10 Small Dog Breeds with Long Lifespans (and 5 Large Breeds with Short Lifespan)

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Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Pomeranian dog with a black dressed woman
DrNickStafford/Pixabay

If you’re considering adopting a small dog with a long lifespan, you’re in luck! Many small breeds are known for their longevity, making them great companions for years to come. While each breed has its unique traits, they all share a remarkable ability to thrive for longer periods compared to larger breeds, providing plenty of time for bonding and adventure. Let’s explore 10 small breeds known for their long lives, along with 5 large breeds with shorter lifespans, helping you make an informed decision about which breed best suits your lifestyle.

1. Chihuahua: Tiny but Mighty

A Chihuahua posing
liggraphy/PixaBay

Chihuahuas, the world’s smallest dog breed, boast a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. Originating from Mexico, these little dogs are energetic, alert, and affectionate. Despite their size, they’re generally healthy, though they may develop heart disease or joint issues like patellar luxation as they age. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who will keep you company for many years, a Chihuahua could be the perfect choice. Their friendly personality and compact size make them ideal pets for small homes or apartments.

2. Shih Tzu: Loving and Playful

shih tzu
wildlittlethingsphoto/pexels

Shih Tzus are another small breed known for their longevity. With an average lifespan of 10 to 18 years, these affectionate dogs make wonderful companions. Known for their cheerful demeanor and playful nature, Shih Tzus love to play and interact with their families. They’re also content to curl up on your lap after a long day of play. While they’re generally healthy, their flat faces can cause breathing problems or overheating, so it’s important to be mindful of their health throughout their life.

3.Yorkshire Terrier: Bold and Adventurous

Yorkshire Terrier
Alexa/pixabay

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, have an impressive lifespan of 11 to 15 years. These small but bold dogs are full of energy and curiosity, always ready for an adventure. While they can be stubborn, their loyalty and affection towards their owners make them great pets. Yorkies can develop dental issues or certain joint conditions as they age, so it’s essential to keep up with regular vet visits. If you’re looking for a small dog who’s always ready to explore, the Yorkie is a great choice.

4.Dachshund: Long-Lived and Loyal

Dachshund puppy running on a path
RebeccasPictures/Pixabay

Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” are small but sturdy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Known for their long bodies and playful nature, Dachshunds are loyal companions who enjoy spending time with their families. They can be prone to back problems due to their unique shape, so it’s important to avoid activities that could strain their spine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key to maintaining their health and ensuring they live a long, happy life by your side.

5.Pomeranian: Energetic and Sweet

DrNickStafford/Pixabay

Pomeranians, despite their size, have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. These energetic dogs love attention and can be quite the entertainers. Poms are also known for their thick, fluffy coats, which require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Despite their small size, they’re quite robust and generally healthy, although they can develop dental issues and heart problems as they age. With the right care, your Pomeranian will be a constant source of joy and loyal companionship, thriving for years to come.

6.Miniature Schnauzer: Lively and Loving

Miniature Schnauzer
Mariann72/Pixabay

Miniature Schnauzers are another small breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. These dogs are charming, intelligent, and always willing to please. They’re also great for families with children, as they are known to be good-natured and social. Despite their small stature, they require plenty of physical activity and cerebral stimulation. Miniature Schnauzers are generally healthy, but they can develop certain health issues like eye problems or skin conditions, so regular vet visits are essential to keep them in top shape.

7.Italian Greyhound: Sleek and Graceful

Italian Greyhound indoors
Skica911/PixaBay

Italian Greyhounds are renowned for their grace and speed. These small dogs have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years and are perfect for people looking for a graceful companion. While they may seem delicate, they are generally healthy but may be prone to joint issues and dental problems as they age. Italian Greyhounds love affection and enjoy snuggling, making them ideal lap dogs. Their sleek coat requires minimal grooming, and they are generally low-maintenance, making them great pets for first-time dog owners.

