Consider 9 healthy dog breeds with the longest lifespans

Like most people, you probably think of your dog as a family member. And just like any other family member, you want them to stick around for as long as possible.

That’s why today, we’re looking at the longest-living dog breeds.

Shih Tzu

Looking to add a furry friend to your family? You can’t go wrong with a Shih Tzu.

These pint-sized pups are not only adorable, but they’re also full of personality. Shih Tzus have a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, with the average being around 13 years — which is longer than many other breeds.

Some even live 18 years. However, their long life expectancy comes with a tradeoff: Shih Tzus are prone to health issues like obesity and respiratory, knee, and dental problems.

That’s why it’s essential to keep an eye on your Shih Tzu’s weight and make sure they get regular checkups with the vet.

Why the breed’s a great choice

If you’re looking for a fun-loving pup full of personality, look no further.

They are known for being energetic and playful. Shish Tzus also love attention and will follow you around everywhere you go.

They also get along well with children (as long as the kids are gentle) and other pets, making them great family dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a herding dog known for loyalty, intelligence, and hard work.

The average lifespan of an Australian Cattle Dog is 12 to 15 years.

This breed is relatively healthy, but there are a few possible medical conditions to be aware of, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and deafness.

Why the breed’s a great choice

Australian Cattle Dogs are brilliant. They excel at obedience training and are great at dog sports such as agility and flyball.

They are also very active dogs that need plenty of exercise.

Aussie Cattle Dogs make great hiking and running partners.

They bond closely with their owners and love spending time with their families. They are also watchful dogs that bark to alert you of strangers or other threats.

Australian Shepherd

This herding breed is protective of their families and makes a great companion. They also are one of the longest-living dog breeds.

Australian Shepherds typically have a lifespan of 12 to 13 years but often live up to 15 years old.

They are generally healthy, but some health problems are more common in this breed than others. These health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cancer, eye problems, and allergies.

Why the breed’s a great choice

Australian Shepherds form strong bonds with their human families and become very attached to them.

They need a lot of exercise because they are very active dogs, so if you’re looking for an energetic friend, this is a good choice.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, tenacious, energetic breed of dog originally bred for fox hunting in England.

Jack Russells are brilliant, quick to learn, and have boundless energy. They need a lot of exercise and training to be happy and well-behaved dogs. The average lifespan of a Jack Russell Terrier is 13 to 16 years.

While Jack Russell Terriers are generally healthy dogs, there are a few health issues that they are prone to, such as dental disease, infections, obesity, and eye problems.

One of the most common health problems for Jack Russells is hip and elbow dysplasia, a condition that causes the joint to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain and lameness, eventually requiring corrective surgery.

Although these health problems can be severe, most Jack Russell Terriers enjoy long and healthy lives with proper care from their owners.

Why the breed’s a great choice

They are brilliant and enjoy tasks, making this breed highly trainable.

You can teach your Jack Russell Terrier tricks, manners, behaviors, and anything you want them to learn with patience and consistency.

They form strong family bonds and will do anything to please their humans. They are also known for being great with older kids.

However, ensuring your child knows how to handle the dog appropriately is essential. All in all, Jack Russell Terriers make excellent companion animals.

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso doesn’t have as much energy as the Jack Russell Terrier but is typically satisfied with daily walks and playtime.

The Lhasa Apso has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They have a long, thick coat that needs regular upkeep, though they are known for minimal shedding.

Unfortunately, like all breeds, the Lhasa Apso is prone to specific health problems. The two most common health issues affecting this breed are hip dysplasia and juvenile renal disease, a kidney disorder that often leads to kidney failure.

Thankfully, you can manage both conditions effectively with early diagnosis and treatment.

Why the breed’s a great choice

Lhasa Apsos are fiercely loyal companions who will always stick by your side.

They are typically patient, gentle, and good-natured with their family but can be standoffish with strangers.

