Which dog breeds live the longest? Find out what influences a dog’s lifespan!
Probably every dog owner would agree with the statement that a dog is a man’s best friend. It faithfully accompanies us in both times of sadness and joy. The only thing it asks of us is unconditional love. We do everything possible to provide it with the best care so that it can live a long and happy life with us. The average lifespan of pets is ten years. Did you know that some breeds live longer than others? In this article, you will learn what causes this and which dogs can boast of longevity.
The Longest Living Dog in the World: Which Dog Breeds Live the Longest?
What affects the lifespan of your dog? Get to know the results of scientific research!
A dog’s lifespan depends on many factors. Of course, an important role is played by how we care for our pet. We need to keep it on a healthy diet, ensure sufficient physical activity, and take it for regular vet check-ups.
The breed’s size and its predisposition to various genetic diseases are also significant. According to National Geographic, scientists have calculated the average lifespan of dog breeds living in the UK. Researchers used a vast database from the VetCompass project and had access to data on 20 million animals. The researchers found that, as a rule, brachycephalic dogs (dogs with short snouts) do not live long. The French Bulldog has the shortest lifespan, followed by the English Bulldog, the Pug, and the American Bulldog. The longest-living dog in the UK is the Jack Russell Terrier, followed by the Yorkshire Terrier and the Border Collie. However, we will talk more about these breeds later in the article.
At first glance, it might seem that giant breeds, due to their strength and endurance, live the longest. However, this is not entirely true. Larger dogs mature much later and live relatively shorter lives compared to their smaller relatives. The longest-living breeds are typically medium-sized and small dogs. A good example is the Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-living dog. Bluey lived for 29 years!
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the longest-living breeds. It was known in Ancient Rome, and the figure of the charming, energetic dog appeared in many works throughout history. You will surely love its soft, sociable character. These small dogs are sure to bring a lot of joy and energy into your life. They love to be petted and to play, so they require a lot of attention and physical activity. They are ideal for city living, but don’t forget to walk them regularly.
The smooth, snow-white coat of the Maltese is one of its great advantages. However, don’t forget to provide proper care to keep its beautiful coat looking impeccable. Maltese dogs are generally considered healthy and hardy. Occasionally, they may have problems with their eyes and teeth, so it’s important to maintain good hygiene and take them to the vet. These dogs typically live around 13 years, but with good care, they can live several years longer.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny companion dog. It can weigh from 500 grams to 3 kilograms – so it’s easy to guess that it is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. At first glance, it may seem like a small and fragile dog. Despite this, the average lifespan of a Chihuahua is 15 years, although some can live up to 20! Remember to protect your Chihuahua from the cold and buy it clothing for walks in the winter and autumn.
Chihuahuas are playful dogs. They love the company of their owners and readily show affection whenever possible. However, remember that Chihuahuas can be stubborn, so it’s important to provide proper training from an early age.
This breed is generally considered healthy and adaptable to various conditions. However, they may be prone to certain diseases, such as hydrocephalus, dental problems, tracheal collapse, cataracts, cryptorchidism, hypothyroidism, and kidney stones. Therefore, before acquiring a puppy, it is essential to check the results of the parents’ health tests and ensure that the dog receives proper veterinary care.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or simply the Yorkie, is another breed in the “couch dog” category. This determined and bold dog will undoubtedly bring a lot of joy to your home. Despite its small size, it is very brave and confident. It is extremely loyal to its owner and can be jealous at times. It’s hard to resist its sweet look and irresistible charm, but this can lead to problems with training. It’s best to start obedience training early.
One of the advantages of this breed is its beautiful coat, which draws attention. Yorkies have long, gorgeous hair, which requires appropriate grooming accessories. This small long-haired dog generally lives around 13-15 years. It is typically robust and does not get sick often. However, typical illnesses for Yorkies include kneecap dislocation, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergic dermatitis, tracheal collapse, hypothyroidism, heart problems, and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular check-ups and good health care will help ensure your Yorkie lives a long and happy life.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a cheerful, friendly, and fairly independent dog. Their innate intelligence means they can quickly outsmart their owner, so it’s important to set rules and stick to them from the beginning. These dogs are very alert and will warn you with their barking when they sense a threat. However, due to their small size, they’re unlikely to scare off an intruder.
Their lifespan is estimated to be around 10-16 years, which is quite impressive. Unfortunately, like any living creature, they are not immune to diseases. They can have problems with their teeth, musculoskeletal system, or allergies. Don’t forget to protect your Shih Tzu from the sun on hot days and avoid exposing them to the cold in winter.
Miniature Pomeranian Spitz
The Miniature Pomeranian Spitz (or Pom) is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It belongs to the spitz and primitive dog group. This small, fluffy bundle of fur will surely warm the hearts of many pet lovers. It has a double-layer coat consisting of straight fluffy fur and a thick undercoat, as well as a heavily feathered curly tail. While the dog looks very cute, don’t be deceived by appearances. Though naturally gentle, loyal, and friendly towards their owners, they are also cautious and quite distrustful of strangers. These traits make them excellent watchdogs and family pets.
The Miniature Pomeranian is a resilient dog, adaptable to various weather conditions. It can be considered a breed with a long lifespan, as they typically live 12-16 years.
Dachshund
With its long body, short legs, and drooping ears, the Dachshund has distinctive features that make it hard to mistake for any other breed. It was originally bred for hunting above and below ground and is excellent as a hunting and tracking dog. Curious and active, Dachshunds enjoy spending time with their favorite humans. Tracking exercises and walks are activities they will surely love.
Dachshunds are long-lived dogs and don’t have significant health issues. They can live 12-14 years. However, it’s important not to strain their joints – avoid frequently lifting them up and down stairs. If you live in an apartment on an upper floor, it’s better to use the elevator.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a great character. Smart, energetic, and very friendly, this dog will be your faithful companion for many years, provided it gets the right care. Remember that this breed has a strong hunting instinct, so it’s essential to provide proper training and plenty of physical activity. It’s also important to ensure a balanced diet, proper care, and sufficient exercise.
Jack Russells typically live up to 15 years. They usually don’t get sick often but can occasionally suffer from patellar luxation, cataracts, or deafness, so regular check-ups are needed. These dogs can adapt to various weather conditions, but no dog should be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Border Collie
It’s said that Border Collies are the smartest dogs in the world. You can’t deny their beauty, as they are elegant and stunning. They have a thick, beautiful coat. Border Collies are herding dogs, known for their excellent protective instinct, but they are better suited as companions for older children. With proper training, they make great, well-behaved pets. They need an experienced owner who will guide their training carefully. They will feel most comfortable in a house with a garden where they can walk, although they can also live in an apartment if they receive enough exercise.
These dogs can live 10-17 years, are durable, and generally have good health. When breeding, it’s important to check the health results of the puppy’s parents, especially for hip and elbow dysplasia.
