3 of the Longest Living Dog Breeds

The best way to extend and improve your furry little friend's lifespan is through a good diet, exercise, and regular visits to an animal hospital. But, other factors also come into play in determining how long a dog lives, and that's through their breed.

Dogs' genetics vary depending on their breed. So, some tend to live longer than others, particularly the smaller ones. Here's a list of pooches that have the highest life expectancy.

Toy Poodle

Sassy, exceptionally smart, and fairly energetic, toy poodles have always been a great family pet. Their small size and minimal shedding make them perfect for those who have allergies. Plus, their intelligence means they're easy to train and take care of.

All poodles and their mixes have an extended life expectancy, but the smallest among them have the longest. They can live anywhere between 15 to 18 years and can even go beyond that. The oldest known toy poodle was Seamus, who was able to reach 20 years old. But, they're prone to orthopedic problems and eye conditions.

Chihuahua

They can be a little feisty, but they have immense loyalty to their owner. Chihuahuas are very alert and agile, which is why a lot of experts recommend them as watchdogs. Although they're considered lap dogs, they're quite active and love getting involved in fun activities. But, they can be temperamental sometimes and are known to snap or lash out at people who they perceive as a threat.

Small dogs generally have a higher life expectancy, so it's no surprise that one of the tiniest breeds is on this list. Assuming they don't have major diseases or haven't experienced any accidents, Chihuahuas can live anywhere between 15 to 20 years. They're normally healthy, but they tend to be prone to heart and eye problems.

Beagle

Curious, smart, and entertaining, beagles are considered one of the best breeds for children because of their docile and gentle nature. They also love to eat, so be careful not to overfeed them. Extra pounds on any dog can shorten their lifespan. These adorable pooches do well in the city and the country as long as they have plenty of space to run around.

This lovable breed can survive for 12 to 15 years. But, they can also go beyond that. Butch, the longest living beagle, was able to reach 27 years old. The downside is they're prone to glaucoma, epilepsy, and patellar luxation.

These are just some of the longest living dog breeds out there. But, remember that with enough love, care, and regular visits to a small animal hospital in Jacksonville, any pet can have a long and happy life.