Which Dog Breeds Live The Longest?
When you bring your new pet home, nothing is guaranteed. This is especially true when it comes to life expectancy, you can’t foresee illness or accidents but you can be forewarned when it comes to the average lifespan of specific breeds. Regardless of which breed you open your heart and home to, always be aware that it’s a life long commitment - they may only be with you for a part of your life, but they’ll be with you for all of theirs!
Some of the longest living dogs tend to be smaller breeds, with life expectancy growing shorter the larger the breed is. However, some dogs have even been known to outlive their expected years and make it to 25 years – that’s 175 in dog years!
So if you want to know which dog breeds live the longest, we’ve rounded up a list of 12 breeds with the longest life expectancies.
1. Yorkshire Terrier
- Expected lifespan: 16 - 20 years
- Average height: 21.5cm
- Average weight: 1.5 kg
Friendly and curious, Yorkshire Terriers make great family pets. Their small stature and big personality make them great fun to have around – and you’ll never want for cuddles as yorkies love attention.
Yorkies have moderate exercise needs, but they need a high-quality diet as they are prone to stomach problems.
2. Chihuahua
- Expected lifespan: 14 - 20 years
- Average height: 20cm
- Average weight: 2kg
One of the smallest breeds around, chihuahuas are easy to have in any sized home, as they’re so adaptable to smaller spaces. Loving and protective, they can be yappy if they feel their territory is being invaded.
Chihuahuas only need light to moderate exercise, but they can be prone to valve diseases that lead to heart failure.
3. Dachshund
- Expected lifespan: 14 - 20 years
- Average height: 18cm
- Average weight: 10kg
Playful and smart, dachshunds are the smallest member of the hound family. They’re cute and cuddly, and make great family pets. But due to their long bodies and short legs, they can be prone to back problems.
To avoid issues, a high quality diet, moderate exercise, and avoiding the need to jump up or down from high sofas or beds is recommended.
4. Toy Poodle
- Expected lifespan: 14 - 20 years
- Average height: 26cm
- Average weight: 7kg
Toy poodles have all the same benefits as the larger versions of their breed, just with a longer life expectancy. They’re clever, easily trained, and hypoallergenic thanks to their curly fur which rarely sheds.
Toy poodles are also great with children, but they need a lot of exercise. Their energy levels mean poodle owners must dedicate time to their pet’s mental and physical stimulation.
5. Cockapoo
- Expected lifespan: 12 - 18 years
- Average height: 33cm
- Average weight: 9kg
A cross between a cocker spaniel and poodle, curly cockapoos are a fairly recent family favorite dog breed. Taking the best of both breeds, they’re smart, easy to train, and have a fun, playful personality.
Cockapoos are highly active – and since they love attention you’ll find they’re friendly with both human and animal strangers while you’re out on walks.
6. Papillon
- Expected lifespan: 15 - 17 years
- Average height: 24cm
- Average weight: 4kg
The French papillon is cute, friendly, and bubbling with energy. They’re known for their intelligence which makes them easy to train and therefore a great choice for busy families – but they do need their fair share of exercise.
As well as moderate activity each day, Papillons require a healthy diet of high quality food. This helps prevent the development of low blood sugar, joint issues, and dental diseases that the breed is prone to.
7. Beagle
- Expected lifespan: 12 - 17 years
- Average height: 37cm
- Average weight: 10kg
The word beagle is thought to come from the French ‘bee gueule’ which translates to ‘loudmouth’ – so you know what you’re in for with this breed. Though prone to howling, they’re incredibly docile and loving with the perfect temperament and robustness for family life.
Highly active, beagles need plenty of daily exercise and can become anxious and destructive if not adequately exercised. So they’re best suited to equally active families. The longest living beagle lived to 27 years old – so you could be in for a long life of companionship despite their expected 17-year lifespan!
8. Pomeranian
- Expected lifespan: 12 - 16 years
- Average height: 25cm
- Average weight: 2.5kg
The fluffy Pomeranian is as playful as they look. Curious, confident, and bursting with energy, they love to have fun with their families.
Though they have low exercise needs, they do need a lot of stimulation. This could include playing inside as well as regular walks, as they are very alert and can become bored easily.
9. Scotch Collie
- Expected lifespan: 12 - 16 years
- Average height: 56cm
- Average weight: 24kg
Not to be confused with the rough collie, Scotch collies are herding dogs originally bred in Scotland rather than mainland Europe. Though their appearance can vary widely, the personality remains the same: loving, gentle, and friendly.
Traditionally herding dogs, Scotch collies love to play with children and other pets, and have moderate exercise needs as expected of a dog of their size. They fit easily into active families, but watch out for their innate herding behavior – they’ve been known to round up children and other pets in the home!
10. Jack Russell
- Expected lifespan: 10 - 16 years
- Average height: 28cm
- Average weight: 7kg
The playful jack russell was originally trained as a fox hunting dog, but they make great family pets despite their working background. They’re energetic and intelligent, which makes them better suited to experienced dog owners rather than novices, as they can be very independent.
Even into their senior years, jack russells maintain their impressive energy levels. This makes them a better choice for younger families who are able to keep up and provide for their high exercise requirements.
11. Pug
- Expected lifespan: 12 - 15 years
- Average height: 29cm
- Average weight: 7kg
Pugs are a Brachycephalic breed – meaning they have a flattened nose and face which can make it difficult for them to breathe. Despite this, they’re one of the longest-living breeds around.
They’re loyal and loving, and enjoy playing with their owners which makes them a great option for families with children. They also have low exercise needs, so they fit easily into busier families.
12. Australian Shepherd
- Expected lifespan: 12 - 15 years
- Average height: 52cm
- Average weight: 25kg
Surprisingly large for one of the longest-living breeds, Australian shepherds are active and energetic, thanks to their herding history. Traditionally, they were bred to drive livestock and they have sometimes been known to do the same to children – but it’s all good-spirited.
Australian shepherds are highly intelligent and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and anxious. Their affectionate nature makes them a great choice for families but a firm hand is needed when it comes to training.
