So, you are ready to bring a dog into your home. Obviously, your intention is to have that new four-legged member of the household around for a very long time to come. Since dogs can become such integral members of a family, it is only natural to want them around for as long as possible. And when you have kids, it’s nice to bring a pup into the home and have that pup grow into adulthood with your child. It’s important to know that there are some breeds out there that tend to be hardier than others. In general, most dogs have lifespans that are similar, ranging anywhere from 10 to 13 years old. There are certain breeds however, that have significantly shorter lifespans. Then there are some breeds that surprise us and live a very long time, sometimes up to 15 years and beyond. Some of the longest living breeds of dog have been known to have instances where they have lived 20 years or longer, although that is rare. That’s a pretty long time for a dog – it works out to be about 140 years old in human years! Also, something to keep in mind when choosing your new dog is that when you go with a purebred pooch, though they may have a great pedigree, sometimes their health can suffer and their lifespans can be shorter. Deciding to go with a mutt instead means you could have a dog that may live longer. It’s also worth noting that smaller dogs tend to have the longest life spans, while larger dogs have the shortest. Either way, seek out a dog with an amazing personality and tons of vitality, and you will have a source of joy for many years to come.
The compact but muscular Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the Dingo. These resilient herders are intelligent enough to routinely outsmart their owners.
The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those “only in America” stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia. Fixtures on the rodeo circuit, they are closely associated with the cowboy life.
Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and—thanks to its pleading expression—cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing.
The small but sturdy and resilient Bichon Frise stands among the world’s great “personality dogs.” Since antiquity, these irresistible canine comedians have relied on charm, beauty, and intelligence to weather history’s ups and downs.
A medium-sized flushing and retrieving dog known for its rich brown coat, the Boykin Spaniel is avid, eager, merry, and trainable. This mellow housedog and tenacious bird dog was once South Carolina’s best-kept secret.
Kind but courageous, friendly but dignified, the Bulldog is a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled bruiser whose “sourmug” face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity. These docile, loyal companions adapt well to town or country.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a masterpiece of the breeder’s art: Every aspect of its makeup is perfectly suited to moving cattle, and yet it is so congenial and sweet-faced that it would be a cherished companion even if it never did a day’s work.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wears his connection to British history in his breed’s name. Cavaliers are the best of two worlds, combining the gentle attentiveness of a toy breed with the verve and athleticism of a sporting spaniel.
The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing "purse dogs" stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.
The Chow Chow, an all-purpose dog of ancient China, presents the picture of a muscular, deep-chested aristocrat with an air of inscrutable timelessness. Dignified, serious-minded, and aloof, the Chow Chow is a breed of unique delights.
The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund have made him a superstar of the canine kingdom. Dachshunds come in two sizes and in three coat types of various colors and patterns.
The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.