25
- February
2022
Posted By : PawBoost
7 Dog Breeds With The Longest Life Spans

This article was contributed by guest writer, Danniel Walker (Author).

7 Dog Breeds With The Longest Life Spans

In the best-case scenario, dogs have an average of 10 to 13 years of life expectancy. Breeds that can live longer than others, on the other hand, do exist. Bigger dogs tend to physically age more quickly than smaller dog breeds due to their rapid development. As a result of how quickly these dogs grow in such a short amount of time, cancer, tumors, and age-related diseases like arthritis may develop sooner in the body. Here are some of the longest living dog breeds to consider if you want to spend a long time with your dog.

Beagle

The French phrase ‘Bee gueule,’ which means ‘broad throat’ or ‘loudmouth,’ is the origin of ‘Beagle,’ and for good reason! Beagles are indeed regarded as “loudmouths” since they often bark and howl. The beloved Snoopy character in the Peanuts comic books is a beagle. Beagles are well-represented by Snoopy, as most beagles are equally intelligent, loving, compassionate, and friendly in real life. It’s very uncommon for Beagles to live 12 years or more, but the oldest known Beagle lived to be 27 years old!

Photo Credit: AJ Spearman via Pexels

Australian cattle dog

If you take proper care of your Australian cattle puppy, you may expect him to live for 12 to 15 years. This breed, formerly known as blue or Queensland heelers, originated in Australia and was used to herd cattle. Despite his devotion to his owner, the cow dog is apprehensive of outsiders. Because of his breeding, you can bet he can’t help but associate kids with herding cattle.

If you have minor children or children who come often, they may not be the best fit for you because they tend to bite at their heels and display other herding behavior that might not be safe for kids. Additionally, these dogs need a lot of exercise! They’re not the dog for someone who is afraid of being in charge, since they need to know that you’re in control, else they might just start making their own rules! Australian cattle dogs are a robust kind of dog, as well as a good watchdog. Cattle dogs are intelligent and full of energy.

Taking your cattle dog to obedience school and engaging in canine sports like agility, tracking, or herding may help you healthily use up their large energy reserves. Because they are naturally brave and independent, you have to watch out for their antics. If your Australian cattle dog attacks larger dogs or injures himself in any way, his complete lack of fear might be what winds up shortening his life. Still, these dogs are loyal and loving once they find their perfect match!

Lhasa Apso

Tibet is home to the historic dog breed known as the Lhasa Apso. The Tibetan palaces and monasteries have a special place in the people’s hearts for their tiny but mighty watchdogs. Their owners can’t help but fall in love with these dogs, yet Lhasa Apsos tend to be afraid of outsiders. They can, however, get along with children because of their calm and kind demeanor.

Photo Credit: Pixabay via Pexels

Dachshund

‘Sausage dogs’ are another long-lived kind of dog. According to historical records, at least one Dachshund survived to be 21 years old! The typical lifespan of a Dachshund is between 12 and 17 years. Size, coat type, and coloration all vary among Dachshunds. There are even smaller breeds of this dog in tiny, kaninchen (rabbit) sizes and the usual ones. However, the kaninchen Dachshund is not recognized by all kennel groups.

The three types of Dachshund coats are short-haired, long-haired, and wiry. Dachshunds can also have a variety of colors and markings. Dachshunds, in general, are fun, energetic, loyal, and brave. Due to their tendency to be aggressive toward humans and other animals, dachshunds may not be the best choice as a small child’s pet. Still, with enough training and positive reinforcement, these dogs can be excellent additions to any family!

Photo Credit: Mirko Fabian via Pexels

Yorkshire Terrier

“Yorkies” are another toy dog breed recognized for their lengthy life spans. “Broken-haired Scotch terrier” was the original name for the Yorkie. Yorkie terriers have an average lifespan of 14 to 17 years, depending on the breed. Yorkies are energetic, curious, and eager to please, despite their diminutive stature. They do tend to bark excessively. Thus, they are well-suited to serve as a watchdog. The Teacup Yorkie, a smaller version of the Yorkie, is an even smaller Yorkie breed. The typical weight of an adult Teacup Yorkie is surprisingly only about two to four pounds!

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, an ancient Chinese breed and one of the longest living dog breeds, whose name translates roughly as “lion,” was a favorite companion of Chinese nobility for generations. Adorable and friendly to everyone, they’re not the best choice for a guard dog role. This doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be an excellent furry friend for you and your family, however! They are generally in good health, but Shih Tzu owners need to make sure that they are always clean, brushed, and manicured. They can keep you entertained all day for years with their typical lifespan of 10 to 18 years!

Photo Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh via Pexels

Chihuahua

In terms of lifespan, Chihuahuas are one of the longest-living dog breeds. On the whole, the lifespan of a Chihuahua is 15 to 20 years on average. ‘Megabyte,’ a 20-year-old Chihuahua, is the oldest known living Chihuahua. In part, this is due to their lack of predisposition to significant sicknesses, according to researchers. The Chihuahua is a courageous, clever, and spirited dog. Despite their small size, these dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners, particularly children. Due to their tiny stature, Chihuahuas need just a minimal amount of exercise.

