15 Dog Breeds with Longest Life Spans

We are so grateful for our beloved dogs, but it is unfair to have to say goodbye after such a short period. The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 and 13 years. This can vary with large or giant breeds.

The average lifespan of small dogs is longer than that of larger breeds. This is something you should consider when looking for a family member.

Below is a list of 15 dogs with longer lives, despite any medical or genetic problems. Let’s look at the breeds that live long into their golden years.

1. Australian Cattle Dog

Lifespan:	12- 16+ Years
Temperament:	Curious, alert, intelligent
Colors:	Red or blue?
Size:	Medium

The Australian Cattle Dog, a medium-sized dog with a lifespan of between 12 and 16 years, is an average size. Bluey, an ACD who lived to be 29 years old, holds the Guinness Record as the oldest living dog.

ACDs are very energetic and require a way to burn off their energy. They can be difficult to train due to their intelligence and are often wary of strangers. American Cattle Dogs can be very loyal and brave to their owners.

2. Australian Shepherd

Lifespan:	12- 15+ Years
Temperament:	Energetic, smart, hardworking
Colors:	Black, blue merle and red, red merle
Size:	Medium

An Australian Shepherd is able to live up to 12-15 years longer than other dogs. Australian Shepherds have medium-length fur, and they are intelligent and capable of tricking their owners.

Aussies require a lot of exercise and, ideally 1-2 hours of running each day. As they are smart and eager to please, Aussies can be easy to train.

3. Beagle

Lifespan:	10 to 15+ Years
Temperament:	Friendly, curious, and easygoing
Colors:	Many colors
Size:	Medium

Although the happy-go-lucky Beagle lives for an average of 15 years, the oldest known Beagle lived to the age of 27. Although they come in many colors, the most popular are white and red with black saddles.

Beagles can be described as happy and sociable dogs. A Beagle requires at least one hour of exercise each day. If left unattended, they can become destructive. Beagles make great family pets and are easy to train due to their friendly nature.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Lifespan:	12- 15+ Years
Temperament:	Gentle, affectionate, adaptable
Colors:	Red, red & White, black & White, black and Tan
Size:	From small to medium

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a name that is long for small dogs, lives on average 12 to 15 years. At 19 years old, the oldest Cavalier is found in the UK.

Cavaliers are lively dogs who love to play and will also follow their owners’ cues. Cavaliers will not be active if you’re not active. However, they would love to exercise with you. Cavaliers love people, even strangers, and are very fond of children. Cavaliers are easy to train and eager to please.

5. Chihuahua

Lifespan:	14-16+ Years
Temperament:	Charming, alert, and amusing
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	Small

Megabyte, a sassy Chihuahua, is the longest-living Chihuahua at twenty years old. These small dogs are full of personality but they are not recommended for families with children. Accidents do happen.

Chihuahuas can be stubborn and intelligent so training them might prove difficult. However, exercising is very easy. Sometimes, just trotting around the house with you can be enough.

6. Chinese Crested

Lifespan:	13-18+ Years
Temperament:	Alert, energetic, loving, and alert
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	Small

Many Chinese Crested dogs live to 18 years. You can have hairless dogs or full-grown coats. However, they are most often covered with a “crest”, which is a tuft of fur at the tail, ankles, and head.

Cresteds are loyal, affectionate, playful, and affectionate dogs. Because they love to spend time with their owners they can be trained easily. However, they can also be sensitive dogs so it is important to train them with patience and gentleness. Although they are small, Cresteds can be easily exercised. However, their energy is high and they need to be outside and walked daily.

7. Dachshund

Lifespan:	12- 16+ Years
Temperament:	Brave, curious, and friendly
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	From small to medium

The Dachshund lives between 12 and 16 years. Rocky, a Californian, lived until 25 years old. You can find them in short, long, and wire-haired varieties. They are well-known for their long legs and large bodies.

Dachshunds are excellent watchdogs, and they can be brave and stubborn. Dachshunds need to be exercised regularly but are not encouraged to jump on or onto furniture or run up and back downstairs. This can cause injury to their backs. Although they can be difficult to train, they are affectionate and love to spend time with their owners.

8. Havanese

Lifespan:	14-16+ Years
Temperament:	Social, friendly, and smart
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	Small

Although they live between 14 and 16 years, the Havanese can live as long as 19 years. Their long, silky fur is long and flowing. It comes in many colors—the tail curls over their backs.