8.Bichon Frise: Playful and Adaptable

bichon frise
saviera/pixabay

Bichon Frises typically live between 14 and 15 years, making them one of the longer-living small breeds. Known for their cheerful disposition and fluffy white coats, Bichon Frises are great family dogs. They’re easygoing, playful, and social, which makes them fantastic companions for both children and adults. While Bichons are generally healthy, they can develop skin allergies or dental issues, so regular care is essential. Their welcoming attitude and long lifetime make them an outstanding choice for people seeking a devoted, long-lived companion.

9.Cocker Spaniel: Friendly and Loyal

American Cocker Spaniel sitting on a wooden bench.
Wildehilde2002/Pixabay

Cocker Spaniels, though a bit larger than some of the other small breeds, have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. These affectionate dogs are friendly, gentle, and loyal, making them excellent family pets. Although their lovely coats need to be regularly groomed, the extra effort is worth it due to their affectionate and kind nature. Cocker Spaniels can develop ear infections or hip issues as they age, so regular check-ups are important. With proper care and attention, they’ll remain a devoted companion for years to come.

10.Papillon: Small but Spirited

papillon
sterou70/pixabay

Papillons are tiny dogs with big personalities, living an average of 13 to 17 years. These small yet spirited dogs are intelligent, active, and friendly. Known for their butterfly-like ears, Papillons are quick learners and excel in obedience training. They’re also quite sociable, getting along well with both humans and other pets. Despite their small size, they need regular exercise to keep their energy in check. Their long lifespans and endearing personalities make them an appealing option for anyone looking for a trusted and energetic companion.

11. Irish Wolfhound: Giant in Heart, but Not Lifespan

An Irish Wolfhound wrapped in a blue blanket indoors
pumpkinspook93/reddit

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, initially bred to hunt wolves in Ireland. These majestic giants stand at an impressive height but face a significantly shorter lifespan, usually ranging from 6 to 8 years. Despite their imposing size, they are known for being gentle and affectionate companions. Unfortunately, due to their size, Irish Wolfhounds are susceptible to various health issues such as heart problems, cancer, and bloat, which contribute to their limited lifespan. These dogs require extra care and regular veterinary visits to manage their health.

12. Great Dane: Gentle Giants

Great Dane breed standing in the forest.
Mtajmr/Pixabay

Great Danes are another large breed known for their colossal size and gentle nature. Often referred to as “gentle giants,” they are affectionate, friendly, and calm but tend to live only around 7 to 10 years. Their large bodies put a strain on their heart and joints, which can lead to a number of health concerns, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and bloat. These health challenges often contribute to their relatively short lifespan. While their time with their families may be brief, Great Danes leave a lasting impact on everyone they meet with their loving demeanor and loyalty.

13. Mastiff: A Majestic, Large Breed

mastiff lying on a white background
Pixabay

The Mastiff, a breed that comes in various types like the English, Tibetan, and Neapolitan Mastiffs, is another large dog with a limited lifespan. Mastiffs normally live between 6 and 10 years. Their sheer size makes them prone to heart issues, joint problems, and certain types of cancer, all of which can contribute to their shorter life expectancy. Despite their size, they are incredibly affectionate and protective of their families. While their lifespan is shorter than many other breeds, their loving, loyal nature ensures that the time spent with them is filled with joy and companionship.

14. Saint Bernard: A Loyal Companion

Saint Bernard lying on the ground surrounded by greenery.
Katerina/Pexels

Saint Bernards are known for their massive size and incredible strength. They were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps. Unfortunately, these dogs typically only live around 8 to 10 years. The breed is prone to several health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and bloat, which can significantly shorten their lifespan. Due to their size, they are also more susceptible to joint problems and a variety of other age-related conditions. Despite their relatively short time on this earth, Saint Bernards are incredibly very loving.

15. Newfoundland: A Gentle, Swimming Pro

Newfoundland standing in snow
Wirestock/Freepik

The Newfoundland is a large, strong dog breed known for its swimming ability and gentle disposition. While they are known for being wonderful family pets, they typically have a lifespan of just 8 to 10 years. The breed is prone to certain health issues such as heart problems, joint issues like hip dysplasia, and certain types of cancer, all of which contribute to their shorter lifespan. Their calm, friendly nature and devotion to their families make them beloved companions, and despite their limited time with us, they leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to know them.

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