13 Dog Breeds Experts Secretly Wish You’d Stop Trying to Housebreak

“I Wish He Would Live Longer …”

They say a dog’s only flaw is that they don’t live long enough. For most pet parents, the thought of losing a beloved companion is heartbreaking — but what if some breeds are built to stay by your side for years longer than others?

From pint-sized pups that defy the odds to loyal companions known for outliving the average by nearly a decade, these breeds may surprise you. Some of the tiniest dogs aren’t the only ones on this list — a few medium-sized and even larger breeds are famous for their longevity, too.

💡 Keep scrolling until the end — you’ll find out which breed holds the record for the longest-lived dog in history, and it might not be the one you expect.

13. Yorkshire Terrier: Small Package, Big Personality

These tiny terrors might surprise you with their longevity despite their delicate appearance. Like other terriers, this dog is full of spunk and charisma, which makes it no surprise that most Yorkies live to be 13 – 16 years old. However, their fragile nature can sometimes work against them.

Petite and pretty Yorkshire Terriers are fragile, which can cut their lives short, bringing down their average lifespan to 14-15 years. However, it’s not uncommon to see these small dogs live into their late teens and twenties with the right care. Proper handling and protection from injuries are crucial for these brave little dogs.

• Regular dental care essential due to small mouth size
• Prone to luxating patella (kneecap dislocation)
• May develop tracheal collapse – use harness instead of collar
• Require protection from larger dogs and rough play
• Daily brushing needed to prevent matting
• Early socialization crucial to prevent small dog syndrome

12. Maltese: Ancient Elegance with Modern Longevity

These stunning white beauties carry centuries of refinement in their genes, and their longevity is equally impressive. This elegant breed, which has an average life span of 12 to 15 years, has been around for 28 centuries. Their ancient heritage seems to have blessed them with remarkable staying power.

These gorgeous white-haired pups – which first originated from Malta – are known for having a longer life expectancy due to their small size. While they generally live for around 15 years, research by Paw Leaks found that the oldest Maltese dog to have e reached exceptional ages with proper care.

• “Females of this breed tend to live one year longer than their male counterparts, but all Maltese pups are expected to have long lifespans since they suffer from few serious genetic diseases,” explain the team at Cesarsway.
• Daily grooming essential to maintain coat condition
• Prone to dental problems requiring regular cleaning
• May develop luxating patella (kneecap dislocation)
• Sensitive to temperature extremes
• Regular eye cleaning needed to prevent tear staining
• Best suited for adult-only homes due to fragility

11. Shih Tzu: The Royal Survivor

These former palace companions bring royal longevity to modern homes. Today the Shih Tzu enjoys a long life, living up to 16 years of age. But get ready for this incredible story – The oldest known Shih Tzu was Smokey, hailing from St. Petersburg, FL, who lived to be 28 years old.

Friendly and bred to be companion dogs, these dogs originated in China and have since made great pets to people all over the world, living from 10 to 16 years. Their gentle nature and adaptable personality make them excellent long-term companions.

• Shih Tzu (12-16 years) – Robust and generally healthy with proper care.
• Brachycephalic breed – prone to breathing difficulties in hot weather
• Regular eye cleaning needed to prevent infections
• Moderate grooming needs – daily brushing recommended
• Generally good with children and other pets
• Heat sensitive – require air conditioning in summer months
• Prone to weight gain – portion control important

10. Beagle: The Friendly Hunter’s Long Journey

These beloved hounds have captured hearts for generations, and their lifespan reflects their hardy hunting heritage. While there is no guarantee for the average life expectancy of a Beagle, the typical longevity is 12–15 years – a common lifespan for dogs of their size. But prepare to be amazed by their record-breaking potential.

According to Cesarsway, the oldest known Beagle lived until 27 in 2009. This lovable, vocal breed lives about 12 to 14 years. With their great sense of smell, they love to eat, so be careful not to overfeed your beagle.

• While some may be prone to epilepsy, medication can help to control this.
• Weight management crucial – prone to overeating and obesity
• Regular exercise needed to maintain healthy weight
• Strong hunting instincts – secure fencing required
• Generally healthy breed with few genetic issues
• May howl or bay – consider noise restrictions
• Excellent with children and other pets

9. Dachshund: The Long-Living Sausage Dog

These elongated entertainers might have short legs, but they definitely don’t have short lifespans. Adorable Miniature Dachshunds live for around 12-16 years, while Standard Dachshunds live for around 12-14 years. Their unique body shape comes with specific challenges, but also surprising longevity.

