Longest Living Dog Breeds of all Time – Top 10

Dog’s lifespan is determined by many factors, one of them being its breed. Some dog breeds live longer than others mostly because of their breed, but there are other elements that can extend a dog’s life. Longest living dog breeds are usually smaller in size, therefore most dogs on this list are toys.

Maltese

Maltese are very affectionate toy dogs that weigh less than seven pounds, which is around 3 kilograms. They are covered in long, straight, and silky hair. Beneath its white coat lays a body filled with elegance and balance.

The most sympathetic parts of these dogs are their hair and soft-looking shiny eyes. Cuteness aside, those dogs are very disciplined, brave, fearless, and hardy in a cute way. They also don’t shed much, which is a good thing.

Origin: Mediterranean Basin
Weight: Up to 7 pounds (~3kg)
Height: 8 to 10 inches (~20 to 25 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Jack Russell Terrier

Although small and seemingly cute, this dog breed is full of energy at all times. Such dogs need plenty of active time, walking, and playing with their owners. Training, exercising, and playing would be great in order to control its behavior. Because of its maximum age of 15 years, Jack Russell Terrier is on the list of the longest living dog breeds.

This terrier loves open spaces, therefore it may not always behave correctly in an apartment. It does not shed too much and it’s very loyal to its owner. That being said, training this pup is easy as pie.

Origin: England
Weight: 13 to 17 pounds (~6 to 8 kg)
Height: 10 to 15 inches (~25 to 38 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Chihuahua

Commonly recommended as a guard dog, the chihuahua is a very popular dog choice among many owners. They are special because they come in many different sizes and coat colors. Obedient, loyal, and active, this dog will love you with his whole heart.

They do not need much grooming and feel the best being close by friendly people. Unlike Jack Russell Terriers, this world’s smallest dog can be kept in apartments without any issues. However, it’s not uncommon that chihuahuas bite in order to protect themselves from potential danger. Therefore, it may not be the best choice in an apartment with young kids that are not gentle with animals.

Origin: Mexico
Weight: 3 to 6 pounds (~1 to 3 kg)
Height: 6 to 9 inches (~15 to 23 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

Beagle

Originally bred and trained to hunt hares, Beagles are a popular choice for many dog owners who like active and friendly dogs. They do not like being alone and are very connected with their owners. Beagles are not easily trained dogs but are successfully used even today in hunting small animals.

Very happy and excited dog breed, this dog will get along with other dogs and people. You may find it interesting that Beagles are sniffing ground most of the time, searching for new and appealing scents. They need a lot of attention, love barking and most importantly – love their good owners the most.

Origin: United Kingdom
Weight: 18 to 30 pounds (~8 to 13 kg)
Height: 13 to 15 inches (~33 to 38 cm)
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Shih Tzu

A little furry friend that loves seeking attention, Shih Tzu is a dog breed commonly kept in apartments. Obedient, affectionate, and loving are few precise words to describe these dogs. Training one of this longest living dog breed is needed to keep the dog disciplined in apartment living.

Shih Tzu dogs are very clean and often groomed. Therefore, combing their coat is a daily activity for their owners. They also snore while they sleep, which is an interesting thing about this breed.

Origin: China
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds (~4 to 7 kg)
Height: 9 to 10 inches (~22 to 25 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 to 16 years

Toy Poodle

Also seen in bigger sizes, Toy Poodles are smart and gentle dogs, perfect with families. They also need a lot of grooming to keep their coat clean and healthy. Shedding is at its minimum. Because this dog breed is so comfortable with humans, they are easy to train many different things.

Toy Poodles also make good guard dogs, as they tend to bark on people they think may hurt them. Such a breed is known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds worldwide. However, they may make a mess in your apartment or yard if they are not active enough. Therefore, walking and playing with these dogs is very important for their mental and physical health.

Origin: France
Weight: 6 to 70 pounds (~3 to 32 kg)
Height: 10 to 22 inches (~25 to 55 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Australian Shepherd

Originally bred to herd livestock, this dog breed is nicknamed as the happiest when it has a job to do. Always happy and excited, this dog does not like being left alone. Therefore, moderate attention and affection would make it very happy. Such a breed is often seen in movies herding sheep, indicating it’s a very hardworking dog.

Full of energy, Australian Shepherd is not a dog that lays in the backyard or on the sofa all day long. It seeks work and a place to drain its energy daily – whether it’s scaring off birds or running at cats. Otherwise, it will be nervous and bark a lot. It may also bark if it recognizes the potential danger, in order to protect its family.

Origin: Western United States
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds (~18 to 30 kg)
Height: 18 to 23 inches (~45 to 58 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

New Guinea Singing Dog

In fact one of the rarest dogs worldwide, this kind is very special because of its melodic singing voice. That’s the same reason why it got its name. With its sympathetic stare and thick fur, it’s commonly light brown with white patches on its coat. Because of their limited human companion, they often run away from people because of fear.

Very adaptable hunters and foragers, they can rely on themselves in the wild. Therefore, on top of its rarity, this dog breed is not good to be kept as a pet. Fun fact, it’s believed that they have roamed the mountains of the Earth since the stone age. As a result, this dog is on top of the list of longest living dog breeds. Rarely seen in packs or even in pairs, these dogs are hard to find and research.

Origin: New Guinea
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds (~9 to 14 kg)
Height: 12 to 18 inches (~31 to 46 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Lhasa Apso

It sure looks cute and furry, but this dog is very sturdy and independent. Lhasa Apso dogs are highly adaptable, meaning they can live in homes, yards, and apartments without any issues. They are leaders and often tend to rule over their owners if they are allowed to.

They are watchdogs by nature, used to protect palaces and monasteries years ago. It’s hard to change this behavior, therefore it should learn to stay calm from a very young age. They mature slowly and need a lot of grooming to keep their coats healthy and clean. Commonly living between 12 to 15 years, Lhasa Apso is one of the longest living dog breeds.

Origin: Tibet
Weight: 12 to 15 pounds (~5 to 7 kg)
Height: 9 to 11 inches (~23 to 28 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

Cockapoo

Originally bred in order to be social with humans and low-shedding dogs, the Cockapoo is a highly intelligent dog breed. It can be trained easily for a starter pet owner. They are very affectionate dogs and will hardly leave you alone, even when you go to the bathroom. Cockapoo dogs will love laying on your laps.

They don’t bark a lot and do not require daily grooming in order to remain clean. One of the most excited and happiest dogs to see you, they will love you with every cell of their body. Very friendly with everyone, including children, this designer dog breed will fulfill your heart with its warm love.

Origin: United States
Weight: 5 to 19 pounds (~2 to 9 kg)
Height: 9 to 15 inches (~22 to 38 cm) tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

What determines a dog’s age?

The oldest dogs are usually the smallest dogs, which Chihuahuas can confirm. Most of the longest living dog breeds are small in size, which also confirms this. They are also usually energetic. Therefore, dog size seems to be a factor in determining their age. Another factor that may determine their aging is their food intake. Dogs that do not eat healthily or are lacking many nutrients daily will most likely live shorter than dogs that have a full diet.