25 Longest-Living Dog Breeds to Love for Years and Years

There are more households with pets than ever before in the US. As of 2023, 66% of families have a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. That’s up from 56% in 1988, according to Stacker. Who owns the most pets in the US? Millennials followed by Gen Xers. Dogs are America’s favorite pets, with three out of five pet parents having dogs. It’s no secret that dog lovers often wish their furry friends could live as long as they do. While sadly we haven’t found the secret to canine immortality yet, there are some breeds that are known for their longevity, providing companionship and loyalty for many years.

To find out the longest-living dog breeds, Stacker examined data from a 2008 study published in the journal Genetics and breed popularity rankings from the American Kennel Club published in 2023. Let’s look at the breeds that live the longest, with some key details about each.

25. American Eskimo

– Average life span: 13.5 years
– Popularity rank: 123

The American Eskimo Dog, affectionately known as the “Eskie,” is a striking breed known for its bright white coat and lively personality. Despite its name, the breed is not from Alaska; rather, it’s a member of the Spitz family, which includes breeds like the Samoyed and the Alaskan Malamute. Eskies are intelligent, energetic, and friendly dogs that enjoy being part of a family.

24. Jack Russell Terrier

– Average life span: 13.6 years
– Popularity rank: 73

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small and spirited breed that originated in England for fox hunting. Known for their boundless energy and charming personalities, these dogs are characterized by their white, rough, or smooth coat, often with brown or black patches. They are incredibly intelligent and trainable but require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

23. Border Terrier

– Average life span: 13.8 years
– Popularity rank: 95

The Border Terrier is a small, energetic breed from the border region between England and Scotland. This breed was initially bred for fox and vermin hunting due to their speed, endurance, and ability to squeeze through narrow spaces. Known for their wiry, dense coat in shades of red, grizzle, and tan, or blue and tan, they have a distinctive otter-shaped head.

20. Pointer (Tie)

– Average life span: 14 years
– Popularity rank: 107

The Pointer, often called the English Pointer, is a highly energetic breed renowned for its exceptional hunting skills and athletic grace. This breed was developed in England as a gun dog, specifically trained to ‘point’ game birds with its body stance. Pointers are easily recognizable with their muscular build, distinctive coat of primarily white with liver, lemon, black, or orange markings, and an intense, focused expression.

21. Irish Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 14 years
– Popularity rank: 131

The Irish Terrier, affectionately known as the “Daredevil” of the Emerald Isle, is a breed that embodies the spirit and essence of Ireland. Initially bred for hunting and retrieving game, these dogs are known for their fiery red coat, elongated face, and athletic build. They carry an air of grace and attitude that is unmistakable. Irish Terriers are intelligent, energetic, and have a strong protective instinct, making them excellent watchdogs.

20. Toy Fox Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 14 years
– Popularity rank: 108

The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, energetic breed of dog that originated in the United States. These dogs are known for their playful nature and keen intelligence, making them excellent companions and family pets. They are easily recognizable by their smooth coat, distinctive erect ears, and bright eyes. Toy Fox Terriers are highly trainable and often excel in agility and obedience competitions.

17. Whippet (Tie)

– Average life span: 14.3 years
– Popularity rank: 54

The Whippet is a medium-sized breed that originated in England. Known for their incredible speed and agility, Whippets can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest breeds. They stand about 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. Whippets have a short, sleek coat and a streamlined body that contributes to their speed.

17. Tibetan Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 14.3 years
– Popularity rank: 106

The Tibetan Terrier, fondly known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” is a medium-sized breed originating from the rugged terrain of Tibet. These dogs were traditionally kept in monasteries and considered bringers of good luck. They stand about 14 to 17 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 18 to 30 pounds. Tibetan Terriers have a unique double coat that can come in various colors and helps protect them from the harsh Tibetan climate. Despite their name, they’re not true terriers and are more closely related to herding breeds.

17. Bedlington Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 14.3 years
– Popularity rank: 152

The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive breed renowned for its lamb-like appearance. Originating from the small mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland, in North East England, this breed was initially developed to hunt vermin. However, their gentle and affectionate nature has made them a popular choice as companion dogs. Their coat is thick and curly, often trimmed to highlight their arched back and streamlined shape.

