As you probably know, the average lifespan of a dog is about ten to thirteen years, but this aspect differs from dog to dog and from breed to breed. According to animal experts, small breeds tend to live longer than medium or large breeds, but we will find out the reason why in this article. 

However, one of the most important things that can influence their lifespan is their lifestyle, so if you want to improve the quality of life of your pet, you should pay more attention to their diet, daily exercise and regular vet consultations. 

Of course, genetics will always play an important role in this equation, so that’s why you’ll find here some dog breeds that are more likely to live longer, regardless of living conditions. Read on to find out more info!

Chihuahua

Not only can they live up to eighteen years, but chihuahuas are also perfect for families with kids who live in apartments or small houses. Nevertheless, you have to teach your children how to interact with a dog, as these dog breeds are very fragile and can be easily injured.

Even though many chihuahuas may seem a little aggressive sometimes, the truth is that they have a loving and friendly personality and love to spend time with their owners and follow them around the house. (see more on the next page)

This dog breed doesn’t require high maintenance costs or other special treatments, but you have to pay attention to their diet and behavior if you want to enjoy a long company with your beloved furry friend. However, if you want to adopt a chihuahua, it’s important to know that they are also very intelligent animals who can learn a lot of new things. So, you don’t have to worry about their socializing and training process. 

Moreover, don’t forget that they can become aggressive with other dogs if they are not socialized properly. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they can be prone to developing certain diseases, such as patellar luxation and pulmonic stenosis.

Maltese

This beautiful dog breed can live up to fourteen years, which is perfect for families with young kids because they can grow up together. However, you should never leave them unattended. That being said, if you want to adopt a Maltese, you should know that they are extremely playful and intelligent and love to spend time with their families. 

Even though they look so innocent, this dog breed makes a good watchdog, so try to pay more attention to their behavior when there are other dogs and strangers because it can become aggressive. Of course, this can only happen if you don’t socialize them properly. (see more on the next page)

According to animal experts, some dog breeds that have been mixed with similarly sized dogs are more likely to live longer than other types of breeds. The Maltese are part of this category, so if you take care of them properly, they may be with you longer than you would have expected.

Pomeranian

Did you know that a Pomeranian can live up to sixteen years? This dog breed is generally healthy, but just like any other breed, they can be prone to developing certain diseases, such as hypoglycemia, epilepsy, dental and eye problems and shoulder luxation. However, if you take care of them properly, they can be with you longer. So, don’t skip regular vet consultations, feed them healthy foods and walk them daily. 

These cute Pomeranians are some of the most intelligent animals out there that love to meet new people and pets. So, if you want to adopt one, the best part is that you can have many other pets because they can get along together.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier (or Yorkie) is one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States and can live up to sixteen years. They have a loving and friendly personality and are ready to conquer your soul with their elegant looks and intelligence. 

If you want to adopt a Yorkshire Terrier it’s important to know that they can be found even in animal shelters, despite being purebred dogs. In fact, this dog breed doesn’t require high maintenance costs or other special treatments, but you have to give them healthy foods, walk them daily and schedule regular vet consultations. (see more on the next page)

According to animal experts, this dog breed isn’t recommended for families with small children. Yet, it’s very important to start their training and socializing process from an early age, especially if you want them to get along with other pets. 

In general, Yorkshire Terriers are healthy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be prone to developing certain diseases, such as patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), portosystemic shunt (PSS) and hypoglycemia.

Shetland Sheepdog

With a lifespan of around twelve to fourteen years, these cute dog breeds can actually live longer if you provide them a good and healthy lifestyle. Although they are purebred dogs, you can also find them in animal shelters. 

The best part of owning such a dog is that not only are they smart and beautiful, but they also have a friendly personality, which makes them perfect for families with children. However, it’s important to train and socialize them properly. 

The Shetland Sheepdogs love to spend time with their family, but they can get sensitive if you leave them alone for too long. One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration before adopting a dog is to make sure that you can give them all they need in terms of food, care, exercise, health and affection.

Papillon

Even though this dog breed can live up to fifteen years, they can be prone to developing certain dental problems and patellar luxation. According to Emmy-award winning veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber, “it’s amazing how people ignore the oral health of their dog and the effect it can have on the body. Regular dental care and checkups are critical.”

If you want to adopt one, you need to know that, like two previous breeds mentioned in this article, this purebred dog can also be found in animal shelters. They are highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them excellent competitors in obedience competitions. 

This cute dog breed can be the perfect pet for families with children and other dogs, but you have to start the socializing process from an early age. They love to spend time with their owners, so try to give them as much love and affection as you can.

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso is a long-lived breed, so they will be a member of your family for years. They can live up to fourteen years and are originally from Tibet. This dog breed was once considered a royal watchdog, but nowadays they are the perfect family companion who will do anything to protect their family. 

Don’t forget that it’s very important to start their socializing process earlier if you want them to be friendly. In addition, Lhasa Apso needs a lot of grooming. 

In general, this dog breed is healthy, but just like any other breed, they are prone to certain diseases, such as cherry eye, patellar luxation, sebaceous adenitis (SA) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Shih Tzu

With a lifespan of up to sixteen years, the royal and beautiful Shih Tzu is one of the most affectionate and intelligent dog breeds out there. Shih Tzus love to follow their owners everywhere and can be the perfect pet for families with children and other pets. 

If you live in an apartment or a small house you can adopt this dog breed. Additionally, you shouldn’t leave them alone for too long, unless they are properly trained. 

In general, they are healthy, but some of them can be prone to heat stroke, hip dysplasia, juvenile renal dysplasia (JRD), bladder stones and bladder infections and eye problems.