Which Dog Breeds Live Longer Than Others?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Wondering what dog breed lives the longest? The answer may be less straightforward than you think. While the average life expectancy for dogs is 10 to 13 years, advancements in veterinary medicine and shifting perspectives on pet care mean modern dogs are living longer than ever.

Even so, it’s difficult to predict in puppyhood how long any individual dog will live. Access to preventive care and a healthy diet go a long way toward maximizing any dog’s lifespan, but some breeds simply tend to live longer than others.

Here we explore the factors that impact canine life expectancy and which dog breeds live the longest. We also spoke to Dr. Amanda Chambers, a licensed vet and consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, about what you can do to help your dog live a long and happy life.

Dog Breeds With the Longest Life Expectancy

A 2024 study of over 500,000 dogs in the United Kingdom revealed a median lifespan of 12.7 years for purebred dogs and 12 years for crossbred dogs.

Based on its results, here’s an overview of some of the dog breeds with the longest life expectancy.

Lancashire Heeler—15.4 years

Topping the list of dogs with the longest lifespan, the Lancashire Heeler has a life expectancy of 15.4 years. This small herding breed is descended from the Welsh Corgi and Manchester Terrier. Like their parent breeds, Lancashire Heelers are generally friendly and affectionate.

The most common health problems affecting the breed are eye issues like Collie eye anomaly and primary lens luxation—ones that rarely affect lifespan.

Tibetan Spaniel—15.2 years

Spaniels in name only, these assertive little dogs were bred for companionship in the home, not on the hunt. With an average lifespan of 15.2 years, the Tibetan Spaniel is intelligent and assertive, which makes them popular picks for agility and scent work.

Tibetan Spaniels are generally healthy but prone to eye problems and patellar luxation.

Shiba Inu—14.6 years

The Shiba Inu is a medium-sized dog with a median life expectancy of 14.6 years. This ancient Japanese breed is known for its foxlike appearance and confident personality. They’re also extremely loyal. Well-bred Shiba Inus are relatively free from serious health problems, though the breed is predisposed to allergies.

Papillon—14.5 years

One of the oldest breeds of toy spaniel, the Papillon is easily recognized by the long, fringed hair on its erect ears. Papillons are smart, self-assured, and energetic. They require more exercise than the average toy breed, but they’re blessed with a life expectancy of over 14 years.

Responsible breeding is important, however, as Papillons are prone to progressive retinal atrophy and patellar luxation.

Lakeland Terrier—14.2 years

Bred to work on farms, the Lakeland Terrier is a small but sturdy breed with a big, bold personality. This breed has notably fewer health problems and an average lifespan over 14 years. Another benefit the Lakeland Terrier has to offer? A low-shedding coat.

Border Terrier—14.2 years

Another working terrier, the Border Terrier has a wiry coat and a compressed head shape. These dogs are upbeat and affectionate by nature, and they thrive in active environments.

With a life expectancy of around 14 years, Border Terriers are generally very healthy. Potential health issues may include eye problems, hip dysplasia, and low heat tolerance.

Dachshund—14 years

Known as the Doxie by fans of the breed, the Dachshund is a short-legged, long-nosed hound. There are two sizes—miniature and standard. Both are relatively long-lived, with lifespans averaging 12 to 16 years.

Dachshunds can be bold and stubborn at times, but they’re also known for being clever and courageous. Healthwise, Doxies are prone to disc and joint problems, especially when overweight.

Toy Poodle

Like the Dachshund, Poodles come in in several sizes. The smallest is the Toy Poodle, which weighs up to six pounds and has an average lifespan between 10 and 18 years.

Known for their curly coats and sassy personalities, Toy Poodles are smart and respond well to training. Because they’re predisposed to serious eye and joint problems, responsible breeding is key.

Jack Russel Terrier

Bred to work, the Jack Russel Terrier is a lively little dog with seemingly endless drive. They live an average of 12-14 years, though it’s not unheard of for Jack Russels to enjoy two full decades of life.

This breed is generally very healthy, but breeding stock should be tested for eye issues, joint problems, and congenital deafness.

Chihuahua

This feisty toy breed is often described as a big dog in a small body. Several of the oldest dogs on record have been Chihuahuas, and the breed’s average life expectancy is 14-16 years.

Though most Chihuahuas enjoy long lives, the breed has some genetic issues that can be compounded with irresponsible breeding. Some examples include heart problems, eye issues, patellar luxation, and epilepsy.

Why Some Breeds Live Longer

Though every dog is unique, certain traits have been linked to longer lifespan. These are some of the characteristics most often associated with increased longevity.

Size

You may have noticed that many dog breeds that live the longest are small and toy breeds. This isn’t just coincidence—science supports the observation that small breeds tend to live longer thanks to a slower aging process.

Higher growth rates in large dogs also lead to what’s called “oxidative damage,” which can predispose bigger pups to serious health problems like skin diseases, orthopedic issues, cancer, and cardiac issues.

Shape

Body shape is almost as important as size in determining average lifespan, as a 2023 study of 137,469 dogs in Switzerland found.

Short-faced dogs like Bulldogs and Boxers, also known as brachycephalic breeds, showed a higher rate of early mortality, with a life expectancy of 9.8 years. That’s compared to 11.9 years for medium-nosed dogs and 11.5 years for long-nosed dogs.

