If you ask any pet owner, one of their only wishes would be that their pup could live forever. Small dogs do, on average, tend to live longer than large dogs, yet their longer lifespan is still limited to about 16 years at the most. While this doesn’t seem like a long time, 16 years old for a dog is quite the senior citizen. How old your dog acts also really depends on what breed your dog is. Small breeds are active well into their old age, while others start to feel the effects of age a little bit sooner than others.
While there isn’t an absolute formula or deadline for determining a dog’s lifespan, there are averages. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest living dog ever recorded was a Cattle Dog who lived to be nearly 30 years old. Your pup probably won’t make it till 30 years of age, like that dog Bluey we mentioned earlier, but as a small dog owner, you can enjoy at least a decade or more of cuddles.
If you’re looking for a small breed dog that has a longer life expectancy and want to know what to expect for the near-distant future, please follow along below to see some of our favorite small dog breeds and how long they live.
What Do the Experts Say
According to the chief Veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club, Jerry Klein, he says that research indicates that larger dogs life spans are usually between seven and ten years, and smaller dogs have a dog’s life expectancy of thirteen to sixteen years. Dr. Klein goes on to say that” breeds in the toy group, some of the terriers, and Australian cattle dogs have been known to live long lives,” Klein says.” But the longest-lived dog I’ve personally ever met was a Schipperke—a small dog breed that originated in Belgium—who was 23.”
So scientific facts back up that small breed dogs do live longer than large dog breeds… But what really are the longest-lasting small pups?
Common Small Dogs and Their Life Expectancy
Below has compiled a list of some of the most common smaller breeds of dogs and their average dog lifespan.
The Adorable French Bulldog
Frenchie’s are some of the most popular dogs on the market right now, mostly due to their size, but also their adorable nature and their wrinkly skin around their noses. When considering buying a French Bulldog, you need to learn about their health conditions and lifestyle needs that can affect their lifespan. Other factors that go into that include their genetics, their diet, their quality of care, and their overall exercise habits.
Generally speaking, most Frenchie’s live between 10 and 13 years, which is a significantly shorter lifespan than other small dogs. This is mainly due to the health and breathing conditions that they can develop. The micro French Bulldog and mini French Bulldog’s lifespan might be slightly longer, averaging between 12 and 16 years.
Basset Hounds
Basset hounds are known for their long floppy ears and short stature. They’re so cute when they’re running around and playing, and all of that skin and ears are just flopping around. The average Basset Hound’s short lifespan is between 8 and 12 years; however, there have been some Bassets that have lived longer lives, up to 17 years old.
One of the biggest causes of an early basset hound’s death is due to problems associated with their weight. Keeping your dog on a healthy diet and regular exercise routine will help them keep a lower body weight, to avoid any unnecessary health problems and can increase the longevity of their life.
Yorkshire Terrier
Mini Yorkie’s live between 12 and 16 years. These dogs are very active and need at least one daily walk, although they really do enjoy being indoors with their owners. Heart failure is a leading cause of death among many Yorkie’s. To avoid this, you want to make sure your pet is regularly examined by a vet, eats a good diet, and has regular physical and mental exercise.
Wire Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terriers have grown in popularity in the United States over the last few years. These lovable pups live between 10 and 13 years. One reason that the life expectancy for a fox terrier can be on the lower end is due to health problems such as eye disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, and a neurological condition that this lovable dog is prone to. To stay up-to-date on your pup’s health, the best thing you can do is have a regular veterinary care, along with a cardiac exam or a patella evaluation. For more information on what these potential health threats to your Wire Fox Terrier include, please check out this AKC or American Kennel Club link.
Miniature and Toy Poodles
Going towards the end of the average life expectancy chart, many miniature and toy poodles live between 14 and 16 years. These small, fluffy, and lovable dogs are just as sweet as the standard poodle. They enjoy being around family and friends and doing all kinds of activities in and out of the water. According to some reputable sources, there have been compelling cases of miniature poodles living past their life expectancy to the age of an oppressive 224 years old. While this is rare, dog owners rejoice, it’s not totally impossible for your miniature poodle to live past their 16th birthday.
As with all dogs, good care and health testing are vital. With poodles, size matters. Average Poodle life expectancy increases as the smaller they get; interestingly, the amount of poodles that have lived past their 14th birthday are significantly higher in the toy poodle category than in the miniature poodle category. Along with size, other health issues that can impact lifespan include overall genetic health and inherited heart problems that your pup might have from his parents.
The Small but Might Chihuahua
Thought of by many as one of the most small and frail dogs, chihuahuas are Mighty in comparison to their appearance. Many Chihuahuas live well past 13 to 17 years old, with many chihuahuas living to 20.
Chihuahuas are known to be a relatively Healthy dogs, however they can be prone to specific health conditions that are often related to their small stature. Some of these issues can include obesity, eye issues, and other nutrition issues due to their size. You also want to make sure that your Chihuahua is getting enough exercise, even though they want to be held constantly. Ensuring that your dog gets regular walks is essential. Living a healthy lifestyle, exercise and mental stimulation are essential for a long and happy life.
Another issue that Chihuahuas might face is Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Signs of this include lethargy, sleepiness, lack of coordination, unfocused eyes, spasms, fainting, and seizures, if you feel that your dog is having any of these issues, you want to make sure to bring them for veterinary care.
In Conclusion
These are just a few of the many small breeds of dogs that have long life expectancies. Keep in mind that the number of years left is not an ideal determinant of Aging when it comes to dogs. The life that your dog might have had before you were its owner, if it was a rescue, could impact their life expectancy. In addition to that, regular exercise and a high-quality diet are essential to ensure a long life for your pet
No matter how long your furry friend is in your life, make sure that the years they spend with you are full of unconditional love, happiness, and excitement, and of course, tons of treats and belly rubs.
For more information about all things dog, please follow along with our blog. Check out our post: Average lifespan of the largest dog breeds
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