It is often said that the only bad part of being a dog owner is that dogs are on this earth for too short of time. So true! The most you can hope for is for your dog to live a long, happy life and enjoy his senior years. How well you take care of your dog – regular vet visits, good nutrition, and consistent exercise – will contribute to your dog’s lifespan. Another important factor is the dog’s breed.
The average lifespan of a dog is around 10 to 13 years. In general, research shows that small dogs live longer than bog dogs. This is because larger dogs age more quickly as they grow up faster. Below we will list the top 9 breeds that live the longest and with the right lifestyle, can become your well-loved family companion.
Maltese. Maltese never met anyone they don’t consider a friend. Their long, white silky coat makes them look regal and their affectionate nature makes them an ideal lap dog. Females of this breed tend to live one year longer than their male counterparts, but all Maltese pups are expected to have long lifespans.
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Dachshund. Small, long, and drop-eared, this dog makes a great small game hunter, family companion, and even a show dog. A dachshund named Chanel set a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dachshund. She died in 2009 at 21 years old.
Height: 5o to 9 inches
Weight: Up to 32 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Shih tzu. The name “shih tzu means “little lion”, but they are lovers more than fighters! They are happy and outgoing and love nothing more than following you from room to room. Perfect dogs for cuddles on the couch!
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
Beagle. Small, compact and hardy, the beagles were developed as hunting hounds and their noses still guide them through life. They love following an interesting scent! Beagles are happy, outgoing and loving as well as inquisitive, determined and focused on food. The oldest known Beagle lived an amazing 27 years.
Height: 14 to 16 inches
Weight: 20 to 24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Australian Cattle Dog. This dog thrives on having a job to do and being a part of the family. The Australian cattle dog (also known as the blue heeler) has a long lifespan compared to other dogs its size. The oldest dog that ever lived was an Australian cattle dog, Bluey, that lived 29 years until 1939.
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Jack Russell Terrier. Lively, independent and clever this breed is also charming and affectionate. According to Guinness World Records, the oldest Jack Russell was Willie, reaching age 20 in 2014.
Height: 13 to 14 inches
Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years
Chihuahua. One of the smallest breeds in the world, chihuahuas are intelligent and fast learners. They make great apartment dogs because of their size. Chihuahuas may be small but have a BIG personality. The chihuahua is one of the longest-lived dog breeds. Many survive past 15 years, with some living as long as 20 years.
Height: 5o to 8 inches
Weight: Up to 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years
Toy poodle. The poodle is the national dog of France and is the most intelligent breed of all. All poodles and poodle mixes have a long-expected lifespan, but as the littlest of the group, toy poodles have the longest.
Height: Up to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Pomeranian. This foxy-faced dog is compact, active and famous for competing in many obedience and agility trials. The Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family and is extremely loyal to their family.
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
What do you do if your aging dog shows problems with mobility? Has problems getting up and down and even in and out of the car? That’s why the Help Em’ Up dog harness was developed – to help senior dogs maintain their independence and mobility. The mobility harness comes in five sizes and is ideal for the nine breeds listed above. For more information, visit our website and read our testimonials.