Top 10 Dog Breeds Live the Longest

The hardest and tough decision of owning a dog is to say goodbye to them. Dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. According to AKC, small dog breeds tend to live longer compared to large dog breeds. This is because of a large dog’s metabolism and age at an accelerated pace.

According to lead researcher Cornelia Kraus, concluded that every 4.4 pounds of body mass reduced a dog’s life expectancy by about a month. But the reason why is still unknown today.

What we can do to maximize our dog’s lifespan is to take care of their diet (Homemade DIY Dog Food), plenty of exercises, and regular health care. If you are looking for which dog breeds live the longest, here are the top 10 dog breeds live the longest.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is also called as Blue Heeler. It’s an exceptional case as a large dog breed that lives longest. The average lifespan for this breed is around 12 to 16 years. These dogs breed is a typical working smart breed, energetic and intelligent. It’s excelled at hunting, chasing, and moving livestock.

According to the longest-living dog in the Guinness World Record of 29 years, 5 months is held by an Australian cattle dog named Bluey (7 June 1910 – 14 November 1939) owned by Les and Esma Hall of Rochester, Victoria, Australia.

• Temperament: Alert, Curious, Pleasant
• Origin: Australia
• Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)
• Weight: 35-50 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

9. Beagles

Beagle is a breed of small hunting dogs, used by hunters to track and chase prey. This breed was developed in Great Britain around the 1830s. Beagle not only excellent in hunting but also a loyal companion and having very cute and innocent pleading expressions.

The average lifespan of Beagle is 10 – 15 years. According to Guinness World Record, a Beagle dog named Butch in the United States lived an amazing 27 years. The second oldest dog in the world.

• Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry
• Origin: England
• Height: 13-15 inches
• Weight: under 20 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

8. Chihuahua

The charming, graceful, sassy tiny dog chihuahua average lifespan of 14-16 years. As one of the smallest breeds sometimes can reach 20 years of living life. This tiny dog has a huge personality, like having an almost terrier-like temperament.

Chihuahuas also well known as loyalty, charm, and big-dog attitude. Even they are the tiny dog, require training too. If not, your household will be messy like a war.

• Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
• Origin: Mexico
• Height: 5-8 inches
• Weight: not exceeding 6 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

7. Dachshund

Dachshund also is known as "sausage dog" has an average lifespan of 12 – 16 years. And it’s also set a record in Guinness World Record which know to have lived for 21 years.

But the older it grows, it has a common health problem which suffers from back injuries. It’s due to the distinct long shape of the body, whenever it’s hopping around or jumping off from the back. All the pressure will be applied to it back.

• Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky
• Origin: Germany
• Height: 5-6 inches (miniature)
• Weight: 16-32 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

6. Pomeranian

Pomeranian is known for Inquisitive, Bold, Lively, and easily trained to make fine watchdogs. It also a loyal companion for families with children. Pomeranian can live up to 16 years.

Their weight is up to seven pounds which slightly higher than Chihuahua. Pomeranian also active and can be exercised within indoor play and tricks. Suitable choices for the dog owners who live within the city.

• Temperament: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively
• Origin: Germany
• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

5. Toy Poodle

Among all poodle breeds. Toy Poodle has the longest lifespan of 14 – 18 years. The self-confident, intelligent toy poodle can make a great choice for the family pet and loyal companion. They require plenty of exercises to keep them busy as they are active and agile. A poodle is also easy to train to play tricks.

• Temperament: Agile, Intelligent, Self-Confident
• Origin: France
• Height: No more than 10 inches
• Weight: 4-6 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

4. Russell Terrier

Russell Terrier is a medium dog breed originated from England. In the old-time, Russell Terrier is used in foxhunts. They have an average life expectancy of 12 -14 years.

• Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively
• Origin: England
• Height: 10-12 inches
• Weight: 9-15 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

3. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu originated from China. It also is known as "lion dogs" which translated from its name Shih Tzu. They are hypoallergenic dog breeds which low shedding but need to regular brushing. Shih Tzu has an average life expectancy of 10 -18 years. They are playful, outgoing, required plenty of outdoor exercises.

• Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
• Origin: China
• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

2. Maltese

Maltese is a small dog breed that originated from the Mediterranean Basin. Its lively, playful, affection makes it favorite dogs for family pets. These dog breeds can live up to 15 years or older. If left it alone for a long period and not having physical and mental exercise will cause it to have anxiety.

• Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Charming
• Origin: Mediterranean Basin
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: under 7 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

1. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier or ‘Yorkie’(nickname) is another tiny breed that is well-known for its longevity. Yorkie originated from England. It’s feisty, brave, and sometimes bossy, the Yorkie exhibits all the traits of a true terrier. Commonly Yorkie can live up to 15 years of life expectancy.

• Temperament: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
• Origin: England
• Height: 7-8 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 11-15 years

List of Longest Living Dogs via Guinness World Records

Here is a list of different dog breeds from the year 1910 -2000 who live at least a minimum of 20 years. Their age, documents are verified by Guinness World Records.

Rank	Name	Age	Breeds
1	Bluey	29 years, 160 days	Australian Cattle Dog
2	Butch	≥28 years, 0 days	Beagle
3	Taffy	27 years, 211 days	Welsh Collie
4	Snookie	≥27 years, 284 days	Pug
5	Adjutant	27 years, 98 days	Labrador Retriever
6	Buksi	27 years	Mutt
7	Pusuke	26 years, 248 days	Shiba Inu mix
8	Chanel	21 years, 114 days	Dachshund
9	Seamus	20 years, 298 days	Toy Poodle
10	Megabyte	20 years, 265 days	Chihuahua

Figure Out Dog's Age In Human's Years

Dog's breed and size play an important role on define the average lifespan of a dog. According to scientific research that larger dog breed tends to have a shorter lifespan.

According to the chart below, in the first 5 years, all dog breeds will be aging at the same pace. But after the 6th year, small dog breeds will be age slowly compare to other dog breed sizes.

Normally small dog breeds will only consider become senior dogs when around the age of 10. But a healthy diet (Homemade Grain Free Dog Food) will help to lengthen the lifespan of a dog.

WebMD Dog Age Chart

Top 10 Dangerous Human Food For Dogs

Do not feed your dogs with these top 10 human food. It will be causing them to get diarrhea, upset stomachs, or even more serious will take their life away.

Check out these Top 10 Dangerous Human Food For Dogs and keep that food away which easily accessible by your dog.