Longest-Living Dog Breeds

Are you searching for a new dog to welcome into your family? Before you decide on the breed, it is essential to research each dog's traits, physical attributes and life span so you and your household know what to expect when adopting a new family member. Long-living dog breeds can become a part of your home for a decade or longer. Whether you prefer a small, medium or large breed, you can determine the best dog breed that lives the longest.

Small Dog Breeds

The longest-living small dog breeds make playful pets for family members to love. You can benefit from adopting a small dog if you live in an apartment or a smaller home.

1. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are dog breeds with the longest life expectancy compared to other smaller dogs. With a life span of 14-17 years, these pets pack a huge personality at only six pounds. This breed only grows to between 5 and 8 inches in height, making them great for smaller home sizes. Chihuahuas get along well with other dog breeds for owners with multiple pets. However, their attitude toward younger children can vary, so be careful choosing this breed if you have babies or toddlers in your family. They have incredibly high energy and tend to bark more than most dog breeds. However, they can be pretty easy to train with the right amount of consistency and positive reinforcement. This dog breed loves to play and requires mental stimulation daily. You can rest assured, however, that you will not have to clean after them as much as other dogs due to their short hair and low shedding levels.

2. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested dogs have a unique appearance and lovable personality. With a life span of 13-15 years, you can enjoy a protective and playful pet in your family. These dogs reach about 13 inches in height and weigh around 12 pounds. This breed is affectionate with family members and young children. When you introduce them properly, they get along well with strangers and other dogs. The high energy and quick adaptability to training make this breed well equipped to live in various locations. Their hairless bodies and furry heads create less shedding than most dogs, so you do not often have to clean after them. With all these factors in mind, Chinese Crested dogs make easy pets to own with a loving attitude.

Medium Dog Breeds

These medium-sized longest-living dogs have unique personalities. These two dogs are incredibly smart and love to show affection toward their families for years of companionship.

1. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are friendly dogs with a natural instinct to herd. This working breed has a life span of 12-15 years. Their height reaches about 18-23 inches, and they weigh anywhere from 40-65 pounds. Australian Shepherds get along great with families and young children due to their herding instinct. They enjoy playing for hours and tend to be pretty open to strangers. This dog breed is best known for its ability to train efficiently. Most owners can adopt training methods at any stage of their life. They love to play and require regular mental stimulation. These dogs have a medium size coat length which can sometimes cause a higher level of shedding around the house. Since they enjoy playing and training, allowing them to have multiple hours outside each day can prevent shedding inside as they receive their daily exercise.

2. Welsh Springer Spaniels

Welsh Springer Spaniels are one of the most affectionate dog breeds you could own. These pets have a life span of 12-15 years. They can grow to about 17-19 inches tall and weigh around 35-55 pounds. Welsh Springer Spaniels are excellent for any family size. They are affectionate with young children and other dogs and enjoy following you as you go about your daily routine. These dogs have high energy and love to spend time outdoors playing with their family. They are not as open to strangers. However, they are easily trainable, so you can quickly get them acquainted with crowded areas. Their medium-length coat can sometimes cause shedding so you may need regular cleaning around your home. Welsh Springer Spaniels also need constant mental stimulation since they train efficiently. Without implementing the proper play time, they might begin to bark loudly. If you enjoy hunting, these dogs make great companions for sniffing vermin and determining their location.

Large Dog Breeds

The longest-living large dog breeds make loyal companions for families of all sizes. Both dog types are intelligent, protective and have undeniable loving personalities.

1. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois dog breed is a loyal companion for every owner with a long life of 14-16 years. Their height reaches 26 inches and weighs around 40-80 pounds. This intelligent and confident breed forms strong bonds with the families they live with and adapt quickly to household size and location changes. These dogs get along with children and other dogs to a certain extent. With their easy trainability, they can learn to get used to others. You will often see Belgian Malinois working in the military or police force due to their intelligence, adaptability and loyalty. Your family can enjoy the companionship of a protective and loving dog from this large breed.

2. Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever dog breed is incredibly affectionate with its owners, young children and other dogs. This breed has a life span of 10-12 years. They grow to about 21-24 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 55-75 pounds. Golden Retrievers are loyal, protective and easily trainable, making them perfect for all families and in service-dog roles. They do not have high energy levels compared to other breeds but still enjoy hours of play with young children and family members. This breed is brilliant and easily trainable. Golden Retrievers can become service dogs, loyal companions or trained in therapy. Their natural sweet nature allows them to make lasting connections with anyone they encounter — including strangers.

Adopt a Golden Retriever Puppy at Golden Meadows Retrievers

Are you interested in a golden retriever puppy to welcome into your household? Golden Meadows Retrievers has adorable pets for your family to love. Our establishment is unique from other adoption agencies. We watch the puppies grow from newborns to assess their personalities as soon as possible. When you fill out our puppy information request form, we get to know you and your family to match you with the perfect puppy. We breed Golden Retrievers with the intent to create healthy litters and pets with long lifespans. You can rest assured that your new family member will have up to three years free from genetic health defects. Since these puppies are part of a dog breed with the longest life span, you can welcome them into your family for over a decade of companionship. Contact us today to learn more about our puppies.