimulation, nor do they bark a lot.

Papillons have large, wing-shaped ears, hence their name (the French word for butterfly). They were originally bred as companions for noblewomen and royalty across Europe. They were initially called the Dwarf Spaniel.

These dogs have large erect ears that remind one of a butterflys widespread wings. They have long, feathery hair that hangs over their faces adding to the overall butterfly look. Papillons are said to be low-shed dogs and are easy to care for. They also get along well with other dogs and cats and are lively little dogs with sweet personalities.

Bonus: New Guinea Singing Dog

This breed is an ancient, rare canine that was once thought extinct. This breed is known for a very long lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Linked genetically to the Australian Dingo, this dog has a muscular, lean body and looks like a fox. The breed is native to New Guinea. Because they are so closely related to wild dogs, they can be tricky to train.

Only about two or three hundred live in sanctuaries and zoos worldwide. In the last few years, some Australian wild dogs have been genetically tested and have been identified as being almost identical to the DNA of the New Guinea Singing Dog. There may be more of this breed living in the wild now.

This breed is known for its haunting howls, which sound like a wolfs howl combined with a whales sound. The rare breed can be found in isolated cases as an exotic pet. They will take a lot of extra training and patience to become suited as house dogs.

Tips For Giving A Dog A Long Life

Nutrition and Healthy Weight

What a dog is fed, the quality of food, calorie intake, and products used in making the food have a significant impact on the length and quality of a dogs life. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop joint problems, cardiac disease, and other health problems that can shorten their lifespan. Research the dog food you are feeding your dog. Avoid anything that uses byproducts, lots of sugars, fillers, and those dog foods with high sodium content.

Talk to your veterinarian to find out the best dog food to feed your dog. Different breeds, as well as ages, will require different nutritional packages. Some dogs will need protein and fat to keep their coats healthy. Other dogs that are highly muscular may need something different. It is best to discuss this with your veterinarian throughout the life of your pet to make sure that your dog is always getting a proper balanced healthy diet.

Daily Exercise

Regardless of breed, dogs need daily exercise. Dogs that lie inside all day without any walks, outside time, or gameplay will be both bored and unhealthy. Canines, just like humans, need to stay in good physical shape to remain healthy. Diet plays a huge role, as does physical activity. Physical activity benefits dogs mental health as well as they have natural instincts to get outside, run, and hunt. To keep your dog as healthy as possible, as long as possible, make sure they are getting plenty of opportunities for physical exercise every day.

Dental Care

While dental care can seem superficial, it is a massive part of your dogs health. It is extremely easy to forget to brush your dogs teeth, and often pet owners overlook this essential aspect of canine care. Inadequate dental care can lead to long-term health issues like gingivitis, plaque, bacterial infection, and periodontal disease. Poor dental health in dogs is also linked to organ damage and heart disease, so it is best to watch your dogs teeth throughout their lives.

Regular Medical Care

A big part of the responsibility of dog ownership is to ensure that pups are getting routine medical care throughout their lives. Too often, pets will receive vaccinations as puppies and then not receive medical care or regular vaccinations and checkups unless it is an emergency. This is a poor way to get to know your vet and an even worse way to keep a dog healthy. Dogs, just like humans, need regular vet checkups to make sure they are healthy and discuss any health concerns that may come up. Even dogs genetically predisposed to a disease or things like heart disease or epilepsy can live long, healthy lives with proper care.

Owning a dog is a privilege and a huge responsibility. Taking on the care of another life is a big deal. Pet owners are responsible to their dogs, other pet owners, and all dogs to ensure that their pets are well cared for throughout their lives.

Final Thoughts

Many more canine breeds than those presented here have long life spans. We have gone through just a few, both commonly known and some exceedingly rare breeds, to give an idea of how long of a lifespan some dogs have. We hope you have learned something about these 25 dog breeds with the longest lifespans. As a pet owner, it is always good to know what to expect from your canine, including how long they might be with you.

Though it is hard to talk about, part of pet ownership is understanding that your dog will not be with you forever and committing to keeping them healthy and happy for as long as they live. Remember, owning a dog is more than just playing fetch and having something loveable to cuddle. It is a huge responsibility to care for a dog, and making sure they have the best food, regular exercise, medical care, and lots of love throughout their lives will help keep your pet with you as long as possible.