Few things in life can rival the pleasures of dog ownership. Dogs make wonderful, loyal companions that you can take almost anywhere, and they are the living epitome of unconditional love. Unfortunately, a day will come when you will have to say goodbye to them forever.
Letting go of a beloved pet dog is one of the most heartbreaking things in the world, so it’s perfectly normal to want to delay the inevitable for as long as possible. Below is a list of the 10 dog breeds with the longest lifespans to help you choose a dog that can be with you for as long as possible.
10 Dog Breeds that Live the Longest
Chihuahua
Despite their size, Chihuahuas can live up to about 15 years, with some living to 20 and beyond. These strong-willed little pups are very loud and unafraid to express their opinions on a variety of subjects.
Despite their long life span, Chihuahuas are still prone to some health problems. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common diseases that affect these little pups. That’s why it’s you should make sure that your Chihuahua gets regular exercise and eats a healthy diet.
Toy Poodle
All poodles enjoy long lives, but the toy poodle is the longest-living variety of all, with an average lifespan of about 14 or 15 years. They’re also one of the smartest dog breeds around, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they’ve figured out how to live long.
Toy poodles are generally healthy dogs, but they are also prone to some health issues like skin tumors, hypoglycemia, and Addison’s Disease. They also need to be groomed regularly and extensively, which is why their ability to survive long in the wilds can often be a mystery.
Maltese
The Maltese are quite similar to the toy poodle when it comes to prissiness. However, it has a longer life span than other rough-and-tumble dogs, living for an average of 12-15 years. However, the Maltese’s sluggishness makes them prone to some chronic illnesses like obesity. If you own a Maltese dog, be careful not to spoil your dog too much, and make sure it gets a healthy, balanced diet.
Beagle
Beagles have an average lifespan of 15 years or longer, and it may be proof that energy conservation is secret to a long life. But these relaxed dogs can also be quite inquisitive and playful sometimes. Beagles are also quite healthy, being at high risk only of eye disease. Make sure to regularly take your beagle to the vet for eye check-ups.
Lhasa Apso
These little pups have an average lifespan of 14 years, but the oldest known Lhasa Apso that ever lived survived for 29 years. The Lhasa Apso came from the Tibetan monasteries, so it may explain why they seem to know the ancient secrets of having a long life. However, the Lhasa Apso tends to acquire a few major health problems, like knee cap dislocation, enlargement of tissue muscle in the digestive system, and limping. If your dog is a Lhasa Apso, take good care of it to avoid those problems.
Dachshund
Dachshunds can manage to live for 12-14 years on average. Be careful not to feed it too much though, as a Dachshund that gets too plump may be put at higher risk of diabetes, gastric torsion, and back problems.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies can survive up to a whopping 16 years. They require extensive grooming because of their long hair. Their playful and loving nature makes up for their extensive grooming requirements.
If your pet is a Yorkshire Terrier, make sure to take good care of their dental health because they are prone to dental disease. Get them used to good dental habits at an early age. They don’t usually respond well to anesthesia, so you can’t rely on the pet clinic to do it for you.
Australian Shepherd
In terms of size, the Aussie Shepherd is probably the biggest dog on this list. This Fido enjoys an average lifespan of between 13 and 15 years. These big dogs are incredibly active, so that may be one of their secrets to longevity. As such, make sure to get an Australian Shepherd only if you can keep up with its energy.
Australian Shepherds are incredibly healthy dogs. The most common diseases that affect these pups are hip cataracts, dysplasia, and certain forms of cancer.
Pomeranian
These little fluffballs can live an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Despite their size, Pomeranians are known for trying to pick fights with other dog breeds that are way bigger than they are. Trauma is among the leading causes of death among Pomeranians. It may be from an attack by another animal, or from being dropped, so always keep a watchful eye on them.
Jack Russell Terrier
Despite being quite destructive when bored, Jack Russell Terriers live long lives averaging between 13 to 16 years.
You will need to give these cute dogs lots of exercise and stimulation. However, be careful that they don’t get physical injuries as they are prone to knee cap dislocation as well as hip problems. Getting sprayed by a skunk can also be fatal for them.
Longest-Living Dogs
The top 10 dog breeds listed above can be your fun and loyal companions for over a decade. But of course, their long lifespans are not the only reason why you should get them.
You may also have noticed that most of the dogs listed above are breeds that are small in size. Unfortunately, it is a fact that the breeds that are on the larger side have a shorter lifespan, so keep that in mind when choosing which dog breed to take home. Still, these big dogs can prove that the love they show you during their short life span can last through several decades.
Remembering Your Dogs
As mentioned above, the death of a dog is inevitable. This means that whatever dog breed you choose to take home, a day will come when they will leave you for good. When the time comes that you say your final goodbye to your beloved pooch, you can show your honor and love for them with a customized dog memorial stone or grave markers from Idaho. You can design them yourself to make sure they reflect the love and memories that you shared. Dogs will not live forever, but these memorial stones and markers will be around for many years to remind us of the loyal companion we once had. To order a pet memorial stone or grave marker in Idaho, contact Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial today at 208-253-4557. We are located at P.O. Box T Council, Idaho 83612.
