One of the hardest things about being a pet parent is having to say goodbye to our much-loved furkids, so doing some research on which dog breed lives the longest can help you choose a canine companion that will be part of your family for years to come.
Research on how to convert dog years to human years has highlighted that size does matter when it comes to longevity, with the smallest dogs having almost double the expected lifespan of their biggest peers.
Giant breeds, like the Great Dane, tend to age in fast motion and rarely exceed eight years, while many terrier breeds can live up to 20 years with the right care. We dug deep into doggy longevity to figure out which dog breed lives the longest, here are the 10 that came out on top...
Beagle
Friendly and curious with a loving personality and happy temperament, the Beagle is a clever breed with plenty of energy to burn. Vocal with a need to chatter frequently through barks and howls, this sweet-natured medium-sized dog has a lifespan of between 10-15 years, with the oldest known Beagle living an impressive 27 years!
Australian Shepherd Dog
The smart and work-orientated Australian Shepherd Dog has an exuberant nature and loves nothing more than spending its time being active in the great outdoors. It’s likely all that running around that makes this breed generally so healthy, with most Aussies living between 12-15 years.
Dachshund
They may have a long and low silhouette, but the feisty little Dachshund has a bold personality and a friendly and inquisitive nature. While they won’t win any awards for long-distance running or jumping, they’re super smart with a strong stubborn streak, which could be why this sausage dog sticks with their owners for up to 16 years.
Pomeranian
Small on stature but with a larger-than-life plucky personality, the Pomeranian isn’t one to back down from a fight, even when their opponent far outweighs them. With their smiling foxy-face and vivacious natures, the intelligent Pomeranian’s long life expectancy of 12-16 years, makes them the ideal companion.
Yorkshire Terrier
Affectionately known as Yorkie’s, the Yorkshire Terrier has a feisty, tenacious, and brave heart with a sprightly and affectionate nature that loves being the center of attention. With bags of personality and an average lifespan of 15 years, the Yorkie will shower their owner with years of love, laughs, and a close bond that makes them hard to replace.
Shih Tzu
It’s hard to resist the sweet expression of the Shih Tzu, who has an affectionate, outgoing, and playful nature that makes them ideal for families with children. Originating from Tibet and with a history of being a lapdog, the Shih Tzu is highly human-orientated and its ability to sit quietly makes it one of the best dog breeds for remote workers. Living up to 18 years, this little cutie will provide years of loyal company and entertainment.
Toy Poodle
With a lifespan between 10-18 years, the Toy Poodle is wickedly smart with a steady character and self-confident nature that sees them being up for anything. They may look like just a pretty face, but this breed sees itself as a human being and expects to be treated like one.
Jack Russell Terrier
The alert and lively Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless and tenacious little dog who’s always ready to work. Confident, playful, and affectionate, this breed loves being active and has an overall zest for life, which is a good thing considering they can live to an impressive 20 years.
Chihuahua
Small but sassy, the spirited Chihuahua knows that good things come in small packages. One of the national symbols of Mexico, this plucky breed oozes charm and a big-dog attitude. Compact and confident, the Chihuahua has a lifespan of between 14-16 years, and like their cousin the Chorkie, they’re one of the best dogs for apartment living.
Maltese
Gentle and charming, the Maltese has an elegant appearance and a playful demeanor. Highly agile with tons of love and affection to share, the Maltese is an exceptionally healthy breed that can live up to 15 years. You’ll need to keep this little sweetheart close though, as they’re deeply devoted to their humans and prone to separation anxiety if left alone.
