Dog breed lists
Dog Breeds That Live the Longest
Lifespan varies a lot across breeds, and generally smaller dogs live longer than larger ones. These breeds have the longest typical lifespans in our guides. Remember that the figures are typical ranges, and individual dogs can live shorter or longer.
- 1
- 2
-
3
Non-Sporting
Shiba Inu
All the drama, none of the apologies.
- 13–16 yrs
- 17–23 lbs
- Non-Sporting
-
4
Non-Sporting
Bichon Frise
A cotton ball with a social calendar.
- 14–15 yrs
- 12–18 lbs
- Non-Sporting
-
5
Hound
Dachshund
A badger hunter in a very long frame.
- 12–16 yrs
- 16–32 lbs
- Hound
- 6
- 7
- 8
-
9
Designer
Mini Goldendoodle
Golden heart, apartment-size frame.
- 12–16 yrs
- 15–35 lbs
- Designer
-
10
Herding
Australian Cattle Dog
A dingo with a job.
- 12–16 yrs
- 35–50 lbs
- Herding
-
11
Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Small, white and absolutely sure of itself.
- 13–15 yrs
- 15–20 lbs
- Terrier
- 12
-
13
Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Built like a bouncer, convinced it's a lap dog.
- 12–16 yrs
- 40–70 lbs
- Terrier
-
14
Toy
Miniature Pinscher
King of Toys, fearless by nature.
- 12–16 yrs
- 8–10 lbs
- Toy
-
15
Toy
Italian Greyhound
The tiny, elegant Velcro greyhound.
- 13–15 yrs
- 7–14 lbs
- Toy
-
16
Non-Sporting
American Eskimo Dog
The circus star in a snow-white coat.
- 13–15 yrs
- 6–35 lbs
- Non-Sporting
-
17
Non-Sporting
Finnish Spitz
Finland's national dog and a champion barker.
- 13–15 yrs
- 20–33 lbs
- Non-Sporting
How we picked
A breed makes this list if its typical lifespan averages 14 years or more. We rank the longest first. Lifespans are typical ranges for each breed, not promises. Healthy weight, good breeding and regular vet care all matter.
Questions people ask
What dog breeds live the longest?
Mostly small breeds, such as toy and small terrier types. Larger breeds tend to live fewer years.
How can I help my dog live a long life?
Keep your dog lean, give regular exercise, keep up with vet care and dental health, and choose a breeder who screens for the breed's known health problems.
Do mixed breeds live longer?
Not necessarily. Lifespan depends more on size and health than on whether a dog is purebred.