The Longest-Living Dog Breeds

01 Oct The Longest-Living Dog Breeds

We all strive to give our pet dogs a joyful and healthy life, hoping to enjoy their companionship for many years. Interestingly, one way to potentially extend your pet’s lifespan is by choosing a breed known for its longevity. Generally, smaller dog breeds tend to live longer, which is reflected in the list of breeds with the longest average lifespans. While there are a few larger breeds that also boast longer lives, it’s the smaller ones that predominantly top the list. Remember, these are averages, so individual lifespan can vary.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

The study revealed that the average lifespan for all dogs was 12.5 years, with female dogs living slightly longer than males – 12.7 years compared to 12.4 years. The researchers found that smaller, long-nosed dogs generally outlive their larger, flat-nosed counterparts. For example, Miniature Dachshunds, small and long-nosed, typically live up to 14 years, whereas medium-sized, flat-nosed French Bulldogs average about 9.8 years. This disparity is partly attributed to the health challenges faced by flat-nosed breeds, such as breathing difficulties and heat sensitivity. Among the 155 purebred breeds studied, Lancashire Heelers had the highest median life expectancy at 15.4 years, followed by breeds like Tibetan Spaniels, Bolognese, Shiba Inus, and Papillons, which also show longer lifespans.

List of the Most Longest-Living Dog Breeds

Here’s a list of some of the longest-living dog breeds, known for their extended lifespans and charming characteristics:

1. Yorkshire Terrier: Often living well into their teen years, Yorkshire Terriers are known for their vibrant energy and petite size, which contribute to their longevity.
2. Maltese: This ancient breed is famed not only for its silky white coat but also for its longevity, often living past the age of 15 due to their robust health and small size.
3. Boston Terrier: These friendly and compact dogs are known for their tuxedo-like markings and lively personalities. Their lifespan typically ranges around 11 to 13 years.
4. Shih Tzu: Originally bred for royalty in China, Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats and sweet nature, often enjoying life spans that extend into their mid-teens.
5. Dachshund: This breed is characterized by its unique long body and short legs, which don’t hinder their lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 16 years.
6. Beagle: Known for their incredible sense of smell and tracking abilities, Beagles are also long-lived, often reaching 12 to 15 years.
7. Chihuahua: One of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas are also one of the longest-living, with many reaching up to 16 years or more, thriving with proper care and affection.
8. Cockapoo: A mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Cockapoos inherit the longevity traits of both breeds, often living between 13 to 16 years. Their hybrid vigor contributes to their overall health and long life.

These breeds are cherished not only for their distinct appearances and personalities but also for their ability to be long-standing companions, bringing joy for many years.

About Mixed Breeds Lifespan

Mixed-breed dogs often enjoy a lifespan of around 14 years on average, which is notably longer than the near 10-year average lifespan of purebred dogs. This disparity can be attributed to the genetic diversity found in mixed-breeds, which may reduce the prevalence of inherited health issues often seen in purebreds. These health issues in purebreds often arise because breeding to meet specific standards can also inadvertently perpetuate genetic defects. Predicting the exact lifespan of a mixed-breed dog can be challenging due to their varied genetic backgrounds, but this diversity is also what makes each mixed-breed dog truly unique. Additionally, adopting a mixed-breed dog is usually more cost-effective compared to purchasing a purebred, making them an appealing choice for many dog lovers who value both uniqueness and practicality in their canine companions.