These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido – PureWow

Dogs live forever, right? Right!? Unfortunately, like humans, dogs are mortals. Anyone who has lost a pet knows how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye. They are truly family members. If youre someone who hates goodbyes or simply wants a companion for as long as possible, look into the longest-living dog breeds. On average, domesticated dogs live about ten years, but the dogs on our list have been known to live well into their teens. Youll notice most of these pups are on the smaller side. While breed alone isnt going to tell you how long your dog will live, it can give you a pretty good idea.

You may have heard that if a dog is one year old, shes actually seven in human years. Wrong! While canines definitely age faster than humans, this simple calculation is misleading. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs actually hit infancy, childhood and adolescence all in their first year. Thats a lot of rapid growth (and part of the reason large breeds like Great Danes could get injured if over-exercised as puppies, because their joints arent fully equipped to handle all of their body weight). Most breeds reach adulthood between one and three years old. Dogs ages six through ten are considered senior citizens. When a dog turns seven, theyve effectively entered the geriatric phase of their life.

Theres some conflicting data on whether or not a breed directly impacts a dogs lifespan. Other factors seem to matter more when it comes to longevity. One 2018 study out of Budapest, Hungary, found that purebred dogs (dogs whose parents and ancestors are all the same breed) did not live as long as mixed breeds. Purebred pups in this study also developed health issues earlier than their mixed breed counterparts. Even the purebred dogs in the studys oldest dog group were younger than the mixed breeds in the oldest dog group.

On the other hand, a 2019 U.S. study did not find significant evidence that mixed breed dogs outlive purebred dogs. The researchers noted dogs with a more varied genetic background (aka, a mix of various breeds) lived roughly three to six months longer than dogs bred from one specific line; however, the same study found that dog size is a better indicator of lifespan than breed. Canines from the Mountain ancestral group (like Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs) were found to live 3.5 to 4.6 years less than other purebred groupslikely an unlucky combination of size and purebred status.

As mentioned, most of the longest-living dog breeds are small-sized pups. Scientists have determined this is basically because large dogs age more quickly than small dogs. Large breed bodies wear out sooner. Some researchers surmise cancer appears in large breeds more often (and sooner) because of their rapid growth spurts early in life.

Theres no secret to tiny canine DNA that makes them live longer. However, there are many things dog owners can do to extend the lives of their beloved pupsno matter their breed or height.

Without fail, the one thing researchers agree on when it comes to doggy longevity is the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Dogs who are overweight have a much higher chance of developing health issues like respiratory problems, heart disease and kidney failure. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight through diet and exercise is the single best thing you can do to ensure a long, happy life.

Beyond that, regular dental checkups can drastically improve your dogs overall health. Avoid smoking around your dog or inside your home; secondhand smoke is linked to early signs of aging in canines.

Play with your dog regularlyespecially if you have an intelligent or working breed who needs mental stimulation. Happy dogs tend to live longer! In fact, the Hungarian study mentioned above says understanding past traumas your dog has experienced and preventing similar situations from happening in the future can improve overall health.

Finally, dont ignore strange changes in a senior dogs behavior or appearance. Almost half of dogs over the age of ten who pass away die from cancer. Cancer can manifest in visible tumors or atypical behavior like lethargy or loss of appetite.

RELATED: 12 Chinese Dog Breeds That Are Some of the Oldest and Rarest Breeds on Earth

Height: 12-16 inches

Weight: 12-16 pounds

Personality: Affectionate, curious

Activity Level: Low to Moderate

Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

The American Hairless Terrier is one of many tiny breeds on our list who act a lot like cats. Full of affection for their families and inquisitive little buggers, these dogs can go from cuddly to playful at the drop of a hat. American Hairless Terriers dont have insane exercise requirements and are hypoallergenic due to the whole not-having-a-coat thing. An excellent choice for homebodies.

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Height: 15-18 inches

Weight: 17-23 pounds

Personality: Loyal, lively

Activity Level: Moderate to High

Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic

Life Expectancy: 11-16 years

Bedlington Terriers are also hypoallergenic sweethearts! Though wary of strangers and other dogs, Bedlingtons enjoy protecting and playing with their people. Keep their bodies and minds engaged with agility trainingtheyre great athletes.

