Long-Living Dog Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies live on average 14 to 16 years. Don't let the look of these feisty terriers fool you. While this popular breed is often pampered today, people used their ancestors to hunt rats. Little dogs tend to live a lot longer than larger breeds. Big dogs, it seems, just age faster. It may be because they have more growth hormones.
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Poodle
Curly-haired poodles can be big or small. Most toy-sized ones live 12 to 14 years, and the larger standards live about 12 to 15. The little dogs can easily get underfoot. In fact, accidents are a leading cause of death for poodles. So be on the lookout for your four-legged friend.
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Maltese
This elegant breed, which has an average life span of 12 to 14 years, has been around for 28 centuries. Ancient Egyptians may have worshipped the dogs, and Greek and Roman philosophers wrote about them. With their long, silky white hair and gentle manner, it's hard to believe the Maltese, too, once hunted rats.
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Miniature Schnauzer
Just 12 to 14 inches tall, miniature Schnauzers are sturdy, muscular dogs that typically live 12 to 14 years. Because the breed tends to live long and love kids, it's a great pick for family pets. These dogs can be prone to pancreatitis caused by high levels of fat in their blood, so he may need a special diet.
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Boston Terrier
These smart little show-offs love to play. Young at heart, they usually live about 14 years. They may reel you in with their large eyes, but those peepers need protection. They stick out from their face, making it easier for the sun, wind, and dust to harm them. The Boston Terrier Club of America suggests buying your dog a visor.
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Shih Tzu
Almost unknown in the Western world until the 20th century, shih tzus were favorites of royalty in China’s Ming Dynasty. These hardy little charmers usually live 11 to 14 years. They don't have many health problems other than skin irritations. Be sure to keep your dog well groomed.
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Dachshund
Who can resist lovable "wiener dogs"? Long-haired, wire-haired, or smooth, these playful pups usually live 12 to 14 years. In the Middle Ages, Germans used dachshunds to hunt. Their long, low bodies were perfect for ducking into badger dens. Protect that long back from problems: Keep your dachshund lean, and don’t let him jump off high furniture.
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Beagle
Beagles are curious, smart, and guaranteed to keep you entertained. This lovable, vocal breed lives about 12 to 14 years. With their great sense of smell, they love to eat, so be careful not to overfeed your beagle. Extra pounds can shorten any dog’s life.
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Shetland Sheepdog
Farmers raised these dogs to herd animals on the Shetland Islands near Scotland. Because of their small size, they ate less and lived longer than other dogs. Today’s Shelties usually live 12 to 14 years. Pay attention to their teeth, which are prone to infections that can lead to kidney failure.
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Labrador Retriever
Labs are the most popular breed in America. Fortunately, they’re also one larger-sized breed that lives a long time -- on average, 10 to 12 years. Energetic Labs love to play, so they’re likely to keep you young, too! Like other large dogs, they’re prone to hip problems, which can be painful. So be mindful of your dog's back end as he ages. Extra weight can make problems worse, so keep your dog slim.
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Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, the smallest recognized breed, traces its roots back to the 9th century. Their ancestors were beloved by people of Central America. The mighty mites live as long as 14 to 18 years. Bred in warm climates, Chihuahuas don’t do well in the cold. Given their small size, they may not be the right breed for young, active kids.
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Pug
With their big eyes and flat snouts, pugs have the funniest faces. They live on average 12 to 15 years, so be ready for a long-term relationship. Pugs don’t do well in heat, and they’re big shedders. Also, these eager eaters can get fat if you’re not careful. Remember that extra weight can make health problems worse. They may be high maintenance, but pug fans love this loyal breed, snorts and all.
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Mixed breeds
Mixed-breed dogs live an average of 14 years. Overall, purebreds live an average of nearly 10 years. The difference may be because dogs bred to meet standards sometimes pass along problems in their genes, too. It’s hard to predict how long a mixed-breed dog will live, but your mutt is certain to be one-of-a-kind and probably a lot less expensive!
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Sources Medically Reviewed on 03/29/2018 Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on March 29, 2018
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SOURCES:
Coile, D. Barron’s Dog Bibles: Yorkshire Terriers, Barron’s Educational Series, 2009.
News release, Inside Science.
Kraus, C. The American Naturalist, April 2013.
PetCareRX: “Lifespan of a Dog: A Dog Years Chart by Breed.”
Boston Terrier Club of America: "Boston Terrier Eyes."
AllPoodleInfo.com: “Poodle Life Expectancy: Toy, Miniature, Standard.”
Fleming, J. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, March/April 2011.
American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book, 20th Edition, 2006.
Dog Breed Info Center: "Maltese."
American Kennel Club: “Canine Health.”
Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada: “Miniature Schnauzer Health & Genetics/Pancreatitis."
Boston Terrier Club of America: “About Boston Terriers,” "Boston Terrier Eyes."
Continental Kennel Club: “Shih Tzu.”
Woofipedia by the American Kennel Club: “Shih Tzu,” "Dachshund,” “Beagle,” “Shetland Sheepdog,” “Labrador Retriever,” “Chihuahua.”
Encyclopedia Britannica: “Chihuahua.”
For Dummies: “How to Care for a Dachshund's Special Needs.”
Beagle Rescue League: “Common Beagle Health Concerns.”
Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue: “Bad Breath.”
For Dummies: “Common Health Problems in Labrador Retrievers/Hip dysplasia."
Pug Rescue and Adoption, Victoria: “Is a Pug for You?”
Asher, L. The Veterinary Journal, December 2009.
Bideawee: “Do mixed breed dogs have any advantages over purebreds?”
Cassidy, K. “Dog Longevity.”
Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on March 29, 2018
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE VETERINARY ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your pet’s health. Never ignore professional veterinary advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think your pet may have a veterinary emergency, immediately call your veterinarian.
