Most dogs have an average lifespan of about 10 years. But some breeds beat this record. Here are 5 dog breeds recognized as long-lived.
Yorkshire Terrier
Interestingly, the world's oldest dog belongs to this breed. The oldest Yorkie died in 2016 at the age of 25, which is equivalent to 117 human years.
The secret to the longevity of these English dogs lies in their excellent health and the successful work of breeders who ensured that only the most resilient and robust parents were at the origin of the breed. Thus, bred with special love and care, Yorkies are easy-to-care-for pets, wonderful lap dogs, and true friends for all family members. Their lifespan can be 15-20 years.
Chihuahua
Dogs of this breed are world-renowned as glamorous pocket dogs that easily fit into a woman's purse. However, few people know that Chihuahuas can become not only the pet of the next socialite but also a wonderful family companion for many years to come. Chihuahuas have a lifespan almost identical to that of Yorkies.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are beloved worldwide for their beautiful appearance and friendly nature. By dog standards, they live a very long lifespan—around 12 to 16 years. The Pomeranian holds the record for the longest lifespan of this breed, living to 21 years (it's worth noting that such exceptions are extremely rare).
Dachshund
These short-legged little creatures are known worldwide for their instantly recognizable, unmistakable appearance. Besides their unusual appearance, their greatest asset is their high intelligence. Dachshunds can live for about 15-17 years if their owners carefully monitor their health, as they are genetically highly susceptible to joint problems.
Toy poodle
This breed is typically chosen by people who can't afford to keep a standard standard poodle in their apartment. However, this doesn't detract from the toy poodle's merits: they are similar in appearance, and they share the same high intelligence and trainability. The only differences between the toy poodle and its larger cousin are its size and lifespan, which, with proper care, ranges from 12 to 15 years.
If you're looking for a small dog breed, almost all of them have a fairly long lifespan. This is good news.
