Dachshund
Life expectancy - 12-16 years
You all surely know these adorable and friendly sausage dogs, but did you know that dachshunds often live to be over 15 years old? The oldest living dog recorded by the Guinness World Record was a dachshund named Chanel, who passed away in 2009 at 21 years old. Keep in mind, however, that older dachshunds are prone to back issues that are further intensified by obesity.
Australian Cattle Dog
Life expectancy - 12-16 years
Don’t confuse the Australian cattle dog with the Australian Shepherd (although both are featured on this list). These mid-sized dogs, also known as blue heelers, have a long lifespan for dogs their size. The oldest dog that ever lived was Bluey the Australian Cattle Dog. He lived for 29 years until 1939. Blue heelers are known for their high intelligence and love of dog sports and activity.
Pomeranian
Life expectancy - 12-16 years
These cute, smiling balls of fur are famously friendly and loyal to their families. Rarely weighing more than 7 pounds, these tiny dogs can still serve as miniature guard dogs. Sometimes, Pomeranians can be a little bossy, but consistent training will turn them into the perfect companions, whoever you may be.
Yorkshire Terrier
Life expectancy - 13-16 years
Yorkies are considered a toy breed, but they share several traits of character with other terriers, including high intelligence, guard dog instincts, and “talkativeness.” But at the same time, they’re both loving and cuddly, which makes them great family dogs. These dogs are tiny - only 7-8 inches tall - so you can easily have a Yorkie even if you don’t have much free space in your home.
Shiba Inu
Life expectancy - 13-16 years
With their curled tail and dense double coat, Shiba Inus are difficult to mistake for other breeds. These dogs weigh between 17-23 pounds and have a very long lifespan for a medium-sized breed. Keep in mind that Shiba Inus are best suited for experienced dog owners, as they’re known to be very strong-willed. But for those who know how to train a dog, you’ll be rewarded with a cute, clean, loyal, healthy, and quiet companion for up to 16 years.
Chihuahua
Life expectancy - 12-20 years
Don’t be deceived by their tiny size and dainty appearance; the chihuahua is among the longest-living dog breeds. So, getting one of these tiny doggies is a long-haul responsibility. Even though they rarely weigh more than 6 pounds, Chihuahuas can easily live for 15 or more years. Considered generally healthy, chihuahuas can have heart and eye issues as they age.
Scottish Collie
Life expectancy - 12-16 years
Collies are stunning beauties with a regal appearance and a gentle demeanor. These large herding dogs are incredibly intelligent, sweet, and loving, which is why they always get along with children and other pets in the house. When you adopt a collie, you’ll gain a loyal family pet that loves to be around people and is ready to protect you and other family members.
Shih Tzu
Life expectancy - 10-16 years
Shih Tzus are a bit larger and stockier than other toy breeds. They are very easy-going pets. If you’re looking for a friendly and adaptable dog that can live for 15 years or more but doesn’t require long walks and lots of play, the Shih Tzu is a great fit. These dogs have long coats that need grooming and brushing, though, and they can suffer from joint and eye issues with age.
Toy Poodle
Life expectancy - 10-18 years
The curly coat and miniature size of Toy Poodles make them look incredibly sweet. But don’t be misled by the angelic appearance of these doggies, as they can be quite sassy and stubborn, especially if you’re not giving them enough mental and physical stimulation. That’s why toy poodles are a better fit for active households and families with kids. This way, the dog will utilize its wit and energy and will easily stay in your family as a beloved pet for 15 years and beyond.
Miniature Schnauzer
Life expectancy - 12-15 years
Miniature Schnauzers are extroverted, friendly, and energetic. Of course, this means that they’re great family dogs and perfect company for kids. Expect these uber-friendly dogs to follow you around the house wherever you go. Keep in mind, however, that Miniature Schnauzers need regular exercise, as they tend to suffer from pancreatitis when overweight, especially if they have too much fat in their diet.
Bichon Frise
Life expectancy - 12-15 years
A Bichon Frise is a small dog breed and a distant cousin of the Maltese. The super fluffy coat of the Bichon Frise is like a little cloud of fur, which makes them look incredibly cute. In terms of character, the Bichon Frise is quite energetic, playful, and even feisty when young but will become gentler and more affectionate with age. And last but not least - Bichon Frises are considered hypoallergenic.
Beagle
Life expectancy - 12-17 years
Did you know that the beagle is one of the oldest dog breeds? The breed's name is said to be derived from the French Bee gueule, meaning “loudmouth” (and they are). These dogs are also very healthy, energetic, and physically active, so they are best matched with people or families with an active lifestyle. Beagles are not particularly small nor large, and they have cute floppy ears and short, spotted coats. Fun fact: the longest living beagle, a lad named Butch, had lived for 27 years!
Maltese
Life expectancy - 12-15 years
With a fluffy coat and bright eyes, the Maltese is a very healthy small breed, perfect for seniors. These gentle dogs rarely weigh over 7 pounds and have an agreeable nature and sweet temperament. Although Malteses don’t need much exercise, these dogs thrive on affection and human interaction. Just make sure to never leave them alone for a long time because Malteses are likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
Jack Russell Terrier
Life expectancy - 13-18 years
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed with smooth fur and a long little face. They can weigh up to 17 pounds, and they are known to live for 16 years or more. The Guinness World Records states that the oldest Jack Russell Terrier was Willie, who reached the honorable age of 20 in 2014. These dogs are famously energetic and friendly, likely because they have been bred for fox hunting.
Australian Shepherd
Life expectancy - 12-15 years
Another working breed, the Australian Shepherd has one of the longest lifespans among large dogs. This herding dog was first bred for driving livestock and being smart and energetic. They are best for active families that travel and spend time in nature. That’s because these dogs require constant mental stimulation; otherwise, they can get bored very quickly. Last but not least, keep in mind that Australian Shepherds have strong herding instincts, so make sure to train the dog if you notice that it herds other animals or children.
Corgi
Life expectancy - 12-15 years
The last on our list of long-living breeds is the Queen’s breed - the corgi. The name of these long and short-legged fellas means “dwarf dog.” Although generally believed to be quite healthy, corgis can have hip and back problems due to their body shape. Not only does this cute, fun-loving, stocky dog live for up to 15 years, but it’s also one of the oldest breeds. It is thought that corgis have existed for more than three thousand years as cattle dogs.
