Top Long-Lived Dogs This Veterinarian Sees

Dogs are part of the life. And as such, you probably want them to be around as long as possible.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 longest-living pups (by average life expectancy) who’ll love and adore you for a good chunk of two decades.

Check out our post below to find out which dog breeds made our list...


10. Lhasa Apso


Sometimes it’s hard to know which Lhasa Apso to expect. Will you be greeted by a dapper and dignified dog or a curious and mischievous — some might even say manipulative — charmer? Whatever the case, life with the “bark lion sentinel dog,” as his name translates in his homeland of Tibet, can be long and prosperous. This breed usually lives at least 12 to 15 years, with a rare few living 20 years or longer.


9. Toy Poodle


People make fun of these dogs, and I don’t know why. They are smart, smart, smart and cute, cute, cute. And they are perennially popular, not only because they are devoted and easy to train but also, I’m sure, because of their long life spans. A Toy Poodle can live a good 14 to 18 years, with some even making it to 20. I bet it’s because of their highly developed sense of humor. You know what they say: Laughter is the best medicine — and the  Toy Poodle dispenses it liberally.


8. Shih Tzu


Despite being bred to be companions of Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus are amazingly down to earth. This prince among dogs is a real sweetheart who wants only to love and be loved. You can expect him to be your playful and mischievous friend for as long as 18 years in some instances.


7. Australian Cattle Dog


The dog who holds the Guinness record for longest life span was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years old. That’s astounding. I don’t know of any ACDs who have approached that record, but I do know this breed can live a good 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Expect those years to be happy but challenging, because this is an awfully smart and sometimes stubborn dog with a high energy level.


6. Chihuahua


This breed has a reputation as the “armpit piranha,” but I sure do love the Chihuahua. They’re sassy and smart, with a fearless nature. These tiny dogs (which usually weigh 4 to 6 pounds, although some can be larger) can have an outsized life span of up to 20 years. Viva la Chihuahua!


5. Dachshund 


Famously described as “a half dog high and a dog and a half long” by H. L. Mencken, the Dachshund is noted not only for his long, low body but also for his brains, loyalty and longevity — 12 to 17 years and sometimes more. At least one Dachshund, a wirehaired, is known to have lived 21 years. The breed comes in two sizes (standard and miniature); three coat types (smooth, longhaired and wirehaired); and many colors and patterns, including solid, dappled and brindle.


4. Pomeranian


This bright-eyed dog may be small in stature, but he thinks big — rule-the-world big. He’s spunky and active, and greets his minions with a happy smile, secure in the knowledge that he’s the cutest thing around. You stand a good chance of living 15-plus entertaining years with this pint-size Spitz breed.


3. Cardigan Welsh Corgi


Nicknamed the “yard-long dog” in his native Wales, the Cardigan is active and good-natured, with a strong desire to work. Maybe his busy personality is what keeps him going. Corgis typically live 12 to 14 years, but I’ve known of some who carry on for 17 years.


2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi


Cousin to the Cardigan, he’s the Corgi without a tail. (You can tell them apart by remembering that the Cardigan has a long tail, like the sleeve of his namesake sweater, while the Pembroke has a “broke” tail.) The Pembroke has a more foxy appearance than the Cardigan and he’s slightly smaller, but they share a long potential life span of 12 to 14 years or more.


1. Podengo Pequeno


Don’t worry; I have trouble saying the name, too. This small Portuguese hound is slowly making inroads in this country and for good reason: He’s adaptable, energetic and highly trainable. Even better: He has a potential life span of 12 to 16 years.