Being a pet parent is something deeply fulfilling. Our furry friends give us companionship, loyalty, entertainment, and tons of love. Sadly, we typically outlive our dogs by several years. Is there a way to extend your dog’s lifespan? Let’s explore this.
The road to a healthy, happy, and long-living dog
A dog’s genetics are a factor in how long it will stay alive, but it’s not the only one. There are various other reasons why your dog could enjoy a long life or pass away earlier than expected.
Just like it does in people, lifestyle plays a part in how long a dog will live. Is the dog treated well? Do they have a healthy and balanced diet that consists of quality food? Do they get enough exercise? There are some of the factors to consider for longevity.
If you take good care of your dog, it has a better chance at not just a long life but a long, happy, and healthy life. If you know the basic requirements for the breed of dog you have, you can better see those needs, which may include:
- Enough physical activity. This is essential for the more energetic dog breeds. You can take them for walks, give them enough yard space to run around in, or even get them a doggie treadmill!
- Affection and communication, especially cuddling for smaller dog breeds.
- Mental stimulation for the more intelligent dog breeds means playing games with them or even giving them jobs to do!
- Love, love, and more love!
Fulfilling these needs will be part of what determines the quality and quantity of your dog’s life. Don’t forget that, as your furry friend gets older, their needs will change.
Older dogs may need some help getting around, especially to snuggle with you in bed. One way to help them join you for a bedtime snuggle is with a bed ramp for dogs. It will help make your pup’s senior years more enjoyable and maybe even longer.
How long do dogs live?
It depends on many factors like genetics, diet, and breed. The average lifespan of a dog varies but could be about a decade or so. Smaller breeds tend to outlive the larger breeds, some living as long as 16 years or more!
Are you wondering, “What’s the longest living dog ever?” According to Guinness World Records, Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived for almost 30 years!
Based on Bluey’s long life, his breed is one of the longest-living dog breeds, but the Australian Cattle Dog is not the only long-living dog. We’ve narrowed down a list of some of the longest living dog breeds:
Top 16 dog breeds that live the longest
#1. Chihuahua – 14 to 20 years
One of the longest living dog breeds (alongside our boy Bluey) is Mexico’s national dog, the Chihuahua. These highly loyal dogs are clever, slightly curious, but full of energy. It may add to their fire for a long lifespan.
The size for these little puppies is about 5 pounds (on average). But don’t let their small size fool you! These tiny tikes have a dog lifespan of up to 20 years! This makes the Chihuahua one of the smallest but also one of the longest living dogs ever!
#2. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) – 16 to 20 years
Coming in second with the Chihuahua is another pint-sized pooch, the Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkie is popular with people who like the company of a highly intelligent dog that is easily trained and can live a long life.
#3. Australian Cattle Dog – 13 to 16 years
Bluey may have been an anomaly, but he’s not alone. Many other Australian Cattle Dogs live a long life. It could partially be due to their natural zest for life and their active lifestyles typically filled with play and exercise.
#4. Dachshund – 14 to 20 years
Whether you call them a sausage dog, a wiener dog, a dashie, or you use the proper title Daschund, these little doggies typically live long lives. They are playful dogs with outgoing personalities and a ton of energy. The more you love these dogs, the more they love you back!
