How cute are the following pooches? And the great part? Barring sickness and disease, they are all long-livers!
1) Chihuahua: Life span: 18 years
Besides their size, one of the reasons Chihuahuas live that long is that they’re not prone to a lot of genetic illnesses. For example, the list of most common genetic disorders to affect Chihuahuas include luxating patella (or floating kneecap), hypoglycemia and teeth issues — none of which is fatal if addressed properly.
2) Beagles: Life span: 15-plus years
Butch, a purebred beagle who lived in Virginia with his family, was a reported 27 years old when he died in 2009.
3) Pomeranians: Life span: 15 years
Pomeranians suffer from few life-threatening breed issues. The most common problem found in this breed is luxating patella (a knee problem).
4) Boston Terriers: Life span: 15 years
While Boston terriers can suffer from respiratory problems due to their flat muzzles, the most common health problems of the breed have to do with the eyes (cataracts, corneal ulcers), which are certainly not life-threatening.
5) Poodles: Life span: 15 years
According to Woodman, poodles or poodle mixes have one of the longest life spans. “The oldest dog I remember treating was a 22-year-old poodle. That was just an estimated age. He may have really been more like 24 or 25,” Woodman says.
6) Dachshunds: Life span: 14 years
One of the Guinness World Records’ oldest living dogs was Chanel, a dachshund who died in 2009 at the age of 21.
7) Pugs: Life span: 14 years
One of the Guinness World Records’ oldest living dogs was Chanel, a dachshund who died in 2009 at the age of 21.
However, we have to remember something. As sad as it is, many of these dogs, who live until their late teens, often go blind, have terrible arthritis, and some are even incontinent.
The thought makes us want to cry but there really does come a time, when looking into those sensitive and pain filled eyes, to just let your baby go. They understand, believe it or not, and allowing them the grace of passing on in dignity is a kindness.
On the other hand, if they are still healthy and happy, able to walk with the ambition and abandonment of a puppy… Happy days!
To learn more about how long doggies tend to live, visit She Knows.
