5 Longest Living Healthiest Dog Breeds [20 Years Old Record]
![5 Longest Living Healthiest Dog Breeds [20 Years Old Record]](/content/images/size/w1200/2022/12/Healthiest-Longest-Living-Dog-Breeds-.png)
Life would be simply perfect if our dog would be the longest-living dog.
Unfortunately, even the longest-living dog breeds don't live as much as we want to. We must make our dog's life the happiest one and spend as much time as we can with our best friends.
Some dogs live longer than others and that is due to their breed characteristics but also to a good loved and happy life.
The average lifespan of a medium dog is around 10 - 13 years, but small dogs can live up to 16 years if their life is good. Of course, there are some exceptions to large dog breeds that have long lifespans, but the smaller breeds live more than large breeds.
Find out the longest living dog breeds and choose the one to be your best mate for life.
What breed of dog is the healthiest and lives the longest?
❶ Chihuahua - the record winner of 20-year-old lifespan
Chihuahua is one of the longest-lived dog breeds. Being the smallest breed of dog, it is not surprising that they may live so long.
Chihuahua is maybe on the top list of the longest longevity dog breeds. Many of these tiny doggies live more than 15 years, and some can live even 20 years.
Breed characteristics
- Average Height: 5-8 inches
- Average Weight: 4-6 lbs
- Average Lifespan: 12-20 years
- Affection Level: high
- Energy Level: medium
- Friendliness: high
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding: low
❷ Toy Poodle - lifespan of 14-15, but it can live more
Toy Poodle is a curly dog breed that comes in 4 varieties: toy, miniature, medium, and standard. This doggie is actually the smallest size of the poodle breed. Poodles usually reach the maximum age of 14-15 years.
The Toy Poodle is an amazing family pet, as all Poodles, in general. Poodles are known for their endless energy. They are the second longest living healthiest dog breeds after Chihuahua, because they can easily live until 18 years old.
Poodles are prone in general to eye and orthopedic problems.
Breed characteristics
- Average Height: 10-11 inches
- Average Weight: up to 9 lbs
- Average Lifespan: 12-18 years
- Affection Level: high
- Energy Level: high
- Friendliness: high
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding: low
❸ Jack Russell Terrier - up to 16 years old of strong personality
Jack Russell Terrier is another small and active dog breed that lives up to 16 years old.
This dog breed is a dog with a personality and needs for activity. Jack Russell Terriers are athletic and active dogs that require lots of exercises, training, and mental stimulation.
Breed characteristics
- Average Height: up to 15 inches
- Average Weight: up to 18 lbs
- Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Affection Level: high
- Energy Level: high
- Friendliness: medium
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding: medium
❹ Dachshund - a happy sausage that can live up to 15 y or more
A Dachshund's average lifespan is around 15 years old. The oldest living Dachshund named Chanel lived 21 years old.
This "sausage dog" is a lovable dog breed with a charming personality. They are simply adorable and tend to be quite protective.
Dachshunds are prone to age-related health issues, particularly obesity which leads to back problems.
Breed characteristics
- Average Height: up to 5-9 inches
- Average Weight: up to 30 lbs
- Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Affection Level: high
- Energy Level: medium
- Friendliness: medium
- Intelligence: medium
- Shedding: medium
❺ Shiba Inu - among longest living medium-sized dog breeds
Shiba Inu is a medium-sized breed and one of the mentioned exceptions that can live up to 16-17.
Lovable, strong and protective Shiba Inu is generally a healthy dog breed. He is prone to allergies.
Breed characteristics
- Average Height: up to 15-17 inches
- Average Weight: up to 24 lbs
- Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Affection Level: high
- Energy Level: medium
- Friendliness: medium
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding: high
For a dog, his owner is his life. He just lives the moment and he gives us all his heart. That's why as long as he lives we must make his life the best place to live.
**The secret of a long healthy life for dogs is staying hydrated. If you notice your older dog drinking water like there's no tomorrow, it could be a sign of something going on. Keep an eye on their water habits, chat with your vet about any big changes, and think about adding some tasty wet food to their menu to keep them feeling their best.
Which breed of dog has the least health problems?
The Chihuahua and the Poodle have the fewest health issues of all dog breeds.
My dog, Coco was one of the dogs with a long lifespan. A medium-sized white Poodle that lived 17 good and happy life. He was my happiness and I was his.
If you want to read the secret of a healthy 17 years life of a loved Poodle I posted my dog's story here.
Hope you enjoyed this article! Paws and love till the next article! 🐾
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