Rebecca Bretana
There are many reasons that people have dogs. Some people find meaning and purpose by taking care of an animal. Having a dog can even improve your own health and wellbeing. But one of the most common reasons that people adopt a dog is for companionship. Having a dog can save people from the solitude of living alone. A dog’s unconditional love can warm hearts improve your overall wellbeing. We’ve rounded up a list of the top ten dogs that live the longest. These breeds make a great choice if you want a longtime companion.

The Top 10

Maltese

The Maltese is a breed that lives long and is also full of life. They are known for being playful and fun dogs. They only weigh up to seven pounds, so they are very happy to have a warm lap to sit on. Their size and attitude make them a great companion, and they’re very gentle and affectionate. A Maltese lives from 12 to 15 years.

Beagle

A Beagle makes a great mid-sized companion. They grow to be between 20 and 25 pounds. They’re also very sturdy for their size. Beagles are natural trackers, so you’ll find them sniffing as much as possible when you’re out on your daily walks. Beagles need their daily exercise because they are prone to obesity. They also have a ton of energy that needs to be burned off. Beagles are great pets for a family because if their size and sturdiness. They are also very easy going, so they can warm up to pretty much anyone. This makes them a great companion for their around 15-year life span.

Australian Shepherd

Here’s a breed that really earns its keep. The Australian Shepherd is energetic and smart. They can easily be kept busy by giving them a “job” to do. Otherwise, they can get bored and destructive. As a shepherd, they can try to herd your family, so be sure to keep that in mind. They are a good-sized dog for a family as well. Australian Shepherds can grow to be between 40 and 65 pounds. They also love activity. If your family enjoys being outside, the Australian shepherd can be a great companion. They live from 12 to 15 years and have a lot of love to give.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is the ultimate companion dog. They have a life span of 10 to 16 years, so you’ll get plenty of time to spend with this guy. They also are the perfect size to cuddle up with. Ranging from nine to 16 pounds, they make a great lap dog. They are a very loving breed, but they are also very obedient.

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso live approximately 12 to 15 years, though they have been known to live up to 20 years. They love to be the center of attention, so the more family the better. It just means they’ll get lots of love! Their size also makes them ideal even if you live in a small home or apartment. They grow to be up to 18 pounds and are often times even smaller than that. This makes them a great lap dog. Lhasa Apso’s are also very lively and energetic which makes them a fun breed to keep around. Training is not too difficult either.

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is another dog with some longevity, they are known to live 12 and 15 years. The Cockapoo was breed from a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Because of this, their coats are known to be hypoallergenic. So, they can live in your home even if a family member has allergies. Cockapoos crave attention and are very playful. They will ask for exercise daily and will let you know when they’re not getting enough. This playful breed will happily snuggle up and be sure to give you a lot of affection back.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell lives approximately 10 to 15 years and weigh in at around 13 to 17 pounds. This makes them a great size as a family dog since they will not overpower the kids. But these dogs like their independence and will make sure you know it. They prove to be somewhat hard to train, but they also give lots of love to those they are close with. The Jack Russell is almost hit or miss with their affection. They can be stubborn and easily annoy, or they can dole out lots of affection. This makes the Jack Russell more of an advanced dog to train.

Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle loves to be with their family. This works out well because they are also a hypoallergenic breed, so every member of the household can enjoy time with them. The Toy Poodle weighs in at around 10 pounds as well, so they are an optimal choice for a snuggle partner. Though the Toy Poodle is a very alert and active dog, so they might not have much opportunity to relax. Toy Poodles love their family and can spend anywhere from 15 to 20 years with them.

Chihuahua

Almost everyone knows the Chihuahua breed. These tiny dogs rarely grow to be more than seven pounds. So, they are fairly small, but they pack a lot of character in a small package. They also love to be besties with one member of the household. This makes them a perfect choice if you live alone. Many people like Chihuahuas for their diminutive size, they also suffer from a number of health conditions because of their size. You should take this into consideration if you are bringing one home because Chihuahuas can live to be between 15 and 20 years of age.

New Guinea Singing Dog

These beautiful dogs are beautiful and resemble a fox in appearance. They seem to be closer related to wild dogs, so they might not be the best family dog. But for a single person or a couple, the New Guinea Singing Dog is a graceful and beautiful pet. Their unique howl almost resembles that of a wolf. Their beauty can grace your home for 12 to 16 years. Hopefully this have given you an idea of which dogs have lasting longevity. There are other breeds that are great choices as well if you’re looking on a breed you can count on. But remember that a dog’s life is mostly determined by the care they receive As long as you take good care of your four legged friend, they will certainly be happy to share a long and fruitful life with you.