Unlike human beings, dogs have a shorter life span. Typically, most dogs seem to have a common lifespan of 10-13 years. But unknown to most people, there are dog breeds that have a long life expectancy with others living for more than 20 years. Interestingly, smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Larger breeds have more growth hormones and they age faster. Another thing that determines the life expectancy of different breeds is the quality of care provided.
In this article, we will look at some of the longest living dog breeds, some of the health conditions they may suffer from, and how to keep them healthy so they can live longer.
Yorkshire Terriers
Although this breed is small, Yorkshire Terriers are very energetic and can live anywhere from 16 to 20 years. They are not only cute but also very friendly, and they can be your companion for a very long time. However, this popular breed is more prone to stomach issues. This, therefore, means that you need to watch out they eat if you want to prolong their life.
Maltese
The Maltese pups are originally from the Mediterranean, and they have an average lifespan of 15 years. They are a choice for most families because they are smart and playful with kids. This breed tends to live longer given that they are unlikely to suffer from serious genetic diseases which might shorten their lives. They, however, experience dental problems later on in life. Interestingly enough, the female Maltese lives one year longer than the male Maltese.
Beagle
With floppy ears and puppy eyes, the Beagle is a friendly breed that is mostly used for hunting. This medium sized dog can live from 12 to 17 years with a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the oldest Beagle was known as Butch, and he died in 2009 at the age of 27 years. The Beagle requires more exercise compared to its smaller counterparts because they suffer from back problems. Some common health problems to look out for in this breed include epilepsy, patellar luxation, and glaucoma.
Shih Tzu
This elegant breed was loved by royalty in China’s Ming Dynasty and became popular in the western world during the 20th century. Unlike most breeds, the life expectancy of the Shih Tzu can greatly vary but most usually live between 11 to 14 years. Besides being famous for their long coats, the Shih Tzu’s are also known to be super friendly, playful, and easy to live with.
Apart from skin irritations, they do not have many health problems. That is why you should ensure that their long beautiful coats are regularly groomed. However, they may suffer from vision issues as they age, so be consistent with vet visits.
Australian Shepherd
Although smaller dog tends to live longer than larger dogs, the Australian Shepherd is an exception. This breed weighs a whopping 60 pounds and has an average life expectancy of 15 years. Plus, you will get to enjoy their high energy, intelligence, and great herding ability. They are known to suffer from common health problems like eye disease, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia.
Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is a sassy and petite breed with delicate and large eyes and is loved by most dog owners. It is one of the smallest breeds weighing around 3 to 5 pounds. Most members of the Chihuahua family can live up to 18 years while others make it to 14 years. Just like human beings, their life span and aging process are determined by the physical strain put on their bodies. Besides the short daily walk, the Chihuahuas require very little exercise. This breed suffers from health problems such as patellar luxation and heart problems.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family and a favorite among most dog owners. Luckily for their owners, these fluffy little buddies have an average life expectancy of about 12 to 16 years thanks to its history of good genes. They are quite playful and they enjoy daily walks and indoor games. This breed also requires regular grooming unless you want tangles on their Pomeranian hair. Though they are full of life, they may suffer from minor issues like shoulder luxation and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Toy Poodle
Thanks to their small size, this is one of the longest living dog breeds. Although all poodles have a long expected lifespan, the Toy Poodle, in particular, has the longest, and they can live from 15 to 20 years. In fact, their average lifespan is 16 years. The Toy Poodle is famous for their sharp minds, making them very easy to train. They not only need physical exercise but also require mental exercise. So, it is important for dog owners to keep this in mind before they commit to this breed.
Lhasa Apso
Despite being petite in size, the Lhasa Apso has a very bold personality and is suspicious of strangers. They have long and shaggy hair which makes lovely to look at. Owners of this furry buddy are very lucky because they can live anywhere between 15 to 20 years. Luckily, their owners get to enjoy these loyal companions for a long time. However, because of their long lifespan, the Lhasa Apso is prone to retinal atrophy and patellar luxation. They are also prone to skin problems, which can be managed by giving them the right blend of dog food.
Collie
The Collie is a medium/large dog that is a perfect playmate for children and great for herding. They are popular for their friendliness, loyalty, and protectiveness. Besides this, they live long and they can be your companion for a period of 12 to 16 years. Common collie’s health problems to look out for include skin conditions and eye problems that may result in blindness.
Miniature Schnauzer
This feisty breed is 12-14 inches tall, and they live an average of 12 to 15 years. The Miniature Schnauzers are sturdy and very masculine and are a great choice for family pets. Because of their long life, you will have plenty of time to engage them in various dog sports. They may suffer from pancreatitis which is caused by increased fat levels in their blood. Just beware to get them a special diet.
Pug
The Pug is an ancient Chinese breed known for its flat snouts and big eyes. When healthy, Pugs live for 12-15 years, so you can enjoy their long-term companionship. They are loyal, affectionate, and wonderful companions to both adults and children. They are also a popular pet choice because they don’t need a lot of exercises. However, before you commit to them, you need to know that Pugs don’t perform well in the heat. You should also watch out what they eat because they tend to get fat very fast.
Conclusion
If you are looking for dogs that will stick around for a long time, be sure to consider the longest living dog breeds that are mentioned above. These breeds will bring more years of love and companionship. Nonetheless, the lifespan of a dog depends on the quality of care they are given. So, be sure to give them excellent care so they can live healthier and longer.