Culture and Lifestyle Pets These Dog Breeds Have the Longest Lifespans By Nicole Letts Nicole Letts Nicole Letts is an Atlanta-based journalist with a decade of work appearing in some of the nation’s top publications. She is currently penning her first book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Alabama. When she's not writing, you'll find her stitching needlepoint canvases or perusing antique shops for her online store, Grandmillennial Shop. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on August 19, 2022 Fact checked by Jennifer Hawk Fact checked by Jennifer Hawk Jennifer Hawk is a former English professor with 24 years of experience guiding even the most reluctant through the labyrinths of writing, rhetoric, and research. brand's fact checking process Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty/darrya As dog owners, we are nearly as loyal to our pups as they are to us. They integrate into our families, sometimes for up to 20 years of our lives, a constant companion never far from our sides. Eventually, as with all things, there comes a time when all dogs must cross the rainbow bridge, but today we're introducing you to a few breeds that are known for their longevity. Meet the longest lifespan dog breeds. 01 of 08 Chihuahua Getty/Purple Collar Pet Photography Small dog breeds, like the Chihuahua, tend to have a longer life span. The scientific reason behind life longevity is largely unknown, but large dog breeds age at a faster rate. Weighing in at under six pounds, a chihuahua can live anywhere from 14 to 18 years on average. 02 of 08 Dachshund Getty/Ian Payne Besides being low-shedding, dachshunds are also one of the longest living dog breeds out there. Their short legs remain on the move for 12 to 16 years, giving your family plenty of time to enjoy their company. 03 of 08 Labrador Retriever Getty/Purple Collar Pet Photography It's rare to find a big dog that lives long, which is why it likely comes as no surprise that there's only one large breed dog on our list. The friendly Labrador retriever is known for its sociable energy and overall health. The lovable lab can live on average from 10 to 12 years, remaining active well into their late adulthood. 04 of 08 Beagle Getty/darrya This nose to the ground breed keeps a sharp mind by sniffing the world around them. According to Daily Paws, beagles are known to live between 10 to 15 years. They tend to be generally healthy, too! 05 of 08 Mixed Breeds Getty/Purple Collar Pet Photography This next breed might surprise you! Yes, mixed breeds are one of the longest living dog breeds. Purebred dogs carry genes down their bloodline that have the potential to result in health problems while a mixed-breed dog, affectionately known as a mutt, doesn't. Instead, his genetic make-up varies. 06 of 08 Pomeranian Getty/Denis Ganenko / 500px Since Pomeranians only weigh between three and seven pounds, we can deduce that, like chihuahuas, they will have longer life spans. They live on average anywhere from 12 to 16 years, and are known to be sharp and perky throughout their lives. 07 of 08 Pug Getty/Alfredas Pliadis / EyeEm While pugs can carry their fair share of respiratory problems due to their flat-faces, they still live long, happy lives. Remarkably, they can live up to 15 years. Since pugs are prone to obesity, you can boost a pug's life longevity by keeping him fit and well fed. Try incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, instead of treats. 08 of 08 Toy Poodle Getty/Sappington Todd Toy poodles, known for their natural hypoallergenic, no-shed coats, are also one of the longest living dog breeds. They can live up to 18 years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit