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. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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