16. Havanese

– Average life span: 14.5 years
– Popularity rank: 25

The Havanese is a small, sturdy breed known for its outgoing personality and silky, long hair. Originating from Cuba, they’re often called “Havana Silk Dogs”. This breed is amiable and affectionate, making them excellent family pets. They have a playful demeanor and are known for their intelligence, which makes them highly trainable. Their coat, which comes in various colors, requires regular grooming to maintain its lustrous appearance.

7. Tibetan Spaniel (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 127

The Tibetan Spaniel is a small, intelligent, and ancient breed of dog that hails from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. Tibetan monks cherished these dogs and used them as companions, watchdogs, and even warming dogs; where they would sleep on the monks’ beds to provide warmth. With their lion-like appearance, expressive eyes, and quick agility, these dogs are known for their alertness and keen observational skills.

7. Poodle (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 5

The Poodle is a renowned breed known for its intelligence, elegance, and versatile skills. Originating in Germany but standardized in France, Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy, yet they all maintain the same breed standard of a well-proportioned and squarely built body. They are easily recognizable by their curly or corded coat, which comes in various solid colors. Poodles are hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

7. Pomeranian (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 23

The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy breed. They have a soft, fluffy undercoat and a profuse, harsh-textured outer coat. Their signature plume tail fans over the back. Known for their lively and playful nature, Pomeranians are incredibly intelligent and love to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. They are friendly and pleasant, often forming strong bonds with their human families.

7. Miniature Schnauzer (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 17

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, robust, lively breed known for its distinctive features, such as bushy eyebrows, whiskers, and a wiry coat. Originally bred in Germany to help with farm work, this breed is now popular as a companion pet due to its friendly and intelligent nature. Miniature Schnauzers are eager to please and quick to learn, making them relatively easy to train. They are known for their energetic personality and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

RELATED: 30 Heartwarming Quotes About Dogs That Celebrate Our Very Good Girls and Boys

7. Miniature Pinscher (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 72

The Miniature Pinscher, often called the “Min Pin,” is a small breed from Germany. They are known for their energetic and lively personalities. Despite its resemblance, the Miniature Pinscher is not a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher predates the Doberman by roughly 200 years. This breed is characterized by its compact size, smooth coat in various colors, and distinctive high-stepping gait. Mini Pins are intelligent and curious.

7. Manchester Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 130

The Manchester Terrier is a breed that originated in England, specifically bred for rat catching and rabbit coursing. This sleek, agile breed comes in two varieties – the Standard and the Toy- known for their distinctive black and tan coats. The breed is characterized by its keen and alert expression, smooth and glossy coat, compact size, and naturally sporty instinct. Manchester Terriers are intelligent, spirited, and have a strong prey drive.

7. Italian Greyhound (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 63

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed, a miniature version of the Greyhound, known for its speed and elegance. Originating from Italy, these pets were bred for companionship and to hunt small game. They are characterized by their slender, sleek bodies, deep chests, and thin, delicate legs. Their short and smooth coats come in various colors, such as black, blue, fawn, and shades of tan. Italian Greyhounds are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them excellent companions.

7. Boston Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 24

The Boston Terrier, often called the “American Gentleman,” is a small, friendly breed originating in the United States. Known for their distinctive tuxedo-like markings, these dogs are beloved for their cheerful disposition and outgoing personality. They have a compact body with a short tail and a square-shaped head, giving them a charming and unique appearance. Boston Terriers are intelligent, easy to train, and known for their love of human companionship, making them excellent family pets.

7. Australian Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 15 years
– Popularity rank: 136

The Australian Terrier is a small yet robust breed initially developed in Australia to work on farms and ranches. Known for its hardy nature and bright personality, this terrier breed stands around 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs between 14 to 16 pounds. They have a distinct rough coat in various colors, including blue and tan, sandy or red.

5. Toy Manchester Terrier (Tie)

– Average life span: 15.5 years
– Popularity rank: 130

The Toy Manchester Terrier is a small, agile breed that originated in England. They are one of the oldest recognized terrier breeds, originally bred for rat hunting and rabbit coursing in the 19th century. Standing around 10 to 12 inches tall and weighing between 6 to 12 pounds, they are known for their sleek, glossy, typically black and tan coat. These pets have a keen and alert expression, reflecting their intelligent and spirited nature.

5. Bichon Frise (Tie)

– Average life span: 15.5 years
– Popularity rank: 47

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful breed known for its fluffy white coat and playful demeanor. Originating from the Mediterranean, this breed was a favorite among French royalty in the 16th century. Their compact size, typically between 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder, makes them ideal for apartment living. Despite their small stature, Bichons are incredibly energetic and require regular exercise.

