Longest living dogs revealed - full list of 13 adorable breeds with superb lifespans
Scotland is a nation of dog lovers - and for good reason. Dogs are often loveable, loyal companions who can be a great comfort through hard times.
That is why as owners, we would preferably like them to live forever. Sadly, pet pooches do not live half as long as humans.
The average dog lives just 10-13 years, but there are many who are likely to live into their teenage years, depending on the type of four-legged friend you opt for.
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Different breeds have different lifespans, and many factors play a part including lifestyle. From West Highland Terriers to German Shepherds, small dogs and big dogs vary in how many miles they've got left in the tank.
With that in mind, the Record has listed the 13 breeds of dog that tend to live the longest lives, according to the Scotsman.
This means you can perhaps make a more informed decision when it comes to buying or adopting a pup with the view to have them around as long as possible.
1. Chihuahua
It may come as a shock to hear that small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs. Chihuahuas are arguably the first dog you think of when it comes to miniscule pets. The teeny breed lives for an average of an impressive 15-20 years.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell has a reputation for being quite scrappy and yappy, but they are so sweet, and a popular choice. The Jack Russell can also live for up to a whopping 20 years, although tend to average a lifespan closer to 16 years.
3. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle may stick around for up to 18 years. This surpasses Standard Poodles and Miniature Poodles, who both live relatively long lives.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is not a common breed in the UK, and may be a rogue inclusion for top five, but a dog called Bluey holds the record for the longest-lived dog - reaching an incredible 29 years of age.
In general, the breed normally lives for around 15 years
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are a popular breed in the UK. It is just as well, then, that they tend to live for between 14 to 17 years. This is much longer than their larger terrier cousins, so maybe something to think about if you are torn between the two.
6. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso originally comes from Tibet and is likely to live around 14 years. However, just like the Australian Cattle Dog, the oldest Lhasa Apso lived to be 29 years old. An incredible feat for a smallish dog.
7. Bichon Frise
Known for their adorable, fluffy cloud heads and snow white furry, Bichon Frises are playful, affectionate, and feisty, and are a staple of many Scottish homes. Thankfully, they are noted down as living for around 14 years.
8. Dachshund
Clint Eastwood, David Hockney, and Caroline, Princess of Monaco are perhaps the most famous owners of this breed in the world. Both the smooth haired and long haired varieties of Dachshund live for between 12-17 years.
We have another record-breaker on our hands, though. A Dachshund called Chanel reached the age of 21.
9. Shih Tzu
Another favourite, especially for owners with young kids, Shih Tzu dogs can live for up to 18 years, but average closer to 13. This provides a great opportunity for children to grow up alongside their beloved pet pooch.
10. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a breed of hunting dog from Japan. Loyalty is their key characteristic, and this extends to living a long life. The Shiba Inu tends to live for between 13-16 years, allowing for some real, decade-long special moments.
11. Beagle
Curious and well-tempered, the Beagle is a breed of small scent hound and was developed primarily for hunting rabbit or hare.
The oldest recorded Beagle was called Butch, from the US, who lived until he was 28. More often than not, Beagles can be expected to live for between 12 and 16 years.
12. Pomeranians
Another beautifully fluffy dog to have skipping around the house, Pomeranians are extremely cute, but can also be around for a fair amount of time. Fluffy Pomeranians tend to live for between 12 and 16 years.
13. Maltese
Last but not least, the small, white toy dog that originated in the Mediterranean and is known for its luxurious, floor-length white coat has a lot of life in them, too. The affectionate Maltese can live for 12-16 years.
