The 15 dog breeds with the longest lifespans

We want all of our dogs to live long, healthy lives for their benefit as well as ours. With the growing rates of cancer and other ailments in our beloved canines, the median lifespans seem to be getting shorter and shorter. With that said, there are many breeds that still, on average, live a very long time.

Larger dogs typically don’t live as long as smaller ones, but you may be surprised at some of the breeds that made the list!

#1 – Chihuahua

One of the smallest dog breeds, the Chihuahua is a toy breed from Mexico that was primarily kept as a family companion. They are one of the more popular dog breeds in the United States and have a median life expectancy of 12-20 years.

#2 – Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier was developed as a general purpose farm and hunting dog. It was used to eliminate vermin around the property and still excels at this task today. Rat Terriers have an average life expectancy of 15-18 years.

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#3 – Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized Italian breed originally bred as a water retrieving dog. Today, however, it is mostly used for truffle hunting. This breed lives an average of 15-17 years.

#4 – Dachshund

The Dachshund is a dwarfed hunting breed that was used to fit into the dens and burrows of badgers and rabbits. In the United States, they’ve also been used to hunt prairie dogs. There are now Standard and Miniature Dachshunds and the average life expectancy for both is 14-17 years.

#5 – Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier was developed in England as a ratting dog and the breed still maintains its hunting ability. They are one of the oldest of the terrier breeds and live an average of 14-16 years.

#6 – Collie

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Both the Rough and Smooth Collies are bundled in this category and for a larger herding dog they have a relatively long lifespan. These dogs are affectionate and loyal companions and working dogs and live an average of 14-16 years.

#7 – Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small companion dog named for its cotton-like coat. They are playful and affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their families and live an average of 14-16 years.

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#8 – Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel was developed in South Carolina, United States and is still used for hunting turkey and duck. They are excellent family companions but are active and intelligent working dogs that need an outlet for their desire to hunt. They have an average life expectancy of 14-16 years.

#9 – Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the most versatile working breeds originally developed for herding and still widely used for this job today. They also excel at obedience, agility, Flyball and more and live an average of 13-16 years.

#10 – Yorkshire Terrier

One of the smallest of the terriers, the Yorkshire Terrier was originally used as a ratting dog in England. Although they are most commonly found as a family companion, they are active and intelligent dogs that enjoy ample amounts of exercise and play. Their median lifespan is 13-16 years.

#11 – Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a small English terrier traditionally used for fox hunting. Today they are still relatively active working dogs but are not widely known outside of their home country. The breed’s average life expectancy is12-16 years.

#12 – Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is an active and playful companion dog that enjoys spending time with its owner and has become quite popular. They need regular grooming for their thick, fluffy coats and live an average of 12-16 years.

#13 – West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a Scottish terrier known for its white coat. They are active hunting dogs that are not recommended for children with families and have an average life expectancy of 12-16 years.

#14 – Shih Tzu

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The Shih Tzu is a Chinese companion dog that is known for its goofy temperament and affectionate personality. They are intelligent and playful dogs that make wonderful family companions and live an average of 10-16 years.

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#15 – Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized herding breed that is known for its intelligence and tenacity in its work. They are still used as herding dogs today and because of their desire for a job, they are not recommended for the novice owner. The breed lives an average of 13-15 years.

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