15 Longest Living Dog Breeds That Stay Young at Heart

If you’re wondering which are the healthiest dog breeds, you’re not alone. Average life expectancy varies greatly among the different dog breeds and mixed breeds — there are plenty of healthy mixed-breed dogs waiting for their forever homes in shelters and rescues across the country. In general, smaller dogs have longer lifespans, and the bigger the dog, the shorter the lifespan. Breeds with the shortest lifespans include giant breeds, such as the Dogue de Bordeaux (five to eight years), Irish Wolfhound (six to eight years), and Great Dane (seven to 10 years).

Overall, health also affects how long a dog will live. Some pure breeds have higher incidences of certain types of cancer and other diseases which may shorten their lives compared to other dogs with fewer known health concerns. Whether you’re looking for the healthiest small dog breeds, the healthiest large dog breeds, or a mix — read on to learn about the healthiest dog breeds.

What are the healthiest dog breeds?

The lifespan of any individual dog can vary depending on many factors, but the breeds listed below are typically healthy and live the longest among all breeds.

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1. Mixed-Breed Dogs

Known for their hybrid vigor (genetic diversity that leads to better overall health), mixed-breed dogs are some of the healthiest and longest-lived. When talking about hybrid vigor, it’s important to understand that the healthiest mixed dog breeds will generally be those “Heinz 57” type dogs with many different breeds in their makeup. Dogs with two purebred parents, such as Labradoodles, have less genetic diversity than dogs with many different breeds in their mix. 

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2. Miniature Poodle

The Poodle is one breed with three size varieties: Standard (the largest), Miniature (the middle size), and Toy (the smallest). Lively, fun-loving and whip-smart, Miniature Poodles are excellent companions for people of all ages, including families with gentle kids. The curly coat is hypoallergenic and does not shed, but needs regular professional grooming. Miniature Poodles do have a few genetic health issues in the breed but are among the healthiest small-dog breeds.

Group: Non-Sporting

Weight: 10 to 15 pounds

Height: 10 to 15 inches

Lifespan: 10 to 18 years

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3. Tibetan Terrier

Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a terrier. For centuries, they lived as watchdogs and pets in Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan mountains. When the breed was introduced to the West, people mistakenly used the word “Terrier” to describe them, but the Tibetan Terrier is more closely related to the Lhasa Apso. The Tibetan Terrier’s long, fine coat has a wooly undercoat. They are loving and devoted to their human family, but may be reserved with strangers. Very few health problems are known in the breed.

Group: Non-Sporting

Weight: 18 to 30 pounds

Height: 14 to 17 inches

Lifespan: 15 to 16 years

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4. Cairn Terrier

If you’ve ever seen the film The Wizard of Oz, then you have met the Cairn Terrier — Dorothy’s little dog Toto was played by a Cairn. The breed hails from the Scottish Highlands, where it was used for more than 200 years to hunt down foxes, rats, and other vermin hiding in piles of rocks called cairns. Today’s modern Cairn Terrier is still a fierce mouse-catcher. Friendly and active, the Cairn is very healthy and a wonderful family dog. 

Group: Terrier

Weight: 12 to 15 pounds

Height: 9 to 10 inches

Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

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5. Jack Russell Terrier

Feisty and full of energy, the Jack Russell Terrier is a lot of dog. Don’t be fooled by their small size. This breed is notoriously challenging to live with. But with proper exercise and training, they are steadfast and entertaining companions for individuals and families with older kids. They are healthy and active well into their senior years.

Group: Terrier

Weight: 13 to 18 pounds

Height: 10 to 15 inches

Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

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6. Yorkshire Terrier

The pint-sized Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, has enjoyed the pampered life as a beloved lap dog for hundreds of years. Although these very small terriers were initially used to hunt rats in coal mines, today’s Yorkie is more likely to enjoy the sweet life at home with their favorite human family members. The long silky coat needs regular combing and professional grooming. The Yorkie is one of the healthiest small dog breeds. These tiny dogs do best with older children who can handle them gently. 

Group: Toy

Weight: 6 to 8 pounds

Height: 7 to 8 inches

Lifespan: 11 to 15 years

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7. Lhasa Apso

Like their cousin, the Tibetan Terrier, the Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet. The breed was introduced to America after the Dalai Lama gifted some of these treasured dogs in the 1940s. Lhasas bond tightly with their human family, but they are aloof with strangers, and quick to sound the alarm if they hear newcomers approaching. The Lhasa’s long, silky coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming. They do best in families with older children, who can be gentle and treat them with respect. Although a few genetic conditions are found in the breed, Lhasas are generally healthy.

Group: Non-Sporting 

Weight: 12 to 18 pounds

Height: 10 to 11 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

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8. Collie

Who doesn’t recognize Lassie? Collies live up to the legendary intelligence, love, and devotion depicted in the Lassie books and films. Collies are excellent family dogs, gentle with kids of all ages, and get along great with other pets. Collies come with long hair (rough Collies) and shorthair (smooth Collies). Rough-coated Collies require a lot of brushing and combing to keep their thick coats tangle-free, but smooth Collies are wash-and-wear. One of the healthiest large dog breeds, Collies can live well into their teens.

