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The Dog Breed That Lives the Longest, According to Data—And See If Your Dog Is Among the 25 Longest-Living Breeds
When bringing a dog into your life, most pet parents hope their furry friend will be around for as many years as possible. While every dog is unique, some breeds are known to live significantly longer than others. These pups often enjoy well over a decade of companionship, sometimes pushing into their late teens with good care and a healthy lifestyle.
Breed size, genetics, and overall health all play a role in how long a dog may live. Smaller breeds generally top the charts in longevity, but even some medium-sized dogs defy expectations. If you’re looking for a pup with a long potential lifespan—or want to know if your current companion made the list—here are 12 of the longest-living dog breeds backed by data and experience.
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are among the longest-living dog breeds, often reaching 15 to 20 years of age. Their petite size contributes to their extended lifespan, and they generally avoid many of the health issues seen in larger dogs. With proper dental care and regular checkups, these tiny charmers can live well into their senior years.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Alert, devoted, lively
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Yes, with supervision
- Good with Other Dogs: Varies
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
- Health Issues: Dental problems, heart issues, patellar luxation
2. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles consistently rank as one of the healthiest and longest-living breeds, typically living 14 to 18 years. Their intelligence and energy level keep them youthful well into old age. With a committed grooming routine and regular vet visits, Toy Poodles make fantastic long-term companions.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Intelligent, alert, eager
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Addison’s disease, epilepsy, dental issues
3. Jack Russell Terrier
This spirited breed often lives 13 to 16 years, with many Jack Russells surpassing that. Their energetic personality and sturdy build contribute to their longevity. Keeping them active and mentally stimulated can support a long, happy life.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Energetic, fearless, devoted
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Lens luxation, patellar luxation, deafness
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate, loyal, and known for their long lifespans, typically living 13 to 16 years. With their easygoing personalities and compact size, they make ideal indoor pets for those looking for a cuddly, long-term companion.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing, playful
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Low to moderate
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: Low to moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
- Health Issues: Brachycephalic syndrome, kidney disease, eye problems
5. Maltese
These small, affectionate dogs often live well into their teens, commonly reaching 12 to 15 years. Maltese are gentle, adaptable, and thrive with regular grooming and a quiet, stable routine. They age gracefully and are less prone to many hereditary issues.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, charming
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes, with supervision
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
- Health Issues: Dental issues, luxating patella, heart conditions
6. Dachshund
Dachshunds regularly reach 12 to 16 years of age and are known for their spunky personalities and devotion. Though their unique body shape can lead to back problems, healthy weight management and moderate activity go a long way in promoting a long life.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Clever, brave, curious
- Size: Small to medium
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: Low to moderate
- Shedding: Moderate
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: IVDD (back issues), obesity, dental disease
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be tiny, but they’re tough and long-lived—often reaching 14 to 17 years. Their coat requires maintenance, but their small size and affectionate nature make them popular for owners seeking a long-living lap companion.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Spirited, affectionate, brave
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Best with older kids
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Dental issues, tracheal collapse, luxating patella
8. Miniature Schnauzer
With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Miniature Schnauzers are hardy and intelligent. Their sturdy build and adaptable temperament make them wonderful family pets who age well with proper care and grooming.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Friendly, alert, obedient
- Size: Small to medium
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Pancreatitis, bladder stones, diabetes
9. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are sturdy little dogs that regularly live 13 to 16 years. Originally bred as sentinel dogs for Tibetan monasteries, they are alert, independent, and loyal to their families.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Confident, smart, comical
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Moderate
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Kidney issues, eye problems, hip dysplasia
10. Pomeranian
Don’t let their fluff fool you—Pomeranians are hardy and often live 12 to 16 years. Their bold personalities, compact size, and affectionate nature make them ideal for owners looking for a long-living lap dog with a big personality.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Vivacious, inquisitive, bold
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Moderate to high
- Trainability: Very trainable
- Barking Level: High
- Good with Children: Best with older children
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Collapsing trachea, dental issues, heart conditions
11. Australian Cattle Dog
This rugged, intelligent breed often lives 12 to 16 years. Australian Cattle Dogs thrive with physical and mental stimulation. They’re energetic and resilient, making them one of the longest-living medium-sized breeds.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Watchful, clever, energetic
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: Very high
- Grooming Needs: Low
- Shedding: Moderate
- Trainability: Highly trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: High
- Exercise Needs: High
- Health Issues: Deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia
12. Havanese
Havanese dogs are cheerful, affectionate, and long-lived, with many reaching 14 to 16 years. Their social nature and low-shedding coats make them excellent for families looking for a smart, engaging companion that stays youthful well into old age.
AKC Characteristics:
- Temperament: Gentle, sociable, intelligent
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Grooming Needs: High
- Shedding: Low
- Trainability: Very trainable
- Barking Level: Moderate
- Good with Children: Yes
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes
- Watchdog/Guarding Abilities: Moderate
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Health Issues: Heart disease, liver issues, luxating patella
Choosing a dog with a long lifespan is one way to extend the years of love and loyalty you’ll share, but the real key lies in how you care for them. Regular vet visits, a healthy diet, daily enrichment, and lots of love can help any dog—no matter the breed—live their happiest, healthiest life for as long as possible.