Here’s a remarkable achievement that’ll make you smile – According to The Spruce Pets, a Dachshund named Chanel set a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog who died at 21-years-old. Their determination and spunky personality seem to fuel their impressive lifespans.

• Dachshund (12-16 years) – Strong genetics, though prone to back problems
• Intervertebral disc disease major concern – avoid jumping and stairs
• Weight control essential to prevent back stress
• Regular, low-impact exercise recommended
• May require ramps to access furniture safely
• Generally hardy breed despite back vulnerability
• Strong hunting instincts – supervise around small animals

8. Pomeranian: Fluffy Powerhouse of Longevity

These fluffy little lions might look like living teddy bears, but they’re surprisingly robust when it comes to lifespan. They’re happy to learn new tricks and play games with their pet parents well into their teenage years, but they are prone to a number of health issues – hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea, dental disease, and eye problems, to name a few.

Pomeranian (12-16 years) – A small, sturdy breed with proper grooming and diet. Despite their delicate appearance, these tiny powerhouses can live well into their teens with appropriate care and attention to their specific health needs.

• When you bring home a Pomeranian puppy, it might be worth investing in pet insurance.
• Prone to tracheal collapse – use harness instead of collar
• Daily dental care essential due to small mouth size
• Regular grooming needed to prevent matting
• May develop luxating patella requiring surgical correction
• Heat sensitive due to thick double coat
• Early socialization important to prevent excessive barking

7. Chinese Crested: The Unique Longevity Champion

These distinctive dogs are among the most unusual-looking breeds, but their longevity is anything but ordinary. Chinese Cresteds are one of the most unique-looking (and longest-living) dog breeds around. Their nearly hairless bodies might seem fragile, but they’re surprisingly resilient.

Chinese Crested dogs have been known to live into their 20s, but can develop eye problems, dental disease, and Leggs-Calvé-Perthes disease, among other ailments. Their unusual appearance requires special care, but the reward is decades of companionship.

• Regular skin care essential – sunscreen needed for hairless varieties
• Prone to dental issues requiring regular veterinary cleaning
• Temperature regulation challenging – needs coats in cold weather
• Generally healthy breed with impressive longevity potential
• “Powderpuff” variety has full coat requiring regular grooming
• May develop skin allergies or acne-like conditions
• Excellent for people with dog hair allergies

6. West Highland White Terrier: Scottish Toughness Personified

These scrappy Scottish terriers embody the rugged spirit of their homeland, and their lifespan reflects that hardy nature. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Westies are one of the longest-living dog breeds. Their independent spirit and sturdy build serve them well throughout their lives.

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, is a small but sturdy breed known for its lively personality and independent spirit. They are generally healthy, but can be prone to skin allergies, luxating patellas, and liver disease.

• Prone to skin allergies – may require special diets or medications
• Regular grooming needed to maintain white coat
• Strong prey drive – supervision needed around small animals
• Generally hardy breed with few major health issues
• May develop luxating patella requiring monitoring
• Independent nature requires consistent training
• Excellent watchdog capabilities

Read: 13 Popular Dog Breeds Vets Secretly Wish You’d Stop Choosing

5. Border Terrier: The Working Dog’s Longevity Secret

These unassuming working dogs pack incredible longevity into their compact frames. With a lifespan of 14 to 15 years, they are one of the longest-living dog breeds. Their heritage as working terriers has blessed them with robust health and remarkable endurance.

Border Terriers are small and energetic dogs that were originally bred for hunting. Border Terriers are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia and allergies. Their working background contributes to their overall hardiness.

• Generally healthy breed with excellent longevity
• High energy levels require substantial daily exercise
• May develop hip dysplasia despite small size
• Strong hunting instincts – secure fencing essential
• Relatively low grooming needs with weather-resistant coat
• Good with children but may chase small pets
• Regular mental stimulation needed to prevent boredom

4. Tibetan Spaniel: Ancient Wisdom in a Small Package

These ancient monastery dogs bring centuries of breeding wisdom to modern longevity. With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, they are one of the longest-living dog breeds. The Tibetan Spaniel is a small and alert breed that was originally bred in Tibet as a watchdog.

Tibetan Spaniels are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health conditions such as patellar luxation and dental issues. Their alertness and intelligence, developed through centuries of monastery life, seem to contribute to their impressive longevity.

