The worst part about owning a dog is that they’re only with us for a short time. So if you’re looking for a new companion, you might consider these eight breeds, which usually give you a few extra years of unconditional love and attention.
We evaluated 60 of the longest-living breeds and pulled the American Kennel Club's life span statistics, choosing the top eight breeds with the highest average life expectancies.
Coton de Tulear
- Life span: 15 to 19 years
- Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
The Coton de Tulear is a gentle, comical and comforting breed with a thick white coat. It's named after the city of Tulear in Madagascar.
Toy Manchester terrier
- Life span: 15 to 17 years
- Weight: Up to 12 pounds
The toy Manchester terrier is intelligent and fearless and is a smaller version of the standard Manchester terrier. Its short coat is made of black and brown colors.
Chinese crested dog
- Life span: 13 to 18 years
- Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
The Chinese crested dog is a lively breed with spotted pink skin, standing between 11 and 13 inches. This breed can be hairless or coated, with little difference in temperament or size between the two.
Chihuahua
- Life span: 14 to 16 years
- Weight: Up to 6 pounds
The Chihuahua has a huge personality for such a small breed — and a “big-dog attitude,” according to the AKC. Its coat can be many different colors and patterns and either long or short.
Papillon
- Life span: 14 to 16 years
- Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
The papillon is friendly and elegant but also agile and hardy. Its fluffy, butterfly-shaped ears give it its name — “papillon” is French for butterfly. This breed’s coat is long and thick and comes in a variety of colors.
Havanese
- Life span: 14 to 16 years
- Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
The Havanese is clever and outgoing. This breed likes to perform and is perfect for tricks. Its coat is long and silky and comes in a variety of colors.
Rat terrier
- Life span: 12 to 18 years
- Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
The rat terrier is playful and happy and comes in two sizes: miniature and standard. Its coat is short, smooth and shiny, with black, brown and white fur.
Italian greyhound
- Life span: 14 to 15 years
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
The Italian greyhound is thin and agile, just like the full-size greyhound, but this breed also loves to cuddle. Its coat is short and comes in a variety of color combinations.
Take good care of your pups, no matter the breed!
If you want years ahead with your pup, taking good care of them is absolutely paramount. Get regular checkups at the vet, invest in healthy food and give your dog plenty of exercise. Though some breeds naturally live longer than others, you’ll give your dog the best chance at a long life if you maintain healthy habits.
Plus, a healthy dog means more years of coming home to an excited friend, ready to cuddle or play. Who doesn’t want that?