8 Dog Breeds With The Longest Lifespan!

Most of the dogs identified in the list below are of a small stature, and under 25 lbs. So their size definitely plays a role in their life span.

8 Dogs That Live Long Lives

Chihuahua: They’re sassy and smart, with a fearless nature. These tiny dogs (which usually weigh 4 to 6 pounds, although some can be larger) can have an outsized life span of up to 20 years.

Dachshund: Noted not only for his long, low body but also for his brains, loyalty and longevity — 12 to 17 years and sometimes more. The breed comes in two sizes (standard and miniature); three coat types (smooth, longhaired and wirehaired).

Pomeranian: They think big — rule-the-world big. You stand a good chance of living 15-plus entertaining years with this pint-size Spitz breed.

Lhasa Apso: The “bark lion sentinel dog,” as his name translates in his homeland of Tibet. This breed usually lives at least 12 to 15 years, with a rare few living 20 years or longer.

Toy Poodle: They are smart and cute. And they are perennially popular, not only because they are devoted and easy to train and because of their long life spans. A Toy Poodle can live a good 14 to 18 years.

Shih Tzu: Despite being bred to be companions of Chinese emperors, Shih Tzus are amazingly down to earth. You can expect him to be your playful and mischievous friend for as long as 18 years in some instances.

Australian Cattle Dog: This breed can live a good 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Expect those years to be happy but challenging, because this is an awfully smart and sometimes stubborn dog with a high energy level.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi: Nicknamed the “yard-long dog” in his native Wales, the Cardigan is active and good-natured, with a strong desire to work. Maybe his busy personality is what keeps him going. Corgis typically live 12 to 14 years, but I’ve known of some who carry on for 17 years.