Longest-living breeds: Sheepdogs and cattle dogs

Among the 29 breeds in the “Sheepdogs and cattle dogs” group, this ranking lists the ten with the highest average life expectancy (the midpoint of the typical range). Ties are broken by the upper limit of the range, then alphabetical order. A dog’s lifespan also depends on care, diet and genetics.

No. 1 — Australian Cattle Dogabout 14 years on average (12–16 years)Tough, tireless and utterly loyal, the Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog built for heat and wide open spaces.
No. 2 — Czechoslovakian Wolfdogabout 14 years on average (12–16 years)Bred from German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a tireless, fascinating dog for very experienced owners only.
No. 3 — Puliabout 14 years on average (12–16 years)A small Hungarian herder with a corded coat, the Puli is lively, funny and very attached to its family.
No. 4 — Schipperkeabout 14 years on average (13–15 years)A small black Belgian dog with a strong personality, the Schipperke is curious, watchful and full of energy.
No. 5 — Australian Kelpieabout 13.5 years on average (12–15 years)A light, tireless herding dog, the Australian Kelpie can work for hours in the heat. It needs a real job.
No. 6 — Australian Shepherdabout 13.5 years on average (12–15 years)Clever, playful and tireless, the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog, often with odd-coloured eyes, ideal for very active families.
No. 7 — Border Collieabout 13.5 years on average (12–15 years)Often considered the most trainable dog of all, the Border Collie is a tireless herding dog that needs a real job.
No. 8 — Cardigan Welsh Corgiabout 13.5 years on average (12–15 years)The long-tailed cousin of the Pembroke, the Cardigan Corgi is a sturdy little Welsh cattle dog, calmer and very loyal.
No. 9 — Polish Lowland Sheepdogabout 13.5 years on average (12–15 years)A shaggy, medium-sized herder, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is lively, intelligent and a good watchdog with an excellent memory.
No. 10 — Pyrenean Shepherdabout 13.5 years on average (12–15 years)A small, highly strung and tireless mountain herder, the Pyrenean Shepherd is quick, clever and devoted to its owner.