Group: Herding

Weight: 50 to 75 pounds

Height: 22 to 26 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

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9. Shetland Sheepdog

Think the Shetland Sheepdog looks like a bred-down Collie? Nope! The two breeds developed separately in Scotland, with the larger Collie found on the mainland and the smaller Sheltie found on the Shetland Islands (along with the Shetland pony). Their thick coat needs thorough brushing several times a week to prevent mats. Energetic and friendly, Shelties are perfect for active families who want to take their dog long on adventures. They are known barkers, so they might not be the best for apartment living. Shelties are typically quite healthy and live long lives.

Group: Herding

Weight: 15 to 25 pounds

Height: 13 to 16 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

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10. Border Collie

Famous for being the smartest dog breed, the Border Collie is also one of the healthiest breeds, with few genetic health concerns. Border Collies have endless energy. These determined working dogs excel at their job: herding cattle, sheep, and other livestock on ranches and farms. Although Border Collies can also be pets, they need much more exercise and mental stimulation than other breeds to be happy. Border Collies are good family dogs but some might “herd” the kids, especially during rambunctious play.

Group: Herding

Weight: 30 to 55 pounds

Height: 18 to 22 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

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11. English Springer Spaniel

Springers are full of energy, but well-behaved at home as long as you provide enough exercise and training. Great family dogs who get along well with kids and other pets, Springers are happiest when they are with their humans. Although some genetic conditions are found in the breed, English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy and live into their teens.

Group: Sporting

Weight: 40 to 50 pounds

Height: 19 to 20 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

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12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The brawny Staffordshire Bull Terrier looks tough as nails, but these dogs couldn’t be sweeter or more gentle. Staffies are excellent family dogs, known for their affinity for children. Staffies require early socialization and a lot of exercise to keep them at their best. Despite some genetic health issues in the breed, Staffies tend to be healthy and long-lived. 

Group: Terrier

Weight: 24 to 38 pounds

Height: 14 to 16 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

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13. Australian Cattle Dog

As the name suggests, Australian Cattle Dogs come from the Land Down Under, where they are considered one of the best cattle herders known in the dog kingdom. Tireless, well-muscled, agile, and driven, Cattle Dogs move animals much larger than themselves with impressive ease. These hardy and healthy dogs, who are sometimes called the Blue or Red Heeler (depending on color) or Queensland Heeler, are primarily working dogs, though they can be good pets with a dedicated pet parent who can provide enough outlets for their physical and mental energy. 

Group: Herding

Weight: 35 to 50 pounds

Height: 17 to 20 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

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14. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the longest-living dog breeds, routinely aging into their mid-to-late teens. Although the breed has a few health issues, Chihuahuas are generally healthy. Chihuahuas are not recommended for households with young children, but they can live happily in families with older kids who can be careful around these tiny dogs. Thanks to a larger-than-life personality, Chihuahuas don’t know they’re small. Provide lots of early socialization and make sure your Chihuahua spends more time on the ground than in your arms or purse or you might end up with a nervous, rather than a confident, pup. 

Group: Toy

Weight: 6 pounds or less

Height: 5 to 8 inches

Lifespan: 14 to 16 years

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15. Australian Shepherd

Many people think the Australian Shepherd is native to Australia, but despite the name, this breed is American through and through. This herding dog was developed on U.S. cattle ranches. Healthy and fit, the Australian Shepherd has few genetic health issues. Aussies can be working dogs or pets, but they do best with active families that can provide appropriate outlets for their energy and intelligence. Friendly and eager-to-please, Aussies love kids and get along great with other pets.

Group: Herding 

Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

Height: 18 to 23 inches

Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

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Tips to keep your pup healthy

No matter what breed or mix your dog is, there are some steps you can take to make sure they stay as healthy as possible. Bring your dog to the veterinarian for checkups at least once a year so they can monitor your dog’s health and notice and treat any problems early. Consider the following tips to keep your dog in the best shape possible.

• Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality diet appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Read the ingredients list to find a food that features real meat and other healthy ingredients. If you’re not sure what to feed them, talk to your vet for advice. 

• Exercise: All dogs benefit from daily walks, but some dogs with a lot of energy need more exercise. Providing enough physical and mental exercise for your dog keeps them in shape and can help them stay healthy overall.

• Weight: Dogs who maintain a lean body weight tend to be healthier and live longer than dogs who are overweight. Keep your dog at a healthy weight by feeding measured meals, avoiding excess treats, and exercising them daily. Ask your vet what your dog’s ideal weight should be, and weigh them at their checkups to make sure you’re on track.

• Companionship: Research shows dogs with buddies tend to live longer. If your dog likes the company of other dogs, consider adopting another friend, especially if you work long hours away from home.

Commonly asked questions

Are purebred dogs healthier?

No, purebred dogs are not healthier — mixed-breed dogs who have many different breeds in their makeup can be some of the healthiest and longest-lived dogs. Most purebreds have certain genetic health issues known in the breed. Responsible breeders can test for some of these to avoid passing them on to puppies.

Why do smaller dogs generally live longer?

Scientists are still researching why small dogs live longer than larger dogs. Some scientists believe it’s because of hormones; other researchers theorize that large dogs don’t age faster than small dogs but have a higher incidence of cancer. It’s complicated.

References:

Life Tables of Annual Life Expectancy and Mortality For Companion Dogs in the United Kingdom

Best in Health: Purebred or Mixed-Breed?

Most Dog Breeds Highly Inbred

Can Dogs Live Longer?

A Dog’s Color Could Impact Longevity, Increase Health Problems

The Challenges of Pedigree Dog Health: Approaches to Combating Inherited Disease

Pedigree Dog’s Health Problems

Dog Lifespans and the Evolution of Aging