Healthiest Small Dog Breeds: 9 Long-Lived Picks

The Healthiest Small Dog Breeds: The Short Answer

Small dogs already have a head start on longevity. Pound for pound, they outlive big dogs by years. But "small" covers a lot of ground, and some little breeds carry far fewer inherited problems than others.

The small breeds most often cited for strong health and long lives are the Chihuahua, Papillon, Havanese, Toy Poodle, Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, Rat Terrier, Border Terrier, and Cairn Terrier. Most of them regularly reach their mid-teens.

This guide sticks to small breeds only. If you're weighing dogs of every size, our broader guide to the healthiest dog breeds covers medium and large breeds too.

9 Small Breeds Known for Good Health

The lifespans below come from each breed's American Kennel Club profile. Treat them as typical ranges, not promises.

Chihuahua

The smallest breed in the world is also one of the longest-lived. PetMD's healthiest-breeds roundup places Chihuahuas among the breeds with the longest lifespans, and notes the main thing to manage is obesity. On a dog this tiny, a single extra pound is a big percentage of body weight.

Papillon and Havanese

Both are bright, sturdy toy breeds with AKC lifespans of 14 to 16 years. PetMD flags the Havanese for progressive retinal atrophy (an inherited eye condition) and patellar luxation, so ask any breeder about eye and knee screening.

Toy Poodle

The AKC lists the Poodle's life expectancy at 10 to 18 years across all three sizes. PetMD notes that Toy Poodles tend to face only minor health issues as they age, which makes them a strong pick for owners who want a long-term companion.

Bichon Frise

A cheerful, low-shedding breed with a 14 to 15 year AKC lifespan. PetMD notes Bichons are prone to diabetes mellitus, which is one more reason to keep treats modest and weight in check.

Miniature Schnauzer

The AKC describes the Mini Schnauzer as generally healthy and long-lived. The one thing to know: PetMD's breed profile says Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to pancreatitis and can be affected by hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood). A lower-fat diet and no table scraps go a long way here.

Rat, Border, and Cairn Terriers

Working terriers were bred for stamina, and it shows. The AKC gives the Rat Terrier one of the widest ranges of any breed, 12 to 18 years, while Border and Cairn Terriers typically live 12 to 15 and 13 to 15 years. Our guide to terrier lifespan goes deeper on this group.

Popular small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu also live long lives, but they come with more breed-specific concerns, so we've covered them separately.

The Three Health Issues Almost Every Small Dog Shares

Even the healthiest small breeds share a few weak spots that come with a small frame. Knowing them early is most of the battle.

1. Dental disease

This is the big one. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, more than two-thirds of dogs over three years old have some degree of periodontal disease, and small breeds are more prone to it because of their small jaws and crowded teeth. Left alone, gum disease causes pain and tooth loss and adds to the load on the rest of the body.

VCA calls daily brushing with dog toothpaste the best way to prevent tartar. If that's not realistic, dental diets, chews, and water additives are next-best options to discuss with your vet.

2. Luxating kneecaps

VCA notes that many toy and small breeds, including the Maltese, Chihuahua, French Poodle, and Bichon Frise, have a genetic predisposition to a luxating patella, a kneecap that slips out of place. The classic sign is a dog that suddenly skips or runs on three legs for a few steps, then goes back to normal. Mild cases are often managed without surgery, but your vet should grade it.

3. Tracheal collapse

Toy breeds can have weaker windpipe cartilage. VCA lists Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers among the breeds most often affected, usually from middle age onward. A honking cough is the hallmark. Two simple preventive habits VCA recommends: keep your dog at a healthy weight, and walk them on a harness instead of a collar.

How to Choose a Healthy Small Dog

A healthy breed on paper still needs a healthy start. A few things tilt the odds in your favor:

• Ask about health testing. Responsible breeders screen for the problems their breed is known for, such as eyes and knees in the Havanese or Bichon. Ask to see results, not just a verbal assurance.
• Meet the parents if you can. Their energy, coat, and general condition tell you a lot.
• Be cautious with "teacup" marketing. Put health testing ahead of finding the tiniest possible puppy.
• Consider a small mixed breed. Shelter mixes can be wonderfully healthy, though they can still inherit small-dog issues. Their care needs are the same.

Small-Dog Care Habits That Add Years

Breed sets the starting line. Daily care decides how far your dog actually gets. Our deep dive on how long small dogs live covers the numbers. Here's the practical version:

1. Keep them lean. Extra weight raises the risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, sore knees, and breathing trouble. Small dogs need surprisingly few calories, so use our dog calorie calculator rather than eyeballing portions.
2. Feed food sized for small mouths. Small breeds have high energy needs for their size, and many do well on calorie-dense food with smaller kibble. Our guide to small breed dog food explains what to look for.
3. Brush teeth daily, or as close as you can get. Start young so it becomes routine, and keep up with professional cleanings your vet recommends.
4. Use a harness. It protects the windpipe and gives you better control.
5. Protect the joints. Ramps or steps for the couch and bed reduce jumping strain on small knees and backs.
6. Don't skip annual checkups. Your vet can spot early dental disease, a slipping kneecap, or rising blood fats before they become expensive problems.

Practical Takeaways

• The healthiest small dog breeds, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, Havanese, Toy Poodles, and small terriers, commonly live into their mid-teens.
• Every small breed shares the same three weak spots: teeth, knees, and windpipe.
• Weight control and daily dental care are the two habits with the biggest payoff for small dogs.
• A health-tested puppy from a responsible source, or a healthy shelter mix, beats chasing the "perfect" breed.