The Havanese have a high social status and are often quite clownish. They are very trainable, make people laugh with their antics, and can also be great watchdogs. They are easy to train because of their intelligence and eagerness to please nature.

9. Lhasa Apso

Lifespan:	12- 15+ Years
Temperament:	Funny, intelligent, confident
Colors:	There are many colors to choose from
Size:	Small

Lhasa Apsos live for 12-15 years. However, many people live well into their 20s and 30s. The oldest Lhasa Apso is 29 years. This breed is known for its floor-length, curled tail, and long coat.

Lhasas can be funny with his family, but they will act aloof when meeting strangers. Lhasas can be smart and confident dogs, but they must be exercised regularly and trained well. They are ideal for enthusiastic and creative people because of their stubborn nature and independence.

10. Maltese

Lifespan:	12- 15+ Years
Temperament:	Playful, affectionate, gentle
Colors:	White
Size:	Small

The expected life expectancy of Maltese is 12 to 15 years. However, the oldest recorded age is twenty years. These adorable little dogs are perfect for laps and have long, white coats that reach the floor if you wish.

The Maltese can be a charming and playful dog. Although he may seem elegant in his appearance, they are also very brave watchdogs. They are energetic and can be exercised by going for a walk every day or running outside. These dogs are intelligent and stubborn so training them can be difficult. However, they will also respond positively to positive training.

11. Papillon

Lifespan:	14-16+ Years
Temperament:	Happy, friendly, curious
Colors:	White mixed with another color (blacks, sables, lemons, reds)
Size:	Small

The average Papillon age is 14-16 years. However, the oldest recorded age was 29! Their name, papillon, means “butterfly” in French. They are tiny bundles of joy with amazing ears.

The Papillon is a happy, alert dog that excels in agility and other dog sports. These dogs are small in stature and love to exercise. Papillons are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. You should expect to spend a lot of time with them as companion dogs.

12. Pomeranian

Lifespan:	12- 16+ Years
Temperament:	Brave, curious, lively
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	Small

Pomeranian life expectancy is 12-16 years. The oldest Pomeranian lived to 21 years. There are many colors, but the Pomeranian is most well-known for its super fluffy red or orange coats.

Pomeranians make excellent watchdogs and lap dogs. They are intelligent and alert dogs. Although they require moderate exercise, they are easy to train. Because of his small size, Pom can easily escape and become a nuisance.

13. Shiba Inu

Lifespan:	13-16+ Years
Temperament:	Active, confident, attentive
Colors:	Black & tan, cream, red
Size:	Medium

While the Shiba Inu can live for 13-16 years, Pusuke was only 26 years old when he died. The medium-sized dog of average size is almost fox-like and is well-known for his Doge meme.

Shiba Inus are confident, good-natured dogs. They need to be exercised regularly or they can become destructive. Shiba Inus are independent dogs. They can’t be let off their leash, no matter how well-trained, unless they’re in a secure area. If given the chance, these dogs will run away.

14. Shih Tzu

Lifespan:	Ages 10-18+
Temperament:	Social, loving, and playful
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	Small

The Shih Tzu can live up to 18 years. Smokey, the oldest Shih Tzu, lived to be 23 years old! Another small dog with a floor-length, elegant coat is the Shih Tzu. It requires a lot of grooming.

The Shih Tzu is great with children and can be used as an apartment dog or lap dog. Although they require very little exercise, short walks each day are enough. Training will be difficult. As Shih Tzus love to have their way, you’ll need to be firm and gentle but disciplined.

15. Toy Poodle

Lifespan:	Ages 10-18+
Temperament:	Intelligent, enthusiastic, and eager
Colors:	Multiple colors
Size:	Small

Although the Toy Poodle can live for up to 18 years, its oldest recorded age was 20 years. Although they come in many colors, the Toy Poodle is usually associated with white.

Toy Poodles are well-known for their intelligence. However, they are also very active and athletic dogs. They are small and energetic, but they require lots of exercise. Because of their intelligence and eagerness to please, Poodles can be very easy to train.

Conclusion

These dogs live longer than most other breeds, but there are always exceptions. The Labrador Retriever is an excellent example. It has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years. Adjutant, a Labrador Retriever from the U.K. lived to the age of 27.

A mixed breed could be a good option. The average life expectancy of mixed-breed dogs is 14 years, compared with the 10-year lifespan of purebreds.

Also, size is a factor. Breeds that are more susceptible to health problems are also important. The most important thing is to give your dog lots of love and care.