Top 7+ Dog Breeds That Live The Longest

There are millions of people all over the world that have found hours of enjoyment in their pooch. Additionally, ask anyone, and chances are they will have a dog breed that they swear by. Moreover, they probably can rattle off all kinds of reasons why their breed is the best.

While there indeed is no question that each dog breed has their advantages and disadvantages, if you are looking for a dog that will be your companion for a long time, then you probably should look at breeds that are known for their longevity. If you are looking for that, here are ten breeds you should strongly consider:

Dog BreedLifespan
MalteseAbout 15 years
Jack Russell Terrier16 years
Beagle12-15 years
Australian Shepherd15 years
Shih Tzu15 years 
Chihuahua17 years
Dachshund15 years
Toy PoodleAbout 17 years 
Cockapoo15-17 years
Lhasa apso15 years

1) Maltese

Maltese

Are you getting a Maltese puppy? If so, good for you, because this is a breed that will often live for a very long time. They average about 15 years because the breed does not have any major genetic issues.

Moreover, it’s even better if you are getting a female Maltese simply because of the fact they live about a year longer than their male counterparts.

The Maltese dog breed has also had a long history and has been referred to by many different names over the centuries. It has been known as the “Maltese Terrier”, the “Roman Ladies Dog”, the “Sleeve Dog”, and the “Melita”, which is the former name of the Malta region.

Luckily for this confused breed, the American Kennel Club settled on the name “Maltese” for the breed in the late 19th Century.

Even though the Maltese have a long, white coat, this breed is a good option for those who suffer from allergies simply because they do not shed.

A Maltese will also remain lively and playful even as an older dog. The only disadvantage some will find in this dog breed would be in their tendency to bark constantly.

2) Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier

A Jack Russell Terrier is another dog breed that will usually live for a long time. They were originally bred in England to be fox hunting dogs, and as such they are known to be very energetic, lively, and vivacious.

Indeed, the fact that they get so much exercise just might be the reason why they live such a long time!

The Jack Russell Terrier has an average lifespan of 16 years.

History of the Breed

These dogs originally consisted of small fox-white working terriers, and they were bred by the Reverend John Russell in 1795 and were recognized as a distinct dog breed in 1850, hence their name.

Interestingly enough, John Russell started his new line with an earlier purchase of tan, white and brown female named Trump from a local milk delivery man in 1819.

To say that Russell was enthusiastic about his new dog would be an understatement. According to some accounts, he even described the breed as something he “wouldn’t even see in his dreams.” Moreover, as a hunting dog, Russell prided himself on the fact that none of his dogs had ever drawn blood.

Verdict

Today, Jack Russell Terriers are more well-known as a companion or family dog. They are still a very playful breed, so they would make a great addition to a family with children.

3) Beagle

Beagle

The beagle is a dog breed that appears to be a smaller version of the larger foxhound. It usually has an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

Again, this breed has a nice temperament, and it has developed a reputation as a solid family dog. The beagle is known as even-tempered and intelligent, but also amiable and gentle as well.

Part of the reason why this breed has an average lifespan of 15 years would be because the line doesn’t possess any major genetic diseases. The beagle is known for its large, floppy ears, and this can cause them to be more prone to ear infections.

History of the Breed

A certain variation of the Beagle has been around since the 9th Century A.D. They originated from small hounds, and they were mentioned in the Forest Laws of Canute in 1016.

Some of the ancestor breeds of the Beagle would include the Talbot Hound and the Southern Hound. As a matter of fact, a version of this breed was popular with William the Conqueror.

Verdict

The beagle has a manageable size, even temperament, and a solid genetic makeup. This would make it a good family dog.

4) Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd will usually have an average life span of 15 years. Moreover, if small dogs are not your thing, the Australian Shepherd is one of the larger-sized breeds that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.

It has long been prized by these ranchers for its solid herding ability.

History of the Breed

Even though they are called “Australian Shepherd”, it is not entirely known how they ended up with that name. It has a rather misleading name. The “Australian Shepherd” has also had names such as the New Mexican Shepherd, the Pastor Dog, California Shepherd, and the Austrian Shepherd to name a few.

Interestingly enough, the Australian Shepherd developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it quickly became known for its boundless energy. The breed has done well in the Rocky Mountains because it can withstand the high climate quite easily.

Verdict

Although this dog does live a long time, you will have to “keep it busy” because it has a lot of energy. It makes an excellent hunting dog or a “search and rescue” dog.

5) Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a dog breed that was originally developed in China and they have an average life span of 15 years. They are characterized by their extremely long coat, which must be brushed daily to prevent tangling.

History of the Breed

The history of the Shih Tzu is an interesting one. There are several different theories regarding the origins of the breed. Some believe that the Shih Tzu is a cross between the Pekingnese and the Lhasa Apso, a dog based in Tibet that had roots with the Dalai Lama.