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Height: 7-11 inches

Weight: 4-8 pounds

Personality: Smart, Loving

Activity Level: Moderate

Shedding Factor: Low

Life Expectancy: 16 years

As one of the newest participants in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Biewer Terrier is a delightfully loving pup. They are smarties with a penchant for playtime. Biewer (pronounced Beaver) Terriers also know how to be mellow when the time comes. One thing to watch out for: sensitive tummies and digestion issues.

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Height: 5-8 inches

Weight: 6 pounds

Personality: Charming, independent

Activity Level: Moderate

Shedding Factor: Low

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Chihuahuas are certainly charmers who know how to get their way. Theyre also intelligent and can be trained well if its done early. Unfortunately, they arent touted as great with kiddos. Chihuahuas have been around for centuriesto keep them going, wrap them warmly in cold weather and have the vet check their eyes and hearts annually.

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Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: 8-12 pounds

Temperament: Lively, loving

Shedding Factor: Non-shedding/Hypoallergenic

Activity Level: Moderate to High

Life Expectancy: 13-18 years

Another ancient breed! Chinese Crested pups are absolute darlings. They love everyonekiddos includedand play well with other dogs. To keep these pups and other hairless varieties safe in the sun, apply a dog-friendly sunscreen. Though they may not look super cuddly, Chinese Crested pups make excellent therapy dogs.

Height: 10-12.5 inches

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Personality: Energetic, proud

Activity Level: High

Shedding Factor: Moderate to High

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Miniature Pinschers are goofballs with stubborn streaks. They enjoy activity and need plenty of exercise, though they may find training to be below them. Some look exactly like the large Doberman Pinscher, while others are rust- or red-hued. Min Pins, as theyre called, are pretty healthy pups as long as they have an energy outlet.

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Height: 9-10 inches

Weight: 11-12 pounds

Personality: Alert, adaptable

Activity Level: High

Shedding Factor: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

These rascals were bred to hunt rodents and guard the home. So, while they make friends easily, they arent afraid to bark at potential prey (keeping them on leash is key to preventing a sprint towards a squirrel). Norfolk Terriers enjoy being in on the action and can adapt well to new situations.

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Personality: Happy, Outgoing

Activity Level: High

Shedding Factor: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

If youre looking for a long-lived companion dog, look no further than the smiling Papillon. These tiny pups are intelligent and friendly. They work well with kids and love showering their favorite humans with affection. Papillons take well to training, too. Its wise to puppy-proof your house with a Papillonstairs and tall furniture could lead to bad falls and broken bones.

Height: 23-28 inches

Weight: 45-75 pounds

Personality: Athletic, sweet

Activity Level: High

Shedding Factor: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 12-17 years

If youre not prepared to provide ample exercise time and space to a Pointer, dont get one. These athletes loveand needto run around and do things. Theyre actually quite even-tempered pups, but their energy levels are through the roof. High prey drive and hunting instincts aside, Pointers are loving, sweet dogs.

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Height: 6.5 inches

Weight: 5 pounds

Personality: Lively, Adaptable

Activity Level: Moderate to High

Shedding Factor: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

On the other hand, Pomeranians have almost no prey drive whatsoever. Theyre fluffy dogs with a penchant for announcing themselves to strangers. City dwellers and country folks alike do well with Pomeranians, as these dogs adapt to just about every environment.

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Height: 15 inches

Weight: 40-70 pounds

Personality: Intelligent, active

Activity Level: High

Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

The biggest dog breed on our list is the Standard Poodle, though Miniature and Toy Poodles have equally lengthy life spans. These are smart animals. When you exercise their bodies, youve got to exercise their minds. Honestly, Poodles have it all: affectionate natures, friendly dispositions, hypoallergenic coats and three sizes to choose from.

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Height: 10-13 inches (miniature), 13-18 inches (standard)

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Personality: Curious, loving

Activity Level: High

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These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido - PureWow