15 Longest Living Dog Breeds Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido
AMERICAN HAIRLESS TERRIER
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
The American Hairless Terrier is one of many tiny breeds on our list who act a lot like cats. Full of affection for their families and inquisitive little buggers, these dogs can go from cuddly to playful at the drop of a hat. American Hairless Terriers don’t have insane exercise requirements and are hypoallergenic due to the whole not-having-a-coat thing. An excellent choice for homebodies.
BEDLINGTON TERRIER
Life Expectancy: 11-16 years
Bedlington Terriers are also hypoallergenic sweethearts! Though wary of strangers and other dogs, Bedlingtons enjoy protecting and playing with their people. Keep their bodies and minds engaged with agility training—they’re great athletes.
BIEWER TERRIER
Life Expectancy: 16 years
As one of the newest participants in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Biewer Terrier is a delightfully loving pup. They are smarties with a penchant for playtime. Biewer (pronounced Beaver) Terriers also know how to be mellow when the time comes. One thing to watch out for: sensitive tummies and digestion issues.
CHIHUAHUA
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Chihuahuas are certainly charmers who know how to get their way. They’re also intelligent and can be trained well if it’s done early. Unfortunately, they aren’t touted as great with kiddos. Chihuahuas have been around for centuries—to keep them going, wrap them warmly in cold weather and have the vet check their eyes and hearts annually.
CHINESE CRESTED
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
Another ancient breed! Chinese Crested pups are absolute darlings. They love everyone—kiddos included—and play well with other dogs. To keep these pups and other hairless varieties safe in the sun, apply a dog-friendly sunscreen. Though they may not look super cuddly, Chinese Crested pups make excellent therapy dogs.
MINIATURE PINSCHER
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Miniature Pinschers are goofballs with stubborn streaks. They enjoy activity and need plenty of exercise, though they may find training to be below them. Some look exactly like the large Doberman Pinscher, while others are rust- or red-hued. Min Pins, as they’re called, are pretty healthy pups as long as they have an energy outlet.
NORFOLK TERRIER
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
These rascals were bred to hunt rodents and guard the home. So, while they make friends easily, they aren’t afraid to bark at potential prey (keeping them on leash is key to preventing a sprint towards a squirrel). Norfolk Terriers enjoy being in on the action and can adapt well to new situations.
PAPILLON
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
If you’re looking for a long-lived companion dog, look no further than the smiling Papillon. These tiny pups are intelligent and friendly. They work well with kids and love showering their favorite humans with affection. Papillons take well to training, too. It’s wise to puppy-proof your house with a Papillon—stairs and tall furniture could lead to bad falls and broken bones
POINTER
Life Expectancy: 12-17 years
If you’re not prepared to provide ample exercise time and space to a Pointer, don’t get one. These athletes love—and need—to run around and do things. They’re actually quite even-tempered pups, but their energy levels are through the roof. High prey drive and hunting instincts aside, Pointers are loving, sweet dogs.
POMERANIAN
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
On the other hand, Pomeranians have almost no prey drive whatsoever. They’re fluffy dogs with a penchant for announcing themselves to strangers. City dwellers and country folks alike do well with Pomeranians, as these dogs adapt to just about every environment.
POODLE
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
The biggest dog breed on our list is the Standard Poodle, though Miniature and Toy Poodles have equally lengthy life spans. These are smart animals. When you exercise their bodies, you’ve got to exercise their minds. Honestly, Poodles have it all: affectionate natures, friendly dispositions, hypoallergenic coats and three sizes to choose from.
RAT TERRIER
Life Expectancy: 12-18 years
Rat Terriers come in two varieties: Standard and Miniature. Neither gets too big and both are balls of affectionate energy. They love to play, train, join kids outside, hang with dogs wherever and meet new people.
SHIBA INU
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Here’s a medium-sized breed who can live well into its teenage years! The Shiba Inu is native to Japan and makes an excellent companion. They are super affectionate and protective, which can manifest in territorial tendencies. Be sure to offer these dogs plenty of exercise. Some Shibas have been known to be allergy sufferers, so talk to your vet if you notice extensive itching or sneezing.
SHIH TZU
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Shih Tzus are cheerful, outgoing animals who were bred to sit in laps of luxury. Not only do they get along well with kids, they can thrive in a variety of households and environments. Caring for a Shih Tzu includes keeping them out of high heat and water (two things they don’t do well in).
TOY MANCHESTER TERRIER
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Toy Manchester Terriers are very cat-like in their habits. They don’t require tons of exercise (a few walks will do) and enjoy cat naps in your lap. Toy Manchester Terriers may have watchdog tendencies, barking at new people and dogs. Like Greyhounds, these pups have been known to suffer from juvenile cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can cause death. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine advises talking with your vet before putting your Toy Manchester under anesthesia, as this could be linked to heart failure in these dogs.
