Dogs have an average life expectancy of 10-13 years.
Though the longevity of life varies from breed to breed.
Breeds with smaller sizes tend to live longer than larger dogs like German Shepherd.
As larger dogs grow faster as they age.
So, if you’re looking to enjoy a longer dog companionship, then read on to find out the 10 longest living dog breeds.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are among the (very few) large dog breeds that live longer.
The longest living dog ever recorded was also an Australian Cattle Dog named ‘Bluey’ who lived for a whopping 30 years.
Aside from the longevity of their, they’re also known for being smart, agile, and energetic.
These qualities make them a good watchdog for families.
Australian Cattle Dog Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 18-20 inches (Male) | 17-19 inches (Female)
- Weight – 35-50 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 12-15 years
- The Australian Cattle Dog is also known as Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler.
- In 1983, the Australian Cattle Dog became a charter member of the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group.
2. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is considered to be one of the finest Japanese dog breeds out there, and for good reasons.
Shiba Inus are intelligent, gentle, loyal, and also can live up to around 16 years.
Owning a Shiba Inu will assure you a long-lasting and quality companionship.
There’s a reason why they are one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan.
Shiba Inu Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 14.5-16.5 inches (Male) | 13.5-15.5 inches (Female)
- Weight – 16-24 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 13-16 years
- Shiba Inu is an ancient dog breed and has been around since 7000 B.C.
- The name ‘Shiba Inu’ translates to ‘Brushwood Dog’.
- During the days of World War 2, Shiba Inu almost went extinct due to bombing raids. Fortunately, the breeding programs that began after the war helped to bring them back to life.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranian is one of the smallest and lightest dog breeds out there.
Due to which they also live longer.
Originating from Germany, Pomeranian is an extremely playful and lively dog breed.
They are smart, elegant, and incredibly loyal to their owners.
Owing a Pomeranian will guarantee you some good time.
Pomeranian Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 6-7 inches
- Weight – 3-7 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 12-16 years
- The name Pomeranian is taken from Pomerania, a historical region split between Poland or Germany.
- This little pooch may be smaller in size, but that doesn’t mean that it cannot be protective. Pomeranians will bark whenever they hear a strange voice from outside.
4. Lhasa Apso
Originating from Tibet, Lhasa Apso is exotic, cheerful, and complex.
Before spreading across the world, Lhasa Apso was used as watchdogs in Tibetan Palaces and Buddhist Monasteries.
They have a very calm and gentle nature, due to which they are considered good family companions.
Lhasa Apso Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 10-11 inches (Male) | 9-10 inches (Female)
- Weight – 12-18 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 12-15 years
- Lhasa Apso is a 1000-year old breed of Asian origin.
- In the 1940s, the fourteenth Dalai Lama helped establish the breed in America.
5. Maltese
Maltese is a healthy and long-lived breed that can live over 15 years.
For the size they have, they’re quite athletic and energetic.
Before spreading across the globe, Maltese was a royal breed and was kept in royal palaces by many kings and queens.
Maltese Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 7-9 inches
- Weight – 4-7 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 12-15 years
- Maltese is an ancient dog breed and dates as far back as 3500 B.C.
- Maltese dogs are loved by royalties, as both Mary Queen Of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I had Maltese dogs at their palaces.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are naughty, attention-seeking cute pups and tend to bark a lot.
It’s hard not to get attracted to their playful personality.
Most Yorkie Terriers can easily live up to around 15 years or more, while some can even exceed 17 years.
They’re also supremely lightweight, as the tiniest of their kind only weigh 2-4 pounds on average.
Yorkshire Terrier Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 7-8 inches
- Weight – 7 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 12-15 years
- In World War II, a female Yorkie named ‘Smoky’ is credited with saving the lives of injured soldiers.
- Yorkie Terrier was officially recognized as a breed in 1886 by the England Kennel Club.
7. Shih Tzu
Another long-living breed ‘Shih Tzu’ is an ancient royal dog breed of Chinese origin.
Shih Tzu is a healthy breed with a friendly and playful nature.
These dogs can live up to 18 years if trained properly.
Shih Tzu Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 9-10.5 inches
- Weight – 9-16 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 10-18 years
- The name ‘Shih Tzu’ translates to ‘Lion Dog’ in English.
- Shih Tzu finally entered the American Kennel Club in 1969.
8. Dachshund
Dachshund is a unique-looking dog and lives several years longer than normal breeds.
Commonly known as “Sausage Dog.”
The Dachshund comes in various sizes, coat colors, and hair lengths.
The longest living recorded Dachshund has lived for over 21 years.
Dachshund Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 8-9 inches (Standard) | 5-6 inches (Miniature)
- Weight – 16-32 pounds (Standard) | 8-11 pounds (Miniature)
- Average Lifespan – 13-16 years
- ‘Dachshund’ is a German word and means ‘Badger Dog’.
- The dachshund has been a national symbol of Germany, especially during the days of The First World War.
- Dachshunds were officially admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1885.
9. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are probably the lightest dogs you’ll ever get a hand on.
Their smallest size ‘Toy’ can weigh as low as 3-4 pounds.
Toy Poodles, if kept healthy and trained right, can live up to around 18 years, making them one of the longest living dog breeds ever.
They are, however, prone to eye diseases.
Toy Poodle Breed Information & Facts
- Height – No more than 10 inches
- Weight – 4-6 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 10-18 years
- Toy Poodles come in three different sizes – standard, miniature, and toy.
- Poodle is the national dog of France. In French, they are called Caniche.
10. Chihuahua
And finally, we have Chihuahua, one of the longest-lived dog breeds.
One of the main reasons for their long-lasting life is that they’re not prone to any serious illness.
Most Chihuahuas live past 15 years while some live as long as 20 years.
Aside from that, Chihuahuas are known for having a willful, devoted, and happy personality.
Chihuahua Breed Information & Facts
- Height – 5-8 inches
- Weight – No more than 6 pounds
- Average Lifespan – 14-18 years
- Chihuahua is among the oldest breeds of America.
- The longest living recorded Chihuahua was named ‘Megabyte’ and lived for over two decades.
- In 1908, the first Chihuahua was registered to the American Kennel Club.