10 Small Dog Breeds With the Longest Life Expectancy

9. Shih Tzu Dog

With their luxurious coat and regal demeanor, the Shih Tzu has been a beloved companion dog for centuries, originating in ancient China. These dogs typically live between 10 and 16 years, making them one of the longest-lived small dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is known for its affectionate and friendly nature, often enjoying the company of both humans and other pets. Their small size, typically weighing between 9 and 16 pounds, makes them a great choice for apartment living. Despite their regal appearance, the Shih Tzu is a relatively low-maintenance dog, requiring regular grooming to keep their coat in top condition. They thrive on human interaction and can be quite playful, but they also enjoy relaxing and cuddling with their owners.

8. Miniature Schnauzer

With their distinctive beard and eyebrows, the Miniature Schnauzer is both charming and long-lived, typically living between 12 and 15 years. Originally bred in Germany as farm dogs, they are known for their energetic and agile nature. Weighing between 11 and 20 pounds, the Miniature Schnauzer is small enough to live in an apartment but still requires regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them great companions for people who enjoy engaging their dogs in a variety of activities and training. Their double coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and keep them looking their best. Miniature Schnauzers are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

7. Pomeranian

With their fluffy coats and lively personalities, Pomeranians are one of the most popular small dog breeds. These energetic little dogs typically live between 12 and 16 years. Originating in the Pomerania region of Europe, they were bred from larger sled dogs, resulting in a compact size of between 3 and 7 pounds. Despite their small size, Pomeranians are known for their bold and energetic nature, often acting as if they are much larger than they actually are. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and commands. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Pomeranians are also known for their loyalty and can be quite protective of their families.

6. Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles are not only highly intelligent and easy to train, but they also have a long lifespan, typically 12 to 15 years. These dogs weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and are known for their hypoallergenic curly coats, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. Originally from France, Toy Poodles were bred as companion dogs and they excel in this role due to their affectionate and playful nature. They are very adaptable and thrive in a variety of living environments, from apartments to larger homes. Regular brushing is required to keep their curly coats looking beautiful and prevent matting. Toy Poodles are also known for their athleticism and excel in a variety of dog sports and activities, making them a great choice for active owners.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big personalities and an impressive lifespan, typically living between 13 and 16 years. Originating in England, they were originally bred to catch rats in garment factories, which is reflected in their feisty and determined nature. Weighing between 4 and 7 pounds, Yorkies are well suited to apartment living but still require regular exercise to keep them healthy. Their long, silky coats require regular grooming to avoid tangles and matting. Yorkies are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, often forming strong bonds with their families. Despite their small size, they are confident and bold, often making excellent watchdogs.

4. Papillon

The Papillon, named for its butterfly-like ears, is not only beautiful but also has a long lifespan, typically 14 to 16 years. These small dogs, weighing between 5 and 10 pounds, are known for their energetic and friendly nature. Originally from France, Papillons were bred as companion dogs and they excel in this role due to their affectionate and playful nature. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and commands. Their long, silky coats require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Papillons are also known for their athleticism and excel in a variety of dog sports and activities, making them a great choice for active owners.

3. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds but has the longest lifespan, typically living between 14 and 18 years. Originating in Mexico, these dogs are known for their bold and feisty nature, often acting as if they are much larger than they actually are. Weighing between 2 and 6 pounds, Chihuahuas are well suited to apartment living but still need regular exercise to stay healthy. They are very loyal and affectionate to their owners, often forming strong bonds with their families. Chihuahuas come in a variety of coat types and colors, but all require regular grooming to stay looking their best. Despite their small size, they are confident and bold, often making excellent watchdogs.

2. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are known for their endless energy and impressive lifespan, typically 13 to 16 years. Originally from England, these dogs were bred for hunting and have retained their strong hunting instincts and tenacious nature. Weighing in at 13 to 17 pounds, Jack Russell Terriers are small but require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them great companions for those who enjoy engaging their dogs in a variety of activities and training. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them relatively easy to care for. Jack Russell Terriers are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners.

1. Pekingese

With their majestic appearance and long, flowing coat, the Pekingese is one of the longest-lived small dog breeds, typically living 13 to 16 years. Originating in China, these dogs were bred as companions for Chinese royalty and have retained their dignified and aloof nature. Weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, Pekingese are well suited to apartment living but still require regular exercise to keep them healthy. Their long coats require regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Pekingese are known for their loyalty and affection for their owners, often forming strong bonds with their families. Despite their small size, they are confident and bold, often making excellent watchdogs.

In short, small breed dogs tend to live longer than their larger counterparts, providing their owners with years of companionship and joy. From the energetic Dachshund to the dignified Pekingese, each breed has its own unique qualities and characteristics that make them great pets. Proper care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are essential to ensuring these dogs live long and healthy lives. Whether you prefer a playful and active companion or a more laid-back and affectionate pet, there is a small breed dog with an impressive lifespan that is sure to meet your needs and bring joy to your home for years to come.