2. Toy Poodle (tie)

– Average life span: 16 years
– Popularity rank: 5

The Toy Poodle is a small, intelligent breed known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat and friendly nature. Standing no more than 10 inches tall at the shoulder, Toy Poodles are the smallest variant of the Poodle family. Despite their diminutive size, they are energetic, agile, and love to play. They are known for their exceptional intelligence, making them highly trainable and quick to learn new tricks. Toy Poodles are friendly and form strong bonds with their families but can be slightly reserved around strangers.

2. Miniature Poodle (tie)

– Average life span: 16 years
– Popularity rank: 5

The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized breed that carries all the intelligence, elegance, and sociability of its larger Standard Poodle counterpart but in a more compact package. Standing between 11 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder, Miniature Poodles make great companions for those seeking a more substantial pet than a Toy Poodle but smaller than the Standard variety. They are known for their curly, hypoallergenic coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.

2. Lhasa Apso (Tie)

– Average life span: 16 years
– Popularity rank: 86

The Lhasa Apso is a small, hardy breed with a beautiful cloak of hair that parts down their back from head to tail. This breed originated from Tibet and served as a sentinel at palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas. Known for their keen sense of hearing and sharp bark, they were excellent watchdogs. They are intelligent, independent, and somewhat aloof with strangers but are often loyal and affectionate with their families. Their long, flowing coat requires regular grooming to maintain its splendor.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 30 Funny Dogs That Will 100% Cheer You Up

1. Schipperke

– Average life span: 17 years
– Popularity rank: 115

The Schipperke is a small, lively, and curious dog breed originating from Belgium. Known for their fox-like face and a thick, lush coat, these dogs are often solid black, giving them a distinctive silhouette. They were initially bred for hunting vermin and serving as watchdogs on canal boats; hence, their name translates to “little captain” in Flemish. Schipperkes are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and mischievous nature.

In the end, it’s not just about how long your dog lives, but how well. Regardless of breed, every dog deserves a life filled with love, proper care, and lots of playtime. Ensuring they have a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups can significantly improve their quality of life. Remember, these longest-living breeds may promise many years of companionship, but it’s your love and care that truly make those years count. Here’s to a lifetime of tail wags, belly rubs, and unforgettable moments with your furry friend!

For even more pet content, keep reading. We’ve got the best quotes about dogs to share with you.

Roger Caras

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

Agnes Sligh Turnbull 

“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”

Mark Twain

“The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man’s.”

Charles De Gaulle

“The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”

Charles M. Shulz

“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn’t a dog.”

Oprah Winfrey

“Over the years I have felt the truest, purest love—the love of God, really, I imagine that’s what God’s love feels like—is the love that comes from your dog.”

Franklin P. Jones 

“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.”

Aldous Huxley

“To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.”

W. Bruce Cameron

“You can usually tell that a man is good if he has a dog who loves him.”

Jean Ferris

“As wonderful as dogs can be, they are famous for missing the point.”

George Carlin

“What do dogs do on their day off? Can’t lie around – that’s their job.”

Will Rogers

“If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

Josh Billings 

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

Gabriel Zevin

“Did you know that there are over 300 words for love in canine?”

Milan Kundera

“Dogs are our link to paradise.”

RELATED: 7 Dogs of Instagram that You Need to Meet

Konrad Lorenz

“There is no faith which has never yet been broken, except that of a truly faithful dog”

Gilda Radner

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”

Jarod Kintz

“I don’t understand people who don’t touch their pets. Their cat or dog is called a pet for a reason.”

Mark Twain

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.”

Roger Caras

“If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there may not necessarily be anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.”

Elayne Boosler

“My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.”

Woodrow Wilson

“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.”

Dean Koontz

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.”

John Grogan 

“It is amazing how much love and laughter [dogs] bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”

Robert Falcon Scott

“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.”

Kristan Higgins 

“When an 85-pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it’s hard to feel sad.”

Christopher Morley

“No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.”

James Thurber

“If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.”

Dean Koontz

“Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.”

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 30 Funny Dog Memes That Will 100% Cheer You Up

Caroline Knapp

“Before you get a dog, you can’t quite imagine what living with one might be like; afterward, you can’t imagine living any other way.”