Conclusion 

Longest living dog breeds aren’t just determined by their size and the breeds they belong to. Many other aspects of your dog’s health and well-being are within your power to influence. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and necessary behavioral training can help lengthen any dog’s lifespan! The dogs in this article tend to live longer than most, but no matter what size or breed your dog is, they have a better chance of living a longer life if given appropriate love and care.

Comments

  • Cocker spaniels live pretty long. Mine is almost 18 and going strong.

  • My cocker was nearly 17 and she was the runt of the litter miss her so much

  • My miniature Poodle is 16.5 yrs now and going strong. She is blind and deaf, but that doesn’t slow her down.

  • I have owned two long haired dachshunds, one lived to 13 and the other 16. Loved them both and would get another

  • My Hungarian Vizsla is about to turn 15. He is from a litter of nine. It was our one and only litter. All the others were sold. He stayed with his mother until he was seven and she died. Then two of his sisters came back to live with us. Although the girls had some sad separations and were both bought by first dog owners, they made it to 14.6 and 14.7 years. I think because of their early lives they were not as healthy as my boy but they still made it to what is considered a very good age for a big dog.
    None of the other dogs from this litter are alive quite a few died around the 10 yo mark. I believe love is a critical factor in dog longevity. Also my dogs lived in rural areas and ran free. I tried to make their lives as free and wild as possible. Then of course they would recover in front of the fire, on a couch or a chair.

  • My yellow lab just passed away at 15 years and 5 months

  • I had a Pekingese that lived until she was 22years
    Lovely little gentle dog

  • My pomeranian lived to almost 20 years and I had a minature collie that lived 17 years

  • PUGS LIVE LONG LIVES ALSO 10-15 YRS SOME 20. WE,VE HAD MANY AT ONE TIME AND OUR OLDEST GIRL NOW IS 15 GOING ON 16!

  • We have had 5 dogs in our married life. Only two were a pure breed, Border Collies. Three lived until 16 and 17 years old. Must be doing something right. We still have 2 that are Border Collies 1 x mix with Cocker Spaniel aged 10 and the other pure BC aged 6 years old.

  • I do believe that the way an animal is cared for determines their life span. We had large mix breed labs that all lived to 16+ years old. I am on my second 17 yr old rescued Chihuahua, but both of them were in not so great shape, but got them needed medical care. Suzie lived to 19 and let’s hope Lucy that I just got last month lives as long. She is now living her best years after a much needed dental and arthritis meds. Care for you pets and they will give you many years of love.

  • I have a golden retriever he is 10 weeks of 18 years not had any health problems really ❤️

  • My Yorkie is 16 in October and she is a nutcase, so quiet and innocent but out of nowhere she has the “zoomies”, Equally as fit as my Tibetan Mastiff at more than half his age. Then my other dog which is a shorkie he’s 8 this year and he wants walks at 2am and has an obsession with de seeded watermelon.

  • I had a Pom who poassed one month before her 23th birthday

  • I have a Sicilian Greyhound w/ 1/8 Chihuahua that is coming up on 20. He’s a loyal old man….but certainly becoming curmudgeonly in his old age, lol!! He reminds me of that stereotypical kind grandpa who yells at kids that walk on his lawn 😁

  • I had a Pomeranian that had a ton of energy she was 17 she just passed away this past Thanksgiving time she was always a happy dog even a smile on her face

  • A 16 year old energetic Sheltie just past away 2-2022. She was still going up and down stairs.

  • We had a Labrador Retriever who lived to be 17 years old! She was the best dog ❣️ She was well trained and free to roam in the endless forest adjacent to our property. I believe one reason she lived so long is that we fed her raw meats and vegetables as a supplement to high quality grain free crunchies.

  • My little Bandit who was mostly Beagle with a little bit of something thrown in the mix lived to be 18 years old. She was still going strong when I put her down but her quality of life was diminishing due to blindness and hearing loss. Hardest decision ever but she didn’t deserve to be terrified of her own shadow and falling down stairs.

  • My Chihuahua is 17 1/2 years old and she still running around like a puppy.….

  • Y’all are so lucky. I’ve had mostly big dogs. Dobermans, Rottweilers and labs. I’ve lost almost all of them by the age of eight. Most from cancer. I think I better get a miniature mini something or another. I’m getting my heart broken way too often.
    Robbi

    • Sandra Schneidwind

      March 18, 2022 at 7:33 AM

      It’s never long enough. But they do live longer. My Great Pyrenees lived to 15 my chow/st. Bernard mix was also 15. And my Great Dane mix was the youngest he was 9. I’ve had 10 dogs after my last one I decided no more I don’t want to deal with their death anymore. 6 mos later looking for another dog to add to my 2. Lol. Don’t give up just give them the best that you can it doesn’t have anything to do with you.

  • Marie Louise Beauregard

    March 5, 2022 at 6:49 PM

    I had a Pit Bull that lived 18 years.

  • I had a Boston terrier that lived to be 21 and a boxer who lived to be 15 both had incredible amounts of love and attention from all they met the boxer even had visitors trained to bring him bags of McDoubles

  • I had a Golden Retriever mix that lived 16 years. She was very gentle and a great friend. She is missed every day.

    Her brother was a COCKAPOO who lived 12 years. They were inseparable. My home is very vacant without them. 😞

  • I had a collie Shepard mix and she lived to be 15 years old. I had a lab that lived to be 15 and I had a Chiuhuaha mix lived to be 23.

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