12 Longest Living Dog Breeds — our top picks
Jack Russell Terrier
Small, energetic hunting terrier with bold personality. Intelligent, fearless, and excellent working dog.
Rat Terrier
American farm terrier in multiple sizes. Intelligent, energetic, and excellent vermin hunter.
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
World's smallest dog breed with huge personality. Alert, confident, and devoted to their family despite their tiny size.
Chihuahua (Long Coat)
Long-haired variety of the Chihuahua with soft, flowing coat. Same bold personality as smooth coat variety.
Havanese
Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog.
Papillon
Elegant toy spaniel with distinctive butterfly ears. Athletic and intelligent with surprising agility for their size.
Bichon Frise
Cheerful white powder-puff with hypoallergenic coat. Playful and adaptable companion with minimal shedding.
Russell Terrier
Shorter-legged version of Jack Russell. Energetic, bold, and excellent family companion with moderate exercise needs.
Cairn Terrier
Small Scottish terrier with shaggy coat. Hardy, intelligent, and excellent family companion.
Border Terrier
Small British terrier with otter-like head. Good-tempered, affectionate, and excellent family pet.
Coton de Tulear
Malagasy toy breed with cotton-like coat and clownish personality. Happy and adaptable companion.
Feist
Small American hunting dog bred for treeing squirrels. Energetic and tenacious with strong hunting instincts.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 343 breeds is scored on the traits that matter most for this lifestyle — energy, size, temperament, grooming and trainability — using our vet-reviewed breed database. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking personalised to you.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Which dog breed lives the longest?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Jack Russell Terrier ranks as the top choice for owners hoping for as many years together as possible, followed by the Rat Terrier and Chihuahua (Smooth Coat).
- How was this list of dogs for owners hoping for as many years together as possible chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for owners hoping for as many years together as possible — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.