Long-lived dogs: breeds that live the longest

In short Long-lived dogs reach 15+ years — mostly small and primitive breeds with robust health. Ranked by the breed’s lifespan.
How we rated

Ranked by the upper bound of the breed’s lifespan. More years = higher position.

Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1Coton de TulearCoton de TulearHealth 3.5Apartment 4.5Energy 3.019 yrs2Rat TerrierRat TerrierHealth 4.5Apartment 4.0Energy 4.018 yrs3ChihuahuaChihuahuaHealth 3.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.018 yrs4American Indian DogAmerican Indian DogHealth 5.0Apartment 2.0Energy 4.018 yrs5Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli)Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli)Health 3.5Apartment 4.0Energy 3.518 yrs6Toy PoodleToy PoodleHealth 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.518 yrs7Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless)Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless)Health 3.0Apartment 4.5Energy 3.018 yrs8Lucas TerrierLucas TerrierHealth 4.5Apartment 4.0Energy 3.517 yrs9Lagotto RomagnoloLagotto RomagnoloHealth 3.0Apartment 3.0Energy 4.017 yrs10Smooth-faced Pyrenean SheepdogSmooth-faced Pyrenean SheepdogHealth 4.5Apartment 2.5Energy 5.017 yrs11Pyrenean Shepherd (Long-Haired)Pyrenean Shepherd (Long-Haired)Health 4.5Apartment 2.5Energy 5.017 yrs12Mi-KiMi-KiHealth 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 2.516 yrs13WällerWällerHealth 4.5Apartment 3.0Energy 4.016 yrs14Alaskan Klee Kai (Mini Husky)Alaskan Klee Kai (Mini Husky)Health 3.5Apartment 3.5Energy 4.516 yrs15Kai Ken (Tiger Dog)Kai Ken (Tiger Dog)Health 4.0Apartment 2.5Energy 4.016 yrs16BasenjiBasenjiHealth 2.5Apartment 3.5Energy 4.016 yrs17Volpino ItalianoVolpino ItalianoHealth 3.5Apartment 4.5Energy 3.516 yrs18Norwegian BuhundNorwegian BuhundHealth 3.5Apartment 3.0Energy 4.516 yrs19Miniature PinscherMiniature PinscherHealth 3.0Apartment 4.5Energy 4.516 yrs20Poodle (Miniature or Dwarf)Poodle (Miniature or Dwarf)Health 3.5Apartment 4.5Energy 3.516 yrs21Bichon FriseBichon FriseHealth 2.5Apartment 5.0Energy 3.016 yrs22HavaneseHavaneseHealth 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.016 yrs23German Wirehaired PointerGerman Wirehaired PointerHealth 3.5Apartment 2.0Energy 5.016 yrs24West Highland White TerrierWest Highland White TerrierHealth 2.5Apartment 4.5Energy 3.516 yrs25Manchester TerrierManchester TerrierHealth 3.5Apartment 3.5Energy 4.516 yrs26Puli (Hungarian Water Dog)Puli (Hungarian Water Dog)Health 3.0Apartment 3.0Energy 4.516 yrs27SchipperkeSchipperkeHealth 3.0Apartment 3.5Energy 4.516 yrs28DachshundDachshundHealth 2.5Apartment 4.5Energy 3.516 yrs29Yorkshire TerrierYorkshire TerrierHealth 3.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.516 yrs30PomeranianPomeranianHealth 3.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.516 yrs
FAQ
Which dogs live the longest?
Small and primitive breeds: Chihuahua, Russian Toy, Jack Russell, Dachshund, many spitz breeds — often 15–16+ years.
Why do small dogs live longer?
Large breeds age faster from the strain on the body; small ones wear out more slowly.
How can I extend my dog’s life?
Normal weight, exercise, a quality diet, prevention and regular check-ups are the key factors for longevity.
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The tvaryny.com editors — canine experts and vets
Ranking based on structured breed ratings. Updated regularly.