Dogs bring us joy, but they rarely stay with us as long as we hope. Fortunately, some breeds are known for reaching impressively old ages. Below are 25 long‑lived breeds, ranked from #25 to #1 by maximum life expectancy.
25. Pomeranian
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 14 years
Fluffy and lively, Pomeranians are prone to dental and heart issues, but with regular check‑ups they can still be loving companions well into their teens.
24. Coton de Tuléar
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tuléar has a cotton‑soft white coat and a cheerful, clownish nature that keeps stress low and lifespan high.
23. Toy Manchester Terrier
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
This sleek, short‑coated terrier resembles a miniature Doberman and often enjoys excellent health when raised in a quiet home.
22. Scottish Collie
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Smaller than the Rough Collie, the Scottish Collie is calm and moderate in exercise needs, which contributes to a steady, long life.
21. Australian Terrier
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Brave and loyal, the Australian Terrier is one of the hardier small terriers, with many individuals staying active into their mid‑teens.
20. Pom‑Coton
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Combining Pomeranian and Coton de Tuléar, this fluffy white dog is affectionate and thrives on human company, often reaching 15 years easily.
19. Boykin Spaniel
- Max Life Expectancy: 16 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
South Carolina’s state dog, the Boykin Spaniel is a medium‑sized, friendly breed with relatively few inherited disorders for its size.
18. Pomchi
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
The Pomeranian‑Chihuahua mix is tiny and loves being carried, making it safe from outdoor accidents and prone to a long, pampered life.
17. Lacasapoo
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
A cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Poodle, the Lacasapoo has a soft coat and a cheerful personality, and many live well past 15 years.
16. Jack Chi
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
The Jack Russell Terrier and Chihuahua mix is small, spirited, and tends to outlive many medium‑sized dogs thanks to its compact frame.
15. Rat Terrier and Poodle Mix
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
This hybrid blends the endurance of a Rat Terrier with the low‑allergen coat of a Poodle, often resulting in a long‑lived, healthy pet.
14. Brussels Griffon
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
With their expressive “monkey” faces, Brussels Griffons are small, clever, and frequently reach 15 years or more without major illness.
13. Australian Shepherd
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Despite being high‑energy herders, Australian Shepherds can live surprisingly long lives when given enough exercise and regular health screenings.
12. Cheenese
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
This Chihuahua‑Pekingese mix has a flat face but a sweet temperament, and its tiny size means it often enjoys a very long lifespan.
11. Ratshi Terrier
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
A cross between Rat Terrier and Shih Tzu, the Ratshi is compact, loyal, and tends to have fewer genetic health issues than purebreds.
10. Lhasa Apso
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Originally temple guard dogs in Tibet, Lhasa Apsos are surprisingly sturdy and have been known to live past 19 years with good care.
9. Shih Tzu
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 15 years
Bred solely to be companions, Shih Tzus thrive on human affection and can easily reach 18 years when kept indoors and well‑groomed.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
- Max Life Expectancy: 17 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 16 years
This Italian water dog, famous for truffle hunting, has a dense curly coat and a robust body that often stays healthy well into its teens.
7. Ratese
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 16 years
A blend of Rat Terrier and Maltese, the Ratese combines playfulness with the sturdy constitution typical of many small mixed breeds.
6. Rat‑Cha
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 16 years
This mix of Rat Terrier and Chihuahua is small, alert, and generally free of major inherited diseases, helping it live a long life.
5. Cockapoo
- Max Life Expectancy: 18 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 16 years
A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, the Cockapoo inherits hybrid vigor and a friendly, adaptable nature that supports longevity.
4. Toy Poodle
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 16 years
Highly intelligent and low‑shedding, Toy Poodles benefit from good genetics and often reach 17 or more years with routine vet care.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 16 years
These energetic little terriers are remarkably hardy, and many active Jack Russells stay sprightly even past 18 years of age.
2. Chihuahua
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 17 years
Tiny but tough, Chihuahuas often live well into their late teens when given proper dental care and a warm home.
1. New Guinea Singing Dog
- Max Life Expectancy: 20 years
- Average Life Expectancy: 17 years
This wild‑looking canine gets its name from its unique howl, and it remains one of the most primitive and healthy dog breeds.
