Long live dogs! Literally. Some dog breeds are known for having unusually lengthy life spans. That means we get to love them — and be loved in return — for a longer period of time.
I’ve been a veterinarian for more than 30 years now, and one of the things I take special note of is dogs who live a long time. Meet 10 breeds that I predict will be licking your face and cuddling with you on the sofa well into their teens.
Chihuahua
This breed has a reputation as the “armpit piranha,” but I sure do love the
Chihuahua. This tiny
dog (which usually weighs between four and six pounds) can have an outsize life span of up to 20 years. Viva la
Chihuahua!
Dachshund
The
Dachshund
is noted not only for his long, low body but also for his brains,
loyalty and longevity — 12 to 15 years and sometimes more. A wirehaired Dachshund named Chanel lived 21 years!
Pomeranian
The bright-eyed Pomeranian is generally spunky and active — and usually the cutest thing around.
You stand a good chance of getting more than 15 years of entertainment if you're living with this pint-size canine.
Lhasa Apso
Life with a Lhasa Apso, a breed revered in his homeland of Tibet, can be long and prosperous. These dogs usually live 12 to 15 years, with a rare few living 20
years or longer.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are perennially popular, not
only because they tend to be devoted to their loving families but also, I’m sure,
because of their generally long life spans. They can live a good 14 to 18 years, with some even making it to 20.
Shih Tzu
You can expect a Shih Tzu, typically a real
sweetheart who wants only to love and be loved, to be
your friend for as long as 18 years in some
instances.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Guinness World Record holder for longest canine life span is an
Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years old. I don’t know of any
ACDs
who have neared that record, but I do know this breed can live a
good 12 to 14 years, sometimes longer.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Maybe it's the Cardigan Welsh Corgi's busy personality that keeps him going. Corgis typically live 12 to 14
years, but I’ve known of some who have carried on for 17 years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Cousin to the Cardigan, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the one without a tail. The
Pembroke
has a more fox-like appearance than the Cardigan, and he’s slightly smaller,
but they share a long potential life span of 12 to 14 years or more.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
This small
hound is slowly becoming popular in America and for good reason: The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno tends to be adaptable, energetic and highly trainable. Even better: The Pequeno has a
potential life span of 12 to 16 years.