• Ancient breed with excellent genetic diversity
• Prone to patellar luxation requiring monitoring
• Regular dental care essential due to small mouth size
• Generally healthy with few major breed-specific issues
• Alert and intelligent – excellent watchdogs
• Moderate exercise needs make them suitable for various lifestyles
• May develop respiratory issues due to flat face structure

3. Swedish Vallhund: The Viking Dog’s Modern Longevity

These remarkable Swedish herders carry Viking heritage in their genes and impressive longevity in their future. With a lifespan of 14 to 18 years, they are one of the longest-living dog breeds. The Swedish Vallhund is a small herding breed known for its friendly personality and energetic nature.

Swedish Vallhunds are generally healthy, but can be prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Their herding background and relatively small gene pool have maintained excellent health characteristics throughout their breed history.

• Excellent longevity for a medium-sized breed
• High energy levels require substantial daily exercise
• Generally healthy with few breed-specific issues
• May develop hip dysplasia – screening recommended
• Progressive retinal atrophy possible – eye testing important
• Strong herding instincts may lead to nipping behavior
• Friendly personality makes them excellent family companions

2. Lakeland Terrier: Northern England’s Longevity Champion

These tenacious terriers from England’s Lake District are absolute longevity champions. With a lifespan of 14 to 18 years, they are one of the longest-living dog breeds. These tenacious terriers tend to cross the rainbow bridge at 15.5 years, although individuals have been known to reach their 18th birthday.

Lakeland Terriers are small and agile dogs that were originally bred for hunting. Lakeland Terriers are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health conditions such as allergies, liver disease, and cataracts. Their hunting heritage and hardy northern genetics contribute to exceptional longevity.

• Outstanding longevity even among long-lived breeds
• High energy levels require substantial exercise and mental stimulation
• May develop allergies requiring dietary management
• Regular eye examinations recommended to monitor for cataracts
• Professional grooming needed to maintain coat condition
• Strong hunting instincts – supervision needed around small pets
• Generally robust health with excellent genetic diversity

1. Miniature Poodle: The Ultimate Longevity Champion

Standing proudly at the top of our longevity list, these intelligent and elegant dogs represent the pinnacle of canine lifespan achievement. Toy and miniature Poodles have an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years, making them one of the longest-living dog breeds. But many individuals far exceed these averages, living well into their late teens.

Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds due to their intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and friendly disposition. Their combination of genetic diversity, intelligence, and careful breeding practices has created a breed that consistently ranks among the longest-living dogs in the world.

• Poodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and cataracts.
• Exceptional intelligence makes training relatively easy
• Hypoallergenic coat suitable for allergy sufferers
• Regular professional grooming essential every 6-8 weeks
• Generally excellent health with few breed-specific issues
• High energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation
• Excellent longevity record with many individuals exceeding 15 years

The Secret Behind These Longevity Champions

What makes these breeds the ultimate survivors in the canine world? Typically, the smaller the breed, the longer their life expectancy. Dogs that live the longest (mostly small breeds) can often reach their late teens or even early 20s, while extra-large breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands typically only live about 7-10 years. Size isn’t the only factor though.

All things being equal, a higher genetic diversity score is generally beneficial to overall health. These long-living breeds also benefit from careful breeding practices, regular veterinary care, and owners who understand their specific needs. The combination of genetics, size, and dedicated care creates the perfect recipe for canine longevity.

Looking at this incredible list of longevity champions, one thing becomes crystal clear – small dogs truly are living proof that great things come in small packages. From the record-breaking Australian Cattle Dog Bluey who lived nearly three decades, to the consistently long-lived Miniature Poodles gracing our top spot, these breeds offer something precious in our fast-paced world: time. Time to build unbreakable bonds, create countless memories, and experience the pure joy that only comes from sharing your life with a devoted canine companion. Who knew that choosing the right breed could mean gaining several extra years of wet nose kisses and tail wags?

Read more on animals: 19 Animals That Bond With Humans for Life

• About
• Latest Posts

Jan Otte

Co-Founder at Animals Around The Globe

Hi there, I'm Jan, the Co-Founder of Animals Around The Globe and one of the two guys who run this site.

As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, Italy, China and Germany gave me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.

I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver, went to Everest Base Camp and Trekked Gorillas in Uganda. I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Finance.

Please send any feedback to feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com

Latest posts by Jan Otte (see all)

• 13 Wild Animal Families That Stick Together for Life - June 10, 2026
• 12 Species You Did not Know Lived in Your Backyard - June 10, 2026
• The Slow and Graceful Movement of the Giant Clam - June 10, 2026