The 15 Dog Breeds That Live the Longest, According to Data

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Longest-living dog breeds

Dogs are popular companions in most countries and cultures. Providing company, unconditional love, and safety are just a few characteristics that make them our best friends—and, most of all, make us happy.

Many factors go into choosing a dog breed: the size of your home and city; your family; your allergies; your wallet; and often even your own memories of a previous companion (if you grew up with a golden retriever, for instance, maybe you want the same experience for your children).

But while owning a dog might increase our happiness and, in particular, our lifespans (according to a 2017 Swedish study in the Journal of Scientific Reports), the same doesn't necessarily hold true the other way around. In addition to regular vet checkups, balanced meals, and daily exercise regimens, there are certain canine characteristics that correlate with longevity in dogs. Larger dogs generally have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs, so those seeking a long-term relationship might opt for small- or medium-sized breeds. But more specifically than that, there are some breeds that tend to outlast others.

Take pugs and Boston terriers: they are both small, feisty, fun companions for those in tighter quarters or enjoying city life. But would you guess there is an average of two years separating the lifespans of their breeds? While you'll see plenty of the size-lifespan correlation in the coming data, it might surprise you to see that the standard breed of one of the most popular show dogs, as well as a breed of greyhound, both enter our top 10.

To find out the longest-living dog breeds, Stacker examined data from a 2008 study published in the journal Genetics and 2016 breed popularity rankings from the American Kennel Club.

Read on to find out which dogs are known for their longevity, and if your favorite breed made the list.

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#7. Tibetan spaniel (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #118

The Tibetan spaniel was bred ages ago for sentinel work on the walls of Tibetan monasteries. Known for a flat, silky coat and "lion's mane" around the neck, this dog forms a tight, worshipful bond with their humans. Its temperament is playful, bright, and confident.

#7. Poodle (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #7

Beneath the curly, hypoallergenic coat is an elegant athlete and companion. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart. What's more, poodles come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. The standard, with its greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all poodles can be trained with great success.

#7. Pomeranian (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #22

The Pomeranian, a favorite of royals and commoners alike, combines a tiny body of no more than 7 pounds and a commanding big-dog demeanor. Alert and intelligent, Pomeranians are easily trained and make fine watchdogs and perky pets for families with children. This breed is active but can be exercised with indoor play and short walks, so they can happily live in cities and suburbs.

#7. Miniature schnauzer (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #17

The miniature schnauzer, the smallest of the three schnauzer breeds, is a generally healthy, long-lived, and low-shedding companion. This breed is a bright, friendly, and trainable companion that's small enough to adapt to apartment life, but tireless enough to patrol acres of farmland. They get along well with other animals and kids, enjoy vigorous play, and make good watchdogs.

#7. Miniature pinscher (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #68

This proud, fearless, fun-loving toy breed is a true personality dog known for its high-stepping "hackney" gait. Other characteristic traits include fearless animation, complete self-possession, and a spirited presence.

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#7. Manchester terrier (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #133

The Manchester terrier is named after the English city where it was first bred. These are spirited, bright, and athletic dogs that come in two size varieties: standard (not exceeding 22 pounds) and toy (not exceeding 12 pounds). The smooth, compact, muscular body expresses great power and agility, enabling the Manchester to take down any number of pests.

#7. Italian greyhound (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #72

The Italian greyhound is an alert, playful, and highly affectionate toy companion. They combine the attentiveness of lapdogs with the complexity of ancient, aristocratic hounds. Bred for centuries to be doting companions and jesters, these high-stepping charmers refuse to be ignored. However, they are quick to bolt after quick-moving prey and require extra care in cold weather.

#7. Boston terrier (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #21

The Boston terrier is known for its tight tuxedo jacket and sporty, but compact body. The breed's impeccable manners and bright nature have earned it the nickname "The American Gentleman." They make good city dogs, as they are sturdy but portable, people-oriented, and relish walks around town.

#7. Australian terrier (tie)

Average lifespan: 15 years
Popularity rank: #136

These tiny dogs are long-living, lovable, easy to train, and prefer to be the only dog in a home. Despite their tiny size, this breed relishes the opportunity to play watchdog.

#5. Toy Manchester terrier (tie)

Average lifespan: 15.5 years
Popularity rank: data not available

Toy Manchester terriers have the stature of tiny dogs, but the spirit of much larger hounds. Equally happy snuggling on a couch or chasing small prey, these dogs will entertain their human companions for upwards of two decades.

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#5. Bichon frise (tie)

Average lifespan: 15.5 years
Popularity rank: #45

The breed's distinguishing feature is a white hypoallergenic coat, making them great dogs for people with allergies. Bichons are happy with other dogs, get along with children, and are generally friendly to everyone they meet.

#2. Toy poodle (tie)

Average lifespan: 16 years
Popularity rank: #7 (rank for all poodles)

Toy poodles, like all poodles and poodle mixes, have a fairly long expected lifespan. This breed is eager, athletic, and wickedly smart.

#2. Miniature poodle (tie)

Average lifespan: 16 years
Popularity rank: #7 (rank for all poodles)

Beneath the curly, hypoallergenic coat is an elegant athlete and companion. Poodles come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. The miniature poodle is similar to the toy poodle.

#2. Lhasa apso (tie)

Average lifespan: 16 years
Popularity rank: #71

The Lhasa apso is a 1,000-year-old breed that is loving and outgoing with familiar people and animals, but quite shy around strangers. The oldest of this breed on record lived to be 29 years old and passed away in 1939.