In the dog world, there’s a huge variety of lifespans. For example, while a Chihuahua could live up to 20 years, a Bernese Mountain Dog will struggle to make it to 7.
There are many different reasons why a dog’s lifespan may vary. While it’s mostly dependent on genetics, lifestyle plays a huge role too. A good diet, a reasonable amount of exercise, lots of mental stimulation, regular trips to the vet, and plenty of love will do wonders for your dog’s longevity.
As a general rule though, large dogs tend to live much shorter lives (7-10 years on average) than small or medium-sized dogs (13-16 years on average). Experts think this could be due to their incredibly fast growth spurts which put pressure on their joints and organs - not to mention their size and weight as adults, which have the same detrimental effects.
In short, if you’re looking for a long-living companion who will stay with you for many years to come, don’t pick a large breed of dog. Instead, go for one of the following:
Chihuahua
Average life expectancy: 12 - 20 years
Chihuahuas are, on average, the longest living dogs in the world. Weighing 3 kilos at their heaviest, Chis are really tiny, but they’ve definitely got big dog personalities. They’re fantastic lap dogs who become very attached to their owners.
Toy Poodle
Average life expectancy: 14 - 18 years
Poodles in general are healthy, long-living dogs (12 - 15 years on average), but due to their size, Toy Poodles in particular are very long-lived. In their younger years, they’ll need lots of exercise and play as they’re very energetic dogs. They are extremely loving towards their owners.
Border Collie
Average life expectancy: 10 - 17 years
The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog which is around 50 cm in height and 15 kilos in weight. Border Collies are considered to be the smartest breed of dog in the world, which means you can train them very easily but also, that they’ll go crazy if you don’t give them a job to do.
Yorkshire Terrier
Average life expectancy: 13 - 16 years
Yorkies are only slightly bigger than Chihuahuas, with males sometimes reaching 20 cm in height. As typical terriers, Yorkies have a lot of spunk and energy. However, they also make terrific lap dogs thanks to their small size and affectionate natures.
Jack Russell Terrier
Average life expectancy: 13 - 16 years
Like most terriers, Jack Russells are very sturdy, healthy dogs. Extremely smart, you can teach them to do just about anything! Careful though, you might not be able to keep up with them if you’re not active enough. Jacks are little rockets!
Pomeranian
Average life expectancy: 12 - 16 years
Tiny in size, Poms are basically like very fluffy Chis. From the Spitz family, these dogs tend to be yappy and have no self-awareness when it comes to their size. Like most lap dogs, they love to be with their owners and are very protective of them.
West Highland White Terrier
Average life expectancy: 12 - 16 years
Another terrier to add to the list! As terriers, Westies can be stubborn, but they’re also very affectionate dogs. While long-living, their white coats can cause skin problems, so make sure you watch out for those. If you do, you’ll have a loving companion with you for years to come!
Dachshund
Average life expectancy: 12 - 16 years
Twice as long as they are high, sausage dogs may be short-legged but they tend to be long-lived! Their long spines can cause health issues though, so make sure they’re not jumping up on high furniture or running up and down the stairs.
Cockapoo
Average life expectancy: 13 - 15 years
While Cockapoos are not an official breed, they are one of the most popular designer dogs. A cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, Cockapoos are a mix of two healthy and long-living dogs! Plus, due to their larger genetic pool, mixed breeds tend to live longer than purebred dogs.
Maltese
Average life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Much like the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese is a very small dog, weighing in at 4 kilos at its heaviest. Maltese are extremely loving and affectionate dogs who love nothing more than spending time with their beloved humans.
Italian Greyhound
Average life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Sighthound breeds in general tend to be very healthy and long-lived, even the larger ones. But being so small, Iggies tend to live particularly long lives. Just take care of those teeth and keep them nice and warm during the winter months. You’ll struggle to find a more loving and loyal companion.
Beagle
Average life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
While Beagles are really only suited to country living due to their high energy and loud, loud voices, they make wonderful family companions! These medium-sized dogs are kind and gentle with everyone, including children, whom they love.
Pug
Average life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Of all the brachycephalic dog breeds, the Pug may be the longest-living one. That doesn’t mean they are the healthiest of breeds - their flat faces can cause a variety of health issues, including heart problems, dental issues, skin infections, but most of all, serious trouble breathing, which sometimes has to be rectified with surgery.
Lhasa Apso
Average life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Originally bred to guard monasteries, Lhasa Apsos think they are much bigger dogs than they actually are. They’ve got long luscious coats that will need lots of tending to. They make friendly companions who are very loyal towards those they love.
Springer Spaniel
Average life expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Springers tend to reach around 50 cm in height and 20 kilos in weight. Despite being larger than many of the dogs on this list, Springers are well-built physically and are therefore very healthy dogs. They’re active and require lots of exercise, but they’ll repay you with lots of cuddles and kisses.
So what do you think? Which breed will you be adopting?
