10 Dog Breeds Who Live the Longest

11. Chihauhau - 15-20 years

The Chihuahua is popularly known for being among the world's smallest dogs. They were named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, the country where the breed originated. Some of its most distinctive qualities include an overprotective nature that is easily provoked to attack and does not live well with other breeds of dogs. However, this behavior still varies based on the individual dog. Chihuahuas can live for up to 15 to 20 years. There are two varieties of the Chihuahua dog namely, the Long Coat and Smooth Coat. They can easily be kept clean and well groomed.

10. Cockapoo - 14 -18 years

This dog is commonly referred to as the Spoodle. It came up as a cross breed between the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel dog breeds. A good nurtured Cockapoo can live as long as up to 14-18 years. They are affectionate, trainable, outgoing, loving, forgiving and very friendly.

9. Miniature poodle - 15 years

This dog is in the same family as the Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and the Standard Poodle. It can live up to 15 years when it is properly taken care of. After the Border Collie dog, the Miniature Poodle dog is graded to be the second most brilliant dog globally. As a result of their amazing intelligence, the Miniature Poodle dogs are good in various dog sports like the agility games. Security firms also use this breed of dog in tracking exercises.

8. Maltese - 15 years

Commonly known as the Maltese Lion Dog, these dogs are classified as a toy dog breed. This dog emanated from the Middle Mediterranean Region. A well-bred Maltese can live for approximately 15 years. In terms of size, the Maltese is very small with some being as small as a squirrel. Due to their size, active and sociable nature, they are purposely nurtured to be companion dogs. Unlike the other dogs, the Maltese dogs are prone to tooth problems which requires owners to take close care of their dental hygiene.

7. Jack russel terrier - 13-16 years

Similar to the Yorkshire Terrier and Beagle dogs, the Jack Russel Terrier’s origin is in England. They can live for 13-16 years when properly taken care of. One advantage of the Jack Russel Terrier is that it is not prone to health complications which makes them live for pretty long. They are also popular for their high energy levels which is mainly based on thorough exercises and trainings. This explains why Jack Russel Terrier dogs engage in various kinds of dog sports like agility and flyball.

6. Yorkshire terrier 13-16 years

This breed of dog from England has been nick-named as the Yorkie. It can live up to 13-16 years. The Yorkshire Terrier has a dark nose, a tiny sharp and swollen nose and a small head which is slightly horizontal at the top. Despite its small size, this dog is overprotective, alert and curious. Yorkshire Terriers are highly versatile as a result of their ability to function in the absence of human intervention. Yorkshire Terriers are known for barking a lot which is the reason why they are a perfect watchdog.

5. Aussie Shepherd - 13-15 years

This variety of dogs are commonly known as Aussie. The Aussie Shepherd dog is an average-sized dog who normally lives up to 13-15 years. This dog was developed in the United States around the 19th century. Other breeds that are almost identical to the Aussie are Border Collie and the English Shepherd. This breed of dog is popularly recognized for its skills in herding which is the reason why they normally take part in herding competitions. Many stockmen keep this type of dog since they are guidable and flexible.

4. Pomeranian - 12-16 years

This dog is also known as Pom Pom. It originated from Germany or Poland and has been popularly bred by royalties, including the prominent Queen Victoria. Pomeranian dogs have a lifespan of between 12-16 years. In comparison to other dogs, the Pomeranian is usually very healthy. Due to its small size, it is classified under toy dog breed along with Shih Tzu, Pug and Beagle dogs. Pomeranians are hairy, have small ears and a triangular-shaped head. They are known for being energetic, smart and sociable which is why they are nurtured as pets. The Pomeranian dogs love to be pampered and are always in need of attention from their owners. It is one of the most desired breed of dogs in the US.

3. Shih tzu - 10 - 16 years

This dog is also referred to as the Chinese lion dog. Its actual origin is unknown though there are some opinions that they originated in Tibet. The Shih Tzu is a strong small dog with big black eyes and a tiny nose. A healthy Shih Tzu dog can live for up to about 10-16 years. They are nurtured to function as companion dogs. Shih Tzu dogs live at home due to their human-oriented nature, tiny size and high sensitivity to heat. They are also very playful.

2. Pug - 12- 15 years

Also known as the Chinese Pug, this breed of dog can live up to about 12-15 years of age. They originated from China and were later taken to Europe in the sixteenth century where they became very popular as pets. Pugs are known for being intelligent, acute, friendly, silent, adorable, cooperative, and stubborn, with lively temperaments. They are also small in size, have a curved tail, wrinkly, short-muzzled faces, and well-developed muscles. They exist in a range of colors, especially dark or light yellowish-brown colors.

1. Beagle - 12 - 15 years

The Beagle dog is also popularly known as the English Beagle since it originated from England. T for a period of between 12 and 15 years. Beagles live for this long because most of their principal causes of its death are preventable. This breed is known for its significant sense of smell and excellent instinct in tracking. For this reason, many Beagles are used as sniffer or detection dogs.