One of the most common questions people ask when picking a dog out is, what dog lives the longest. Dogs are beloved pets for many families, but sadly, they have a limited time with us. That’s why it’s important to know the approximate life of the breed of dog you are looking at bringing into your family. While this usually is not the only factor in choosing your furry friend and can be a part of the equation. Here are seven dog breeds that have an average lifespan of over 10 years, with some fun facts and details on each breed to help you get to know them a little better. Remember the numbers below are on average. Just like with people there is no way to predict how long anyone, or anything will live.
1. Chihuahua
Average Lifespan: 15-20 years
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, and also has one of the longest average lifespans. These little pups are known for their spunky personalities and their small size. While they’re often seen as purse dogs, Chihuahuas can also make great family pets and loyal companions. Due to their small size, they are easily cared for and do not need a lot of room.
Fun Fact: Chihuahuas were named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where they were first discovered in the mid-1800s.
2. Toy Poodle
Lifespan: 12-16 years
The Toy Poodle is a small but confident breed that’s known for its intelligence, making them easy to train. They are also very affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They are very athletic as well so they are great for a family with an active lifestyle. Due to their size they are easy to keep, even in an apartment. They also have a low allergen coat making them a good choice for people that may have allergies.
Fun Fact: Toy Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs in Germany, but they eventually became popular pets for the wealthy.
3. Dachshund
Lifespan: 12-16 years
The Dachshund also nick named wiener dogs because of their long body and short legs. These pups are very social and love to be with their humans. They are very affectionate and love to play. Due to their shape they are not high jumpers or good swimmers but, they do love adventure. Dachshunds come in two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat types (smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired).
Fun Fact: Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, which is why they’re sometimes called “badger dogs.”
4. Shih Tzu
Lifespan: 10-16 years
The Shih Tzu is one of those little dogs that just grabs everyone’s attention. Known for being extremely friendly and cute these are a great small dog breed. They are great with children and due to their size and personality, make excellent lap dogs. They are definitely more about attention than exercise so a perfect dog for someone with limited space.
Fun Fact: Shih Tzus were bred in China and were often given as gifts to royalty.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Lifespan: 13-16 years
The Jack Russell Terrier is a very high-energy breed. Known for its intelligence and hunting ability this little guy will keep you on your toes and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are great for active families who love to spend time outdoors or are always on the go. They’re also known to be very loyal and protective of their owners while still being a great family friendly pup.
Fun Fact: Jack Russell Terriers were originally bred in England to hunt foxes.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Lifespan: 12-16 years
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is a working breed. They are very intelligent and considered to be easy to train from basics to tricks and more. They are great for active families who love to hike, run, or bike and they love to play. Being a working dog, some may call them stubborn but, what it really comes down to is stimulation. These dogs need both mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting in to trouble.
Fun Fact: Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred in Australia to help ranchers herd cattle.
7. Beagle
Lifespan: 10-15 years
The Beagle is a friendly and playful breed. These dogs are great for families with children since they’re very patient and love to play. Originally bread for hunting they have an amazing sense of smell. Beagles are a versatile breed that work well in a variety of living situations. Whether you are an active family or just like to relax at home this breed will generally go with the flow. One of the most famous Beagles is Snoopy.
Fun Fact: Beagles were originally bred in England as scent hounds for hunting rabbits and hares.
In general, if your main concern is life span when choosing a pup, then going with the smaller breeds seems to be your best bet. They are less likely to have physical problems later down the line. Still, you never can tell so you should factor in many other things when choosing a dog. Lifestyle, where you live and how active are all will factor in to picking the pup that is right for you. There is really no way to know what dog lives the longest but, the ones listed above do have the average longest life.