Dogs are known for their unconditional love and loyalty, but some breeds stand out with the ability to provide years of companionship. Many factors contribute to a dog’s longevity, including size, lifestyle, health care routine and genetics. While no breed is guaranteed to reach a certain age or longer, there are several breeds that have proven themselves as long-living companions over time.
The longest living dog breeds tend to be small in stature and low maintenance in terms of grooming needs. They also require moderate exercise levels which can easily be met by regular walks or playing fetch in the backyard.
Read More: Most Popular Dog Breeds With The Shortest Life Expectancy
These breeds typically come with an independent streak so they don’t need constant attention throughout the day like other more high-energy dogs might demand. All these characteristics make them attractive choices for those looking for a canine companion that will offer many years of joy and friendship without being overly demanding on your time or energy level. Here are the Top 10 Dog Breeds With The Longest Lifespans in the World.
New Guinea Singing Dog 12-15 years
The New Guinea Singing Dog is a unique and rare breed of dog that has been around for thousands of years. This small, primitive canine is known for its distinctive howling song, which it uses to communicate with other members of its pack.
The New Guinea Singing Dog has an average lifespan of 12-15 years and is generally considered to be healthy and robust when properly cared for. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay fit and active throughout their lives, as well as regular veterinary checkups to ensure they remain in good health. With the right diet, exercise regimen, and medical care, these dogs can live a long life full of singing!
Australian Shepherd 12-15 years
The Australian Shepherd is an energetic and agile dog breed that has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy dogs but, like any other breed, can be prone to health issues.
Common health problems for the Australian Shepherd include hip dysplasia, eye diseases such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, and allergies. It’s important to keep your Aussie in good physical condition by providing them with regular exercise and proper nutrition so they stay healthy throughout their life.
Additionally, it’s important to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure any potential medical issues are caught early on before they become serious. With the right care and attention, your Australian Shepherd will remain active and happy well into old age!
Maltese 12-15 years
Maltese dogs are one of the smallest dog breeds, but they have a surprisingly long lifespan. On average, these tiny pups can live for up to 15 years or more with proper care and nutrition. This is significantly longer than many other small-breed dogs like Chihuahuas, which typically only live 6 to 8 years.
The Maltese breed is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature, making them an ideal companion for people who want an intelligent pet that will remain loyal and loving throughout their life.
They also require minimal exercise in comparison to larger breeds, making them great pets for those living in apartments or smaller homes where space is limited. Additionally, Maltese coats don’t shed much at all so they’re perfect if you suffer from allergies or just don’t want a lot of fur around your house.
Beagle 12-15 years
Beagles are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world and for good reason. They are loyal, friendly, intelligent, and have a playful spirit that can bring joy to any home. But how long do Beagles live?
On average, Beagle dogs have an expected lifespan average of 15 years when given proper care and nutrition. However, their life expectancy can be influenced by several factors such as health problems or lifestyle choices made by their owners. With proper exercise and diet habits set in place early on in life, however, it is possible for your beloved Beagle to enjoy many happy years with you!
Shih Tzu 15-18 years
Shih Tzu dogs are a popular breed of small dog with long and luxurious coats. They tend to be loving, loyal companions with an even temperament. Shih Tzus have a life expectancy of around 15-18 years, making them one of the longest lived breeds among toy dogs.
Despite their small size, these adorable pooches require regular exercise and good nutrition to stay healthy throughout their lives. With proper care, they can easily live out their full lifespan without any major health problems or complications.
However, like all breeds of dog, there are certain health issues that owners should be aware of in order to ensure their pet’s well-being.
Lhasa Apso 15-18 years
The Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed with a long and luxurious coat that is beloved by many. This breed originates from Tibet, where they were used as guard dogs in monasteries and palaces. The Lhasa Apso has an average lifespan of 15-18 years, making them one of the longest living breeds among toy dogs.
They are generally healthy but can be prone to some health issues such as patellar luxation, eye diseases, kidney problems and hip dysplasia. In addition to regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations, these little dogs need proper nutrition and exercise to maintain their overall health throughout their lifetime.
Cockapoo 16-19 years
Cockapoos are a popular breed of dog due to their intelligence, loyalty, and loving nature. They are also known for having long lifespans compared to other breeds. The average lifespan of a Cockapoo is anywhere from 16-19 years or even longer depending on how well they are taken care of.
With proper nutrition, exercise and veterinary care, some Cockapoos have been known to live into their twenties! This makes them an ideal companion for pet owners who want a long time companion that will be with them for many years to come.
Cockapoos can provide decades worth of unconditional love and companionship if given the right environment in which to thrive.
Jack Russell Terrier 16-19 years
Jack Russell Terriers are a small breed of dog known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energy. They have become popular family pets in recent years due to their friendly nature and adaptable size.
But besides being an excellent pet choice, Jack Russells also boast impressive longevity compared to other breeds. On average, these dogs can live up to 16 years or more with proper care and nutrition!
This is significantly longer than the typical life expectancy of many other breeds which usually range from 8-12 years. With its long lifespan, it’s no wonder that so many people choose Jack Russells as companions for themselves or their families.
Toy Poodle 16-19 years
Toy Poodles are one of the most beloved breeds of dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. But beyond that, they also boast a remarkable lifespan – with many Toy Poodles living up to 15 years!
This is much longer than other small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers who usually only live for about 10-12 years.
The secret to the Toy Poodle’s long life lies in its healthy diet and exercise regime. As long as these two factors are taken care of properly, your Toy Poodle can easily reach double digits in age without any major health issues.
Chihuahua 17-20 years
Chihuahuas are known for being one of the smallest breeds of dogs, but they also have a surprisingly have one of the longest lifespan of a dog. On average, Chihuahuas can live between 17 and 20 years if properly cared for!
The secret to their longevity lies in their small size and low-maintenance lifestyle. They don’t need much exercise or food compared to larger breeds, so they tend to stay healthier longer. Plus, since they’re so tiny, it’s easier for owners to keep an eye on any potential health problems that could arise later in life.
Currently, Maverick, a 20-year-old Chihuahua who resides in San Diego, California is the oldest living chihuahua on record. Maverick has been an important part of his family since he was adopted as a puppy two decades ago and has brought joy to them every day since then.
Maverick is a testament to the power of unconditional love that dogs can provide to their families and how much they can be valued members of our lives. Despite his age, Maverick still enjoys going for walks, playing with toys and getting treats from his humans. He loves being cuddled up next to them when it’s time for bed or just lounging around on the couch watching TV together!