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.
5. Snookie the Pug
The average Pug lives for between 12-15 years, but Snookie, from South Africa, beat the odds to live for a remarkable 27 years and 284 days. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Adjutant the Labrador
The Labrador Retriever is the UK's most popular dog breed and the longest living Labrador was British - Adjutant reached the age of 27 years and 98 days in 1963. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Pusuke the Shiba Inu
Pusuke the Shiba Inu died in Japan at the age of 26 years and 248 days. The breed live for an average of 12-15 years. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Bramble the Border Collie
The UK's third entry on the list comes courtesy of Bramble the Border Collie who lived to the ripe old age of 25 years and 89 days. Border Collies rarely live for longer than 17 years. Photo: Canva/Getty Images