The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the UK Kennel Club reported dog ownership soaring to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
One of the terrible truths of dog ownership is that we are likely to outlive our adored pet, with the average dog living just 10-13 years – but some have significantly longer lives than others.
Here are the 11 record-breaking breeds that have lived the longest lives, according to Guinness World Records.
9. Chanel the Dachshund
The average Dachshund lives for between 12-16 years, but Chanel passed away in the USA in 1988 at the age of 21 years and 114 days. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Seamus the Poodle
Small dogs tend to longer than large dogs so it's perhaps no surprise that the longest living Poodle was of the toy variety - Seamus, from the USA, lived for 20 years and 298 days. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
11. Megabyte the Chihuahua
Chihuahuas live on average for longer than any other beed of dog. Megabyte, from the USA, died in 2014 at the age of 20 years and 265 days. Photo: Canva/Getty Images