Dog owners love their furry companions and want to spend as much time with them as possible. However, the sad truth is that dogs have much shorter lifespans than humans. On average, dogs live between 10-13 years. But some breeds tend to have longer lives than others. So which dog lives the longest?
The Factors That Determine a Dog’s Lifespan
There are several factors that contribute to a dog’s lifespan:
- Breed – Some breeds are predisposed to live longer than others. In general, larger breeds have shorter lives while smaller breeds live longer.
- Size – As mentioned, smaller dogs tend to outlive larger dogs. Giant breeds tend to have the shortest lives.
- Health – Dogs who are generally healthy and receive good veterinary care tend to live longer.
- Diet – A nutritious, high-quality diet supports longevity.
- Exercise – Moderate daily exercise helps keep a dog’s body and mind active.
- Environment – Dogs who live indoors and are cared for by their owners have longer average lifespans.
- Neuter status – Neutered male and spayed female dogs live longer on average than intact dogs.
While general breed characteristics play a large role, each individual dog differs. Some may succumb to genetic diseases while others live to the upper range of their breed’s expected lifespan. Proper care and a bit of luck helps dogs reach their longevity potential.
The Dog Breeds With the Longest Average Lifespans
Certain breeds clearly stand out when it comes to average lifespan. Here are the top 10 longest living dog breeds:
| Breed | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 15-20 years |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 15-20 years |
| Pomeranian | 12-16 years |
| Dachshund | 12-16 years |
| Maltese | 12-15 years |
| Lhasa Apso | 12-15 years |
| Cockapoo | 12-15 years |
| Poodle | 12-15 years |
| Pug | 12-15 years |
| Beagle | 12-15 years |
Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 longest living dog breeds:
Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua has an average lifespan of 15-20 years. Their small size means they do not suffer many of the joint and heart problems of larger breeds. Chihuahuas are also low maintenance in terms of exercise needs. With a healthy diet and regular veterinary care, it’s not uncommon for Chihuahuas to reach 20 years old.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies share a similarly long lifespan of 15-20 years on average. Weighing under 7 pounds, Yorkies avoid many weight-related conditions. These intelligent, spunky toy dogs thrive when showered with attention and proper care.
Pomeranian
The fluffy Pomeranian is another petite breed with a long expected lifespan of 12-16 years. Their small stature helps them steer clear of bone and joint diseases. These little furballs also have minimal exercise requirements.
Dachshund
With an average lifespan of 12-16 years, the wiener dog can keep going and going. Their small legs mean less wear and tear on the joints. Obesity can be an issue so it’s important to properly regulate their food intake and exercise. But a healthy Dachshund should enjoy one of the longer lives in dogdom.
Maltese
This elegant toy breed lives an average of 12-15 years. Their tiny bones and light body mass reduces pressure on the joints. A Maltese is the quintessential lap dog, requiring minimal exercise. Regular grooming and dental care helps keep them looking and feeling young.
Traits of Long Living Dog Breeds
When examining the world’s longest living dog breeds, there are some noticeable similarities:
- Most are small in size – under 20 pounds
- Low exercise needs
- Minimal genetic conditions
- Long coat requiring regular grooming
- Adaptable to indoor living
- Tend to have lower levels of aggression
The size factor makes intuitive sense. Large and giant breed dogs age faster due to their sheer mass and weight putting pressure on the joints and organs. Smaller dogs don’t deal with this issue for the most part.
Low exercise needs also translates to less wear and tear from high activity levels. The longest living breeds are lap dogs rather than work dogs.
An indoor lifestyle also contributes to longevity as it protects from weather, hazards, parasites, and accidents. Taking on the role of pampered house pet suits these little four legged seniors.
How to Help Your Dog Live a Long, Healthy Life
While genetics play a key role in determining lifespan, proper care and prevention can help your dog live comfortably into their golden years. Here are some tips:
- Spay/neuter your dog – Altering eliminates the possibility of testicular and ovarian cancers while curbing roaming and aggression.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Avoid obesity by measuring food and providing daily exercise.
- Feed a high-quality diet – Choose a well-balanced food formulated for your dog’s age and activity level.
- Schedule annual vet visits – Annual exams, vaccines, and bloodwork detect problems early.
- Brush teeth daily – Regular dental care prevents bacteria from damaging the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Stimulate their mind – Keep your dog’s mind sharp with training sessions, toys, and social interaction.
- Manage pain if needed – If your elderly dog exhibits stiffness or discomfort, consult your vet about pain medication.
- Accommodate limitations – Make your home senior-friendly with ramps, comfortable bedding and easily accessible food/water.
While larger breeds may not reach the same ripe old age as a Chihuahua or Yorkie, responsible pet parents can maximize their dog’s chances of living a full, healthy life.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dog who will be your companion for years to come, the long-living breeds highlighted here are great options. Small in stature but big in personality, these petite pups often thrive well into their “teens” and beyond. With attentive, loving care and routine health screenings, they have the potential to beat the average lifespan for dogs. Just like humans, every dog is an individual – but when provided with all they need to live their best life, the years seem to go happily by for these enduring canine breeds.