8 Dog Breeds That Look And Act Like Puppies The Longest

Puppies are adorable, you can’t deny it! Besides the challenges of house-breaking and basic training, their energy and playfulness make them totally irresistible. Maybe that’s why we get a bit nostalgic for our doggo’s puppy days. I comb through photos and videos and reminisce. Puppyhood goes by so fast but for these breeds, it hangs on a bit longer.

Based on training challenges, puppy playfulness, and reaching full-growth, here are 8 dog breeds that stay puppies the longest:

1. Saint Bernard

These gentle giants can take two to three years to reach their full adult size. They are highly intelligent but possess a goofy side we can’t resist. Saint Bernards are known to be gentle and calm yet playful when it’s time to be. Some may even consider them lazy. They make great companions for families with children. Saint Bernards can grow anywhere from 120 to 150 lbs. Their lifespan is typically 8-10 years.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labs, one of the most popular breeds worldwide, stay puppies for a long time by maintaining their playfulness til the end of their lives. Most Labs will happily play fetch all day long. They love to go hiking, swim, and do laps around the yard like a champ! Labs, in good health, typically live 10-14 years of age. Many Lab owners will tell you that the breed is extremely intelligent and easy to train, making them an excellent addition to families with children.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever originates from the UK. They are loyal, intelligent, and playful. Their willingness to shift from lazy-time to play-time, on a dime, makes this breed as puppy-like as you can get. According to Golden owners, they are most happy when they are close to their humans. They typically weigh between 55 and 75 lbs. Their lifespan is 10-12 years.

4. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a small dog that is known to “look” like a puppy from the start of life to the end of life. They LOVE to play and are often first to initiate a fun game with their owners. They are known to be bold and many Yorkie owners claim they have no idea that they’re so small, often going toe-to-toe with larger dogs without fear. Yorkies are hypoallergenic, making them the perfect pet for families with allergies. A Yorkie’s lifespan is 13-16 years.

5. Boxer

Boxers make excellent pets for families. Boxers are typically easy to please and love to clown around. Boxer owners will tell you about their unique happy dance that is referred to as the kidney bean. (Their butt wiggles so their body shape mimics that of a kidney bean!) Boxers are highly energetic and very playful, often not calming down until 5-6 years of age. They require a lot of exercise. Boxers typically live 10-12 years.

6. Beagle

Beagles are happy-go-lucky, intelligent dogs that LOVE to play. They are scent hounds and have been known to follow a scent OUTSIDE their yard, in spite of their owner’s instructions. This requires a good fence and patient human. With proper training, a Beagle makes a wonderful family pet. On average, they weigh 20-24 lbs. Their lifespan is 12-15 years.

7. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, while challenging to train at times, are wonderful dogs. They are known for their lively, affectionate nature. They remain looking like puppies their entire lives. Their hair is non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Shih Tzu owners will tell you that their dog is almost always up for a good wrestle or game of fetch. They typically weigh between 8 and 15 lbs. Their lifespan is 10-16 years.

8. Bullmastiff

This breed can take over two years to reach their full size. They are full of energy but often have no idea how big they are. If you don’t like drool or clumsiness then this isn’t the dog for you! They can weigh between 100 and 140 lbs! Bullmastiff owners rave about their devotion, often staying close by to their humans as much as possible. A Bullmastiff can live 8-10 years.

Regardless of breed, puppies are a lot of work. They require lots of love and lots of patience. If this isn’t a good fit for you, consider adopting an adult dog. Lots of adult dogs are in need of homes right now!

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