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 breeds tend to have longer lives than others.

9. Yorkshire Terrier
The tiny Yorkshire Terrier tends to live for between 14 to 17 years, significantly longer than their larger terrier cousins. Photo: Getty

10. Lhasa Apso
Originally hailing from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso tends to live for around 14 years, but they are another breed that have been known to reach the double decade. Photo: Getty