If you want to get a dog, you would probably like to get one that will stay with you for longer. Of course, the most important factor is the quality of your care and a healthy lifestyle. A dog needs to be checked by a veterinarian regularly; he needs a place to sleep safely and to run around. A dog also thrives on love and requires a well-balanced diet (see the Dog Food Reviews: Acana to know how to provide your dog with everything he may need.)
However, the dog’s breed also plays an important role. Some kinds are more likely to experience serious health issues than others, and they can’t always be avoided. So which dog breeds are the healthiest and therefore can live longer than others?
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may seem tiny and extremely fragile, but they are one of the longest living breeds, with an average lifespan of 17 years, but with many living as long as 20. They have some tendencies for heart and eye problems, but they are generally healthy, though they do require a lot of attention. Chihuahuas need to exercise, both physically and mentally, and they can’t really do it on their own.
Pomeranians
Tiny, friendly, and a little bit bossy. Pomeranians are perfect for every family who would like a playing and cuddling companion. They are also known for their loyalty; despite their small size, they make excellent guard dogs. Due to their feisty nature, they need a lot of training, but it’s all worth it, as they can bless your family with their 16-year-old (on average) sunshiny life.
Toy Poodle
All poodles and poodle mixes are expected to live long, but toy poodles have the longest expected lifespan among them – 16 years. They are known to be highly intelligent and are therefore excellent to be trained as service dogs. However, if you only want a poodle as a family member, you need to remember that they need regular training and mental stimulation. It’s not rare for toy poodles to live up 18 years old, but they are prone to eye and orthopedic issues.
Australian Cattle Dog
This may be a little bit surprising, considering that it’s generally the small breeds that live longer, but one Australian Cattle Dog is the current holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest living dog – he died at the age of 29. However, they love being outdoors, and they need a lot of running, so they can thrive only if there are some wide spaces available in the neighborhood.
Beagles
Beagles are known to be super friendly and great with kids, that’s why they are perfect as family dogs and Emotional Supports Dogs. Apart from that, they are very likely to live longer than 15 years, which is even better, as the risk of your children losing their best friend will be much lower. The oldest known beagle was named Butch and died at the age of 27.
Dachshund
It’s very common for a dachshund to live longer than 15 years. In fact, the dog that once owned a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog was a dachshund called Chanel; she died at the age of 21. However, they need to be kept in good shape. Dachshunds are known for their cute, long bodies and short legs, that earned them nicknames like sausage or wiener, but because of it, they are prone to back issues, which can get worse due to obesity.
Yorkshire Terrier
They can easily live up to 15 years old, or even longer. They are loyal and affectionate towards their families, but their guarding instincts make them a little bit vocal and sometimes aggressive. They are popular among families, as they are great playing companions, but they can’t spend their whole lives on your lap.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are very healthy, especially in comparison with other breeds. They make for wonderful friends, as they are loyal, affectionate, and full of love, but it can also be their weakness. The Maltese are prone to separation anxiety if they are left alone for longer periods, but behavioral training can prove to be helpful in this case. It’s a perfect choice if you want a dog to cuddle, and you can sacrifice a lot of time for him.
Shiba Inu
At almost 16-years-old average lifespan, Shiba Inu is one of the longest living breeds among medium-sized dogs. They are incredibly stubborn and can be very reserved, so they require patient owners with lots of time on their hands. However, if they stay, they stay forever, as they are known for their loyalty. They also remain in good health, in general, but they have tendencies for allergies.
Love your best friend
Of course, it doesn’t mean that you absolutely should get yourself one of these dogs. Very often, dogs that are not likely to live long thrive despite everything, while those that should stay with you for a long time, pass away before their time. Whichever you choose, you should take good care of them, and, most importantly, love them. He’s not only a nice addition to your family – he’s the newest member, so he should be treated as such.
