Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Key Takeaways:
A dog’s life is shorter than a human’s, but some dogs seem to live much longer than others. If you’ve ever seen a 16-year-old miniature dachshund running around like a young puppy, you might wonder how they’ve managed to live so long.
Genetics play a role, as does lifestyle, but a dog’s particular breed can give us a good indication of how long they may live. In this guide, we’ll tell you the longest living small, medium, and large breed dogs and talk about what factors play a role in their longevity.
Before we get into which breeds live the longest, let’s take a look at the factors that affect a dog’s lifespan.
While you cannot control your dog’s DNA, you can help stack the deck in their favor by ensuring they are well-cared for and loved. That said, here are the top three longest-living dog breeds by size.
Small dog breeds are dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds when they are fully grown. These breeds include Yorkies, miniature dachshunds, and chihuahuas. Of all small dog breeds, chihuahuas have the longest lifespan. In fact, they have the longest lifespan of all dog breeds, with life expectancy reaching 15-20 years of age.
The chihuahua’s secret to a long life is rooted in their size. Most of these dogs weigh less than six pounds, which means there’s a lot less wear and tear on their joints than in a larger, heavier dog.
Chihuahuas also have a lower risk of genetic diseases than other breeds, further pushing them toward a longer life. The chihuahua’s playful, alert nature helps keep them mentally sharp, which can also play a role in a dog’s lifespan.
Although chihuahuas may live to see your kids off to college, be aware that they do still have some issues. Dental issues are a big concern for these dogs. Left untreated, dental decay can lead to systemic illness that can be life-threatening.
Medium-breed dogs weigh between 25 and 50 pounds when fully grown. This class of dogs includes cocker spaniels, border collies, and the long-living Australian cattle dog. Aussie cattle dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, can live well into their teens. Some even hit 20 years of age with proper care.
Blue Heelers are rugged, ranch-loving dogs that need plenty of exercise and outdoor space to thrive. These dogs have been used as working dogs for decades and are thus bred for endurance, not aesthetics.
Australian cattle dogs are smart and sharp, helping keep them mentally engaged and stimulated. The breed itself boasts a heritage of health and longevity. Most breeding lines have excellent genetic backgrounds.
Although Chihuahuas are the longest living breed of dog, the dog that holds the Guinness World Record for longest life is an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and five months old.
To help keep your Australian cattle dog living a long life, make sure you give them plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity. Without it, you might find they pick up habits like chewing on shoes or destroying your furniture.
Large dogs weigh over 50 pounds in adulthood. The Alaskan Malamute is in a class with German shepherds and Labrador retrievers. This dog can live between 12 and 15 years, which is longer than its other large dog peers.
Alaskan Malamutes live longer than other large dogs due to their heritage as working dogs. Their genetic makeup includes endurance, resilience, and strong joints. These dogs also have thick coats, which help protect them from environmental stressors.
While some large breeds are prone to obesity, Malamutes are not, which can play a big role in how long a dog will live. Be aware that hip dysplasia is a known issue for Alaskan Malamutes in adulthood, and they will need lots of space to play and exercise.
No matter what breed of dog you have, you can give them a shot at living their longest, healthiest lives by following these tips.
Your dog needs healthy food just like you do. Healthy food equates to a better-balanced immune system, shinier, healthier coat, and enough energy to help them run and play. Your dog’s veterinarian can help you decide which food is best for your dog.
If your dog needs to lose weight, a veterinarian can prescribe a specialized weight-loss kibble that will ensure they still get the nutrients they need while losing a few extra pounds.
All breeds need exercise to maintain joint mobility and keep their minds sharp. Some breeds need more exercise than others. Try breaking up your dog’s daily routine by offering playtime, walks, and trips to the dog park.
Preventive care is incredibly important for dogs. Getting regular vaccinations, check-ups, and dental cleanings can help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Many companies now offer pet insurance which can help offset the cost of veterinary care.
Want to give your dog a little extra support? Try a supplement like Longevity15. Longevity15 is a daily supplement that supports your dog’s healthy aging from nose to tail.
Longevity15 contains C15:0, a powerful fatty acid that helps support your dog’s cells, enhances cardiovascular function, helps support glucose handling, encourages healthy liver function, and promotes strong, healthy red blood cells. Giving your dog Longevity15 once per day supports your efforts to keep your dog strong, healthy, and sharp.
Whether you share your home with a pint-sized chihuahua or a hard-working Malamute, you want to do your best to give them a long, happy life. You can’t change their genetics, but you can support them with healthy care, plenty of belly rubs, and a supplement that helps keep their cells healthy.
If you’re looking to scoop up a new furry friend, you now know which breeds will live the longest.
Sources:
How Long Do Dogs Live | PetMD.com
New Study Reveals Surprising Factors in Dog Longevity | Sci Tech Daily
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Guinness World Records posthumously strips Bobi of his title of ‘oldest dog ever’ | NPR
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