These dogs began being bred in the 17th Century, and they were such favorites of the Chinese monarchy that they wouldn’t even sell, trade, or give them away. The breed wasn’t even introduced in Europe until the 1930s.

The Shih Tzu was recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1934 and the first European Standard for the breed was earned the following year.

The Shih Tzu was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1940, and the breed is now recognized by every single kennel club in the English-speaking world.

Verdict

The Shih Tzu is a good family dog because it has a good temperament and is very friendly. Older couples and families with older children will especially enjoy this breed. Use caution when pairing this breed with a larger dog, but other than that they will be a great companion!

6) Chihuahua

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a dog breed that is known for being the smallest dog on record, and it is also known for being named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The Chihuahua has very little genetic conditions, so it usually will live to 17 years of age or more. Here are some other things about this type of dog that you should know:

History of the Breed

The chihuahua is not only one of the world’s smallest dog breeds, but it is also a dog breed that has a unique and convoluted personal history. Some accounts have this dog originating in Mexico, and this is backed up by both current archaeological finds and folklore as well.

Researchers believe that the chihuahua had an ancestor called the Techichi, as records of this date back to the Ninth Century A.D. There are burial records that date back even farther than that, to the third century A.D.

In 1520, Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes noted that the Aztecs were raising and selling the breed for food. It was also about this time that chihuahuas were being used in funeral rituals.

Of course, recent history has been quite a bit more kind to the chihuahuas that we know and love today. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.

Verdict

Chihuahuas have many unusual attributes. For example, they are a very clannish dog, often preferring the company of other chihuahuas.

They also are often easily frightened, so they won’t do well in a family with noisy children. Moreover, they tend to gravitate toward one person and will become fiercely protective of him or her.

7) Dachshund

Dachshund

The dachshund is also known as the wiener dog because of its unique body structure. This breed will normally live to 15 years of age or even older. Does this sound like an interesting dog breed to you? Here is some extra information:

History of the Breed

The dachshund might have its roots in Ancient Egypt. Many historians note that they were used in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries for hunting badgers and foxes.

It didn’t take long for the short-haired ancestor of the dachshund to produce both long-haired and short-haired varieties. Interestingly, a third variation developed in the 19th century, characterized by wiry hair.

Verdict

Dachshunds have always been an extremely popular breed. They have even been kept in royal courts such as Queen Victoria. They are a solidly affectionate dog, and yes, they will live a long time.

The only issue you might have would be regarding their long backs. Make sure they avoid injuring it, and you are sure to have a companion going strong for many years.

8) Toy Poodle

Toy Poodle

The toy poodle is also a breed that can live for a long time. With an average of about 17 years, they are one of the longest-living dogs that you can get. Is this the dog for you? Here are some important factors:

History of the Breed

There is some debate as to where the breed originates from. Some believe the toy poodle comes from Germany; others believe the dog has a French heritage. The British Kennel club believes that Germany is the most likely origin and that the dachshund was originally bred to be a duck hunter in that part of the world.

Verdict

Poodles will make a good family dog, but you must take particular care when it comes to their coat. Poodles do shed like other dogs, but their fur will be tangled in their hair.

This is why you should give your toy poodle a trim at least once every six to eight weeks to prevent infection. This will not only extend the life of your poodle but keep them as comfortable as possible along the way.

9) Cockapoo

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. If the Cockapoo’s entire genetic makeup was derived from the cocker spaniel, then the poor little guy would be out of luck because that breed only lives for ten to twelve years.

However, they are strongly patterned after the poodle side of their family, with a life expectancy of 15-17 years.

History of the Breed

Simply, the Cockapoo has been known throughout the United States, and this breed was formed simply by mating an American or English cocker spaniel with a poodle. This practice was started in the 1950s, and the breed has been fully recognized since then.

Verdict

This breed not only lives for a long time, but they are also easy to train. No wonder they are so popular!

10) Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a breed characterized by dark brown eyes, a black nose, and a coat that is heavy, silky and straight. Moreover, the tail should also be carried well over the dog’s back. This breed will usually live an average of 15 years or more.

History of the Breed

The Lhasa Apso is actually one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world. There have been records of the breed as early as 800 B.C. They became popular in Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries and they established themselves as a great companion to the monks there.

However, it goes even further than that. Many of the monks believed that these dogs would be a holding place for the souls of Buddhist teachers as they awaited the rebirth into another human life.

Along these same lines, the only way someone outside of the monastery could get a Lhasa was through a gift.

Verdict

Today, families enjoy these dogs because they are very protective and they make great watch animals.

References

  1. https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article-abstract/73/2/150/3788690
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0034528806001226
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