“Brachycephalic breeds tend to have more respiratory issues,” Dr. Chapman explains, “which can lead to an early demise if not managed appropriately or surgically corrected.”

Population

Dogs with smaller populations—that is, breeds with fewer dogs in them—tend to have shorter lifespans. That’s because a small population usually indicates a reduced gene pool and inbreeding. Some research suggests that small population size can reduce a breed’s median lifespan by 3 to 6 months.

Predisposition to health issues

Every dog breed is predisposed to certain health issues, like eye problems, heart defects, or hip and joint diseases. The dogs that live the longest are often from breeds whose most common health problems tend not to impact longevity.

For example, eye issues might reduce a dog’s quality of life, but they generally aren’t life-threatening. Breeds predisposed to heart problems, however, like Great Danes and Rottweilers, have some of the shortest life expectancies.

The Oldest Dogs Ever

Now that we’ve discussed what dog breed lives the longest, let’s talk about some of the world’s oldest dogs.

• Bluey. The Guinness World Record holder for the title of oldest dog is Bluey, a female Australian Cattle Dog from Australia who lived for almost 30 years. Bluey was born on June 7th, 1910, and died in November of 1939.
• Bobi. Born in 1992, a Portuguese mixed breed named Bobi briefly held the title as the oldest dog on record when he reached 30 years of age. The claim was called into question, however, and his title was eventually revoked. At his death in 2023, he was reportedly 31 years and 165 days old.
• Taffy. The third oldest dog ever recorded was Taffy, a Welsh Collie from the United Kingdom who lived for 27 years, 211 days. She and Bluey were both included in the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of Records.
• Adjutant. Another resident of the UK, Adjutant is hailed as the oldest known Labrador Retriever. He was featured in the 1966 edition of the Guinness Book of Records, having doubled his breed’s life expectancy by living 27 years, 98 days.
• Pusuke. Recognized as the world’s oldest living dog in 2011, Pusuke was a Shiba Inu mix who lived in Japan. Even after surviving being hit by a car in 2008, Pusuke lived to be 26 years, 8 months old.

As of January 2025, the title of the world’s oldest living dog is currently held by a Chihuahua mix named Spike. His age was certified in December of 2022 at over 23 years. Spike lives in Ohio in the United States with his owner, Rita, who keeps him healthy with a balanced diet, daily exercise, and lots of love.

Why Some Dogs Live Longer Than Others

Breed alone doesn’t guarantee a long life. Even if most dogs reach their breed’s average life expectancy, there will be others who exceed or fall short of it. Individual genetics and quality of care will always play a role.

Here’s why some dogs might live longer (or shorter) lives than their breed averages.

Genetics

The genes a dog inherits from their parents have a big impact on longevity. Bad breeding practices, for instance, can make it more likely a dog will inherit life-threatening health conditions. Puppy mills are especially guilty.

Inbreeding is also a concern. Data from a 2016 study reveals that a coefficient of inbreeding (COI) as low as 5% can affect lifespan. Some of the breeds with the highest rates of inbreeding include the Norwegian Lundehund, Bull Terrier, Airedale Terrier, and Miniature Schnauzer.

Spay and neuter status

Spaying or neutering a dog reduces their risk for serious reproductive diseases. For example, spayed female dogs are four times less likely to die from mammary cancer than intact females.

In a 2019 study, dogs that had been spayed or neutered showed a greater survival rate than intact dogs. Spayed female dogs had a median lifespan 0.38 years longer than intact females, while neutered males lived 0.26 years longer on average than intact males.

Routine and preventive care

Regular veterinary care is the key to preventing serious health problems—or minimizing their impact—on a dog’s lifespan. Annual wellness exams are one of the best things you can do for a dog whose breed predisposes them to health issues.

General preventive measures like vaccinations or flea and tick protection can also significantly reduce the risk of diseases that cut a dog’s life short.

Diet and lifestyle

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that dogs who that maintain a healthy body weight and active lifestyle live longer on average than those who don’t.

One of the first studies to look at the importance of body condition was a 14-year study on Labrador Retrievers conducted by the Purina Institute. This study revealed that modest dietary restriction (without malnutrition) increased median lifespan by an astonishing 15%.

But it’s not just about weight—nutrition is also key. According to Dr. Chapman, “Pets who are not fed a complete and balanced diet are more likely to develop health issues and have a shorter lifespan.”

And the right food has to go hand in hand with exercise. A 2023 study of activity patterns in aging dogs found higher levels of physical activity were correlated with delayed cognitive impairment and longer lifespans.

How To Help Your Dog Live a Long Time

While it can be tricky to collect accurate data on dog longevity, some experts believe dogs are living longer now than they ever have. Dr. Chapman suggests it might have something to do with shifting perspectives on pet ownership. “Many owners now consider their pets family,” she says.

Practicing responsible pet ownership is the key to ensuring your dog lives a long and happy life. This means feeding your dog a balanced diet, keeping them hydrated, and meeting their daily exercise requirements. It’s also essential to make regular vet visits and follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding preventive care.

Even with the very best of care, our dogs live much shorter lives than we do. So shower your pup with love and enjoy every minute you get to spend with them.

Further Reading

• Checklist: How To Keep Your Dog Healthy
• What Should I Feed My Dog? A Guide to the Basics of Dog Nutrition
• The 4 Biggest Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make
• Adopt or Shop? How To Decide Between a Dog Breeder And a Rescue