Who doesn’t want a few hundred more years with their beloved dog? But, life must take its course and one of the hardest things to do is say the final goodbye. Here is a list of some of the dog breeds with the longest life span.
Chihuahua
Despite being the smallest dog breed in the world, Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived dog breeds. You would be astonished to hear that many of them are said to have survived for 15-20 years! However, the required amount of exercise, nutrition and mental stimulation is needed to improve the life span of all dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. These breeds need regular vet check-ups as well since they are prone to eye and heart problems.
Toy Poodle
They are sassy, intelligent and glamorous. They are none other than the Toy Poodle. This breed comes with a great deal of energy and requires constant mental stimulation to keep themselves fit. Several of them live up to the age of 18 years. However, despite their prolonged life span, Toy Poodles are prone to eye problems and orthopaedic concerns.
Shih Tzu
This breed may look cute but don’t underestimate their life spans – they can live up to a massive 15 years! Moreover, they require just a small amount of exercise through short walks and light playtime. However, they must be groomed regularly. Although Shih Tzus tend to be healthy generally, they can develop eye and orthopaedic problems in the later years of their lives.
Pomeranian
Friendly but a little bossy, Pomeranians can sometimes even take the role of a mini guard dog. They can live up to 16 years, and they can be the most golden years of the family since these breeds are incredibly loving and protective. However, they can be feisty at times, and this can be taken under control through proper training.
At PawSpace, we always stress the importance of training your dog at any point, whether puppy or adult. Training improves confidence, mental stimulation and strengthens the human-animal bond. We connect you with experienced dog trainers who help make your dog a happier and more confident one! Please make a booking with one of our trainers today.
Dachshund
Did you know that a Daschund named Chanel set a Guinness World Record for the oldest living dachshund? She died in 2009 at 21 years old. Most dogs of this breed live up to the ripe age of over 15 years. However, they are prone to many health issues with age, such as heart problems, obesity and back problems that arise from it.
Maltese
The Maltese have a notion of being very healthy and can live over 15 years. However, they may suffer from separation anxiety as they thrive on constant attention and care. If that is taken under control, however, Maltese are the perfect forever companions.
Shiba Inu
Although their strong will and aloof nature may not suit every pet parent, the Shibu Inu can live up to or over 16 years. They are loyal and relatively quiet; however, they can be prone to allergies.
What breeds do I avoid when looking for dog breeds with the longest life span
It is believed that the larger the dog, the lesser the life span. So, it may be beneficial to avoid breeds just as Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds when it comes to life span as they may be limited to 7-8 years. However, it is also noticed that smaller and medium breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs and German Shepherds, although they possess a prolonged life span, may suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia and bacterial/viral infections.
How can I increase my dog’s life span?
There is no straightforward cut method as to how you can increase your pooch’s life span. However, maintain joint health, avoiding obesity, keeping both the mind and body active, maintaining a nutritious diet, etc., are critical.
