It’s widely known that small dogs generally live longer lives than their larger breed counterparts. The average lifespan of a dog is between 10-13 years, but many smaller breed dogs can live well past their 16th birthday.

Genetics play a large role in your dogs lifespan as well as feeding a high-quality diet, allowing them plenty of exercise and providing excellent health care.

Here are the 10 dog breeds with the longest lifespans.

10

Shih Tzu

The cute and friendly Shih Tzu was bred to be a family companion, and only requires short walks and playtime. Genetically the Shih Tzu is generally healthy throughout its adult life, but can be prone to eye issues and orthopedic problems.

It’s common for Shih Tzus to live to be 15 years or older! The oldest living Shih Tzu was one named Smokey from Florida, who lived to be 23 years old.

9

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is considered a medium-sized breed and is one of the few larger breed that can have a longer lifespan. The breed is not for every dog owner, the Shiba Inu is very strong-willed and at times can be stubborn.

They are also known for being clean, loyal and quiet. The Shiba Inu has excellent genetics and is generally healthy during its adult life. The breed may be prone to allergies. Expect the Shiba Inu to live well past 15 years of age if it’s well taken care of.

“According to the Guinness World Records, one of the world’s oldest-living dogs was a Shiba Inu named Pusuke, who died at age 26 in 2011, three months shy of his 27th birthday.”

8

Pomeranian

These tiny, bossy and extremely loyal dogs have excellent genetics dependent on breeding. Pomeranians can be a great family pet and may even take the role of being the guard dog of the house.

Providing an excellent diet and exercise could extend a Pomeranians life by 16 years or more! “The oldest Pomeranian documented and recorded lived to the age of 21 years, 8 months, and 13 days. His name was Coty.”

7

Australian Cattle Dog

It’s fairly common for the Australian Cattle Dog also known as the Blue Heeler, to reach the age of 16 years old and beyond. The active working drive of the breed, keeps the Blue Heeler in tip-top shape.

The Blue Heeler thrives in active family homes that will be in sports and outdoor activities.

“Bluey (7 June 1910 – 14 November 1939) was an Australian cattle dog owned by Les and Esma Hall of Rochester, Victoria, Australia. According to Guinness World Records, Bluey lived 29 years, 5 months (151 years in dog years) and is the oldest dog ever verified.”

6

Maltese

The Maltese is considered an exceptionally healthy small dog breed. They are prone to very few common health issues that arise in adult dogs. The Maltese is usually known to have separation anxiety disorder if left alone for a long period time.

The breeds thrives on affection, company and a loving soul. The Maltese is known to reach their 16th birthday with very few severe health issues.

Currently the oldest known Maltese is located in Queensland, Australia. Zac the Maltese was about to be put down at the age of 3 but was luckily adopted by Patricia Adams.

“He’s lost most of his teeth, is blind in his right eye and a bit arthritic but he loves a walk, especially in the cooler weather.He’s a good eater,” Patricia stated.

5

Dachshund

This beautiful dog breed can live well past its prime if given a healthy lifestyle. Plenty of exercise and more importantly a healthy diet can keep the weight off and extend the life of a Dachshund.

One of the most common age related health problems Dachshunds have is back issues. This can be a major issue if your Dachshund is obese. (Which is common in the breed) That’s why it’s so important to provide a healthy lifestyle.

Expect a healthy Dachshund to live over the age of 16 years old!

“A 20-year-old Dachshund-Terrier cross named Otto then held it until 2010. In 2013, another Dachshund named Scolly, who also lived to be 20, held the title.”

4

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are a popular and intelligent toy breed, but they aren’t total lap dogs. Although they are loyal and affectionate with their families, they have terrier traits, including strong guarding instincts and a vocal nature.

It is not uncommon for a Yorkie to live to 15 years or older.

3

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred for working, they were especially keen on fox hunting.

The breed is known to be very active and still retains that drive and energy today. The breed is considered genetically healthy, and has one of the longest lifespans of all dog breeds.

They can reach upwards of 17 years old! A 25-year-old Jack Russell Meg, from Somerset was considered the world oldest dog before passing away in 2014.

2

Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is an intelligent dog breed that’s highly energetic and a bit sassy. The breed needs a ton of physical and mental stimulation to keep their busy minds at ease.

The genetic of the Toy Poodle is generally healthy, with a few prone to eye disorders and orthopedic problems. Astonishing, the Toy Poodle is known to reach ages upwards of 18 years old!

A Toy Poodle by the name of ChihChi out of New York City was sought to be the new oldest dog on record in 2012, but later passed away. ChiChi was adopted from an animal shelter around the age of 2. The owners had ChiChi for nearly 24 years!

1

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is considered one of the longest living dog breeds as of today. Expect many Chihuahua breeds to pass the average life expectancy of a dog and then some.

Many Chihuahuas can live past 16 years, with some living as long as 18-20 years old! The breed is known to be extremely healthy and very active even for its small size. Plenty of love, exercise and a healthy diet could extend your Chihuahuas life.

“The world’s oldest Chihuahua on record (keyword being on record) is Megabyte, who passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 20 years and 265 days.”