Labrador Retriever

If you’re considering adding a best friend to your family, you can’t go wrong with a Labrador Retriever.

One of the great things about Labs is that they tend to be one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a lifespan of anywhere from 10 to 12 years on average.

Of course, like all dogs, that longevity can be affected by several health issues. Some of the most common health problems in Labs include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

While these conditions can be severe, you can manage many with proper treatment.

Why the breed’s a great choice

In addition to their long lifespan, Labs make great pets for several reasons. They are brilliant and easy to train.

They are also even-tempered, loyal, and loving companions that will quickly become a member of your family.

Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is popular with many dog lovers because of its small size, immense intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat.

But did you know that the Toy Poodle also has one of the longest lifespans of any dog breed? Toy Poodles typically live 12 to 15 years, and some live into their 20s.

One common health issue is a luxating patella when the kneecap slips out of place. This can be painful for the dog and may require surgery to correct it. Another health concern for toy poodles is dental problems.

Regular brushing and dental checkups are essential to keep your Toy Poodle’s teeth healthy. With proper care, they can enjoy a long and healthy life.

Why the breed’s a great choice

Toy Poodles, bred to be companion dogs, tend to be less active and less prone to injuries than other breeds.

They love spending time with their family. They’re also known for their low-shedding coat.

Just be prepared for lots of grooming, as those signature poodle curls require regular brushing and clipping.

Yorkshire Terriers

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed with lots of energy and personality. They also are one of the longest-living dog breeds.

They make great additions to families with children and other pets but need daily exercise. With proper care, a Yorkshire Terrier can live over 15 years.

A few individual dogs have even surpassed 20 years.

While Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, they experience some common health issues.

For example, Yorkies are prone to dental problems due to their small mouths and overcrowded teeth. They are susceptible to deafness, luxating patella, tracheal collapse, heart conditions, and hypoglycemia.

Why the breed’s a great choice

Thanks to their small size, Yorkies are well-suited to city living.

They do not require a lot of exercise and are content spending much of their time indoors. They also love being part of all family activities.

Yorkies are loving, loyal, and easy to care for while highly intelligent and trainable. They excel in obedience training and often compete in agility trials and other dog sports.

Cocker Spaniel

If you’re looking for a dog that will keep up with your active lifestyle, look no further than the cocker spaniel. These dogs love to play and need plenty of exercise.

They’re perfect for families who enjoy spending time outdoors or taking weekend hiking trips.

However, it’s important to note that Cocker Spaniels also like to curl up on the couch for a good nap, so they’re just as happy relaxing at home as they are being active.

Cocker Spaniels typically live for 12 to 15 years.

While Cocker Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, a few health issues are more common in this breed. One common condition is glaucoma, which causes increased pressure in the eye and can lead to blindness.

Additionally, many Cocker Spaniels suffer from a luxating patella. Allergies are also common, which can cause symptoms such as itchiness, runny eyes, and skin problems.

Why the breed’s a great choice

An intelligent breed, Cocker Spaniels are easily trained and make excellent family pets.

They are often used as therapy dogs because they are so good at catching human emotions. If properly socialized, they get along well with children and other animals. They love attention and need daily exercise but do not require a lot of space, making them ideal for city living.

Final thoughts on the longest-living dog breeds

Now you have your answer to the question, “What dogs have the longest lifespan?”

The takeaway is this: No matter what dog breed you have, whether you have smaller or larger dogs, here are steps to help them live happy, healthy, and long lives.

Remember, dogs need specific care for different ages, but sometimes it’s difficult to determine how old your dog is, especially if you adopted from a shelter or rescue. The adage of seven dog years to one human year isn’t accurate. 

Instead, consider your dog’s breed, weight, and years since birth to calculate your dog’s actual age. 

So, if you want your furry friend to stick around for years to come, make sure you’re giving them the love and attention they deserve — it just might make all the difference in the world and help make them one of the longest-living dog breeds.