Longest Living Popular Dog Species in the World
INTRODUCTION:
Dogs are called man’s best friend for reasons. Human-dog association is the most talked about and considered the most loved bond among all animal-human relationships.
Dogs are not just pets but their family, or maybe more than the family. They’re always by your side, through all your thick and thin, pouring their unconditional love. The sad part about this companionship is, we, as their human companions, outlive our four-legged fellas.
The life expectancy of canines depends on several factors including a healthy diet, appropriate living conditions, parasitic protection, exercise, and regular vet consultation. Some dogs live longer than others.
Generally, smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than large-breed dogs. Before you go adopting a new puppy, it is worth knowing the average life span of the Best dog breed you wish to adopt or you’ll find yourself listening to the great Michael Jackson’s popular number, ‘Gone Too Soon’ and keep hitting repeat in despair of the animal leaving you alone.
This article briefs on the world’s top longest-living dog breeds with their average life span. Read on to explore more.
Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are cute, intelligent, charming, and yet sassy in their nature, making them one of the most popular dog breeds across the world. Always full of energy and fun, these miniature canines make your pet time, ‘the joy time’.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 16–20 years
Weight: 6–7 pounds
Height: 5–8 inches
Coat: Smooth or long
Color: black, white, tan
Poodle
Poodles are exceptionally intelligent, smart, alert, cheerful, responsive, and lively in nature. Due to their masses of curly coats, these are high-maintenance dog breeds.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 15–17 years
Weight: 5–6 pounds
Height: 6–8 inches
Coat: Smooth, dense
Color: grey, black, white, brown
Shih Tzu
Loaded with cuteness, Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that is increasingly adoring and extremely loyal. They are low energy, adaptable to any environment, and love nature. Their long, silky fur needs regular grooming, making them another dog species that require high maintenance.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 14–16 years
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 7–11 inches
Coat: Long, curly
Color: white, black, grey, brown
Dachshund
Dachshunds are bold, extremely energetic, friendly, curious, and always ready for adventure. Their aggressive, courageous, and yet family-friendly attitude make them one of the most popular watchdog breeds.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 12–16 years
Weight: 15–32 pounds
Height: 6–9 inches
Coat: Short or long-haired
Color: black, tan, brown, white
Maltese
Maltese are charming, and uncommonly healthy dog breeds that prosper on love and tenderness. These miniature lap dogs are gentle, lively, affectionate, and love to cuddle all day long.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 12–15 years
Weight: 5–7 pounds
Height: 7–9 inches
Coat: Short or long, silky haired
Color: white
Beagle
Due to their decent hunting tendency, Beagles are one of the most popular hunting dog breeds. Yet, they love and ease up in the home environment as well. They are playful, hyperactive, lively, calm, intelligent, and pleasing in nature.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 12–16 years
Weight: 20–30 pounds
Height: 11–15 inches
Coat: Short, smooth coat
Color: white, black, tan
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are an unbelievably small dog breed known for their fellowship, faithfulness, and family-oriented qualities. They are full of energy, lively, highly alert, cheerful, independent, obedient, and loyal. Pomeranians are the best purse dog breeds due to their quietness and are famously quoted as ‘women’s breeds’.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 12–15 years
Weight: 3–7 pounds
Height: 5–7 inches
Coat: Fluffy, dense coat
Color: Black, brown, grey, white
Yorkshire Terrier
Famous for their silky and long coats, Yorkshire Terriers are small toy breeds that are intelligent, extremely gorgeous, always full of energy, fun-loving, loyal, and exceedingly vocal. They can be dominating with other dogs, children, and even strangers.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 12–16 years
Weight: 5–7 pounds
Height: 7–8 inches
Coat: Silky, long coat
Color: Black, tan, brown
Australian Shepherd
Famously known as ‘working dogs’, for a reason, Australian Shepherds are at their best when they have a job to do. Regardless of their name, Australian Shepherds are originally from the western United States. These dog breeds are highly energetic, quick to move, bold, and intelligent in nature.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 11–16 years
Weight: 30–65 pounds
Height: 16–23 inches
Coat: Short, long coat
Color: Black & brown, merle, red merle
Shiba Inu
Primarily bred to hunt wild boar, Shiba Inu is one of the six indigenous dog breeds of Japan. Famously known as ‘cats among dogs’, these dogs are stubborn, loyal, and quiet in nature.
Basic Characteristics:
Average life expectancy: 13–16 years
Weight: 15–25 pounds
Height: 12–17 inches
Coat: Thick, dense coat
Color: Black, black & tan, white, red merle
