Health and Healthcare

This Is the Longest Living Dog Breed in the World

Douglas A. McIntyre

Published: December 10, 2020 7:14 am

Every dog owner has their own reason for getting a pet, whether it is companionship, protection or simply to have a furry friend to walk with. Each breed comes with perks and challenges, and owners must be prepared to accommodate each type of dog’s unique health requirements to maximize its lifespan, because the reality is that some dogs are genetically predisposed to live much longer than others.

In order to determine the shortest and longest living dog breeds in the world, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the study, “Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK,” published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice. Breeds for which there was little data or low response rates on surveys sent to owners were not considered. Breeds that the American Kennel Club (AKC) do not officially recognize were also not considered. Breed popularity data, as well as height (of the dog’s shoulder) and weight data, comes from the AKC.

Numerous studies have determined that there is a significant link between the size of a dog and the length of its lifespan. Larger dogs have noticeably shorter lifespans than smaller dogs, as they age at a faster rate. Yet size and lifespan do not correlate exactly, as certain types of dogs are especially prone to maladies, like cancer or heart problems.

Pet owners may choose smaller dogs over larger ones because, in addition to their longer lifespans, they are more convenient to house and cheaper to feed, and many apartments do not allow dogs over a certain size. Yet many Americans still choose medium or large size dogs. The majority of the 10 most popular dogs tend to reach 50 pounds or more at full maturity. These are the most popular dog breeds in America.

Dog owners must consider the health needs of the pet they plan to bring home, whether that is lots of exercise or a special diet. They also must consider their own health. An estimated 10% to 20% of the population is allergic to dogs and cats, although there are still options. No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but plenty of breeds live well with allergy sufferers. These are the most allergy-friendly dog breeds.

The Lakeland terrier has a median lifespan of 15.5 years, the longest among the breeds covered in the survey. It is not a terribly popular breed, ranking only 147 out of the 193 the AKC covers. They are small dogs with a median height of 14 to 15 inches for males. Females are slightly shorter. The Lakeland terrier has a median weight of 17 pounds for males, and females are slightly smaller.

The breed takes its name from the Lake District in England. There are very few Lakeland terriers, which has led to speculation they will become extinct.