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Life Expectancy of Dogs: How Long Will My Dog Live?

Kimberly Alt Updated: July 20, 2018 Breed 168 Comments

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Puppies drinking water Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones… most of the time. Think about it. A human lives longer than a cat, which lives longer than a rat, which lives longer than a fly. But why isn’t this true when it comes to animals within their species? A person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. This is because of increased health risks for the person who weighs 300 pounds. When it comes to the life expectancy of dogs though, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different and their lifespans reflect this. But, beyond size, is there an average age of a dog based on breed or other factors? Yes. Let us explore this subject further.

What Determines a Dog’s Lifespan?

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Want to know how you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canine’s lifespan.

Dog Care

As the owner, you can affect the care you provide for your dog. A dog with a proper, nutritious diet and exercise can live longer than one without. In addition, taking your furry friend to annual wellness exams at the veterinarian and getting its booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.

Dog Size

Research shows that larger dogs live for a shorter period of time when compared to smaller ones. For example, an Irish Wolfhound (average 115 lbs) has an average lifespan of 7 years, while a Jack Russell Terrier (average 15 lbs) can live up to 13-16 years.

Inbreeding vs Cross Breeding

Inbreeding can reduce the lifespan of canines. Cross breed dogs have a longer lifespan in comparison. Inbred dogs have a risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, “mutts” who have at least two breeds and commonly more, tend to have the least health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.

Spayed/Neutered

Spaying and neutering a puppy at a young age can positively affect a dog’s lifespan. Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs. Especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not completely accurate but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies in your life and this will also be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.

Dog Breed Life Expectancy Chart

Below is a dog life expectancy chart sorted by the most popular registered breeds from the past decade¹. The top 25 are included from the AKC list from 2017.

2017 Popularity Rank	Dog Breed	Average Lifespan
1	Labrador Retriever	11 Years
2	German Shepherd	11 Years
3	Golden Retriever	11 Years
4	French Bulldog	8-10 Years
5	Bulldog	8-12 Years
6	Beagle	12-15 Years
7	Poodle	12 Years
8	Rottweiler	9 Years
9	Yorkshire Terrier	13 Years (possibly up to 20 years)
10	German Shorthaired Pointer	12-14 Years
11	Boxer	9-10 Years
12	Siberian Huskie	12-15 Years
13	Dachshund	13-15 Years
14	Great Dane	6-8 Years
15	Pembroke Welsh Corgi	12-15 Years
16	Doberman Pinscher	10-13 Years
17	Australian Shepherd	12-18 Years
18	Miniature Schnauzer	12-14 Years
19	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	9-14 Years
20	Shih Tzu	12-16 Years
21	Boston Terrier	11-15 Years
22	Pomeranian	14 Years
23	Havanese	14-16 Years
24	Shetland Sheepdog	12-13 Years
25	Bernese Mountain Dogs	6-8 Years

Source: CanineJournal.com

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10 Dogs With Short Life Expectancies

You’ll notice that most dogs in this chart are larger breeds. As mentioned above, larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. Some believe this is because large breeds age quicker. For example, a Great Dane can gain 100 pounds from its day of birth to its first birthday, whereas a Shih Tzu can weight up to 15 pounds in its entire lifespan. Below is a table of ten dogs with short lifespans.

Dog Breed	Average Lifespan
French Mastiff	5-8 Years
Great Dane	6-8 Years
Bernese Mountain Dog	6-8 Years
Irish Wolfhound	6-10 Years
Neapolitan Mastiff	7-9 Years
Leonberger	8-9 Years
Newfoundland	8-10 Years
Saint Bernard	8-10 Years
Scottish Deerhound	8-10 Years
Bloodhound	9-11 Years

What Is the Longest Living Dog Breed?

Chihuahuas are normally referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. The oldest Chihuahua on record², Megabyte, died at the age of 20 years and 265 days.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs living past 20 years old. In fact, the longest living dog recorded is an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who lived 29 years and 5 months³.

How old is your dog and what breed is it?

Sources: [1] www.akc.org, [2] ChihuahuaWardrobe.com, [3] mnn.com

Disclaimer: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

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Kimberly Alt

Growing up, Kimberly used to get the sniffles when she was around dogs. Thankfully, she grew out of her allergy and is now able to play and snuggle with dogs as much as she wants! She and her husband adopted Sally, a four-year-old hound mix, in early 2017, and she has brought so much joy into their lives. Life as pet parents has been very rewarding.

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Julie

My boy is now 18 and 7 months. He is a mixture of some of these older breeds mentioned so can confirm its true.
His mother had 2 Australian Cattle breeds and Corgi. Father is unknown, a scruffy terrier cross.
I suspect there may have been some Chihuahua because his sister was half his size and looked a lot like one.
She and their mother lived to 16 and died from bowel complications which I now make sure my boy doesn’t.
Best combo of food I have found is kangaroo mince & rice with vegetable scraps. Perfect poos every day.
He can’t see but is still very sparky with quick reflexes. And lots of love and the security of being there for them really helps when they are older.

Dissa

My baby was almost 13, she was a Doberman
I now own my brother’s dog who is half chihuahua, he weighs about 30 lbs I think (half chihuahua half larger dog) he’s 5 or 6 now

Gabby

Just put down my 14 year old husky/shepherd mix last week. He lived a long, healthy life. Towards the end of his life he got real slow and struggled with arthritis. It’s been a week and I miss him so much! Seven months ago I had to put down my 9.5 year old golden retriever. He was diagnosed with a mass tumor (chondrosarcoma) the day he turned 8. He went through surgery, chemo, and radiation. He was resilient, never showed signs of disease until his last few days. It has been a painful year for me. I am now left with a 12.5 year old terrier mix. Just today I took him to the vet and he has a lump in his groin area. The vet is concerned it might not be benign. He has follow up appointments next week. Hoping for good news.

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I hope the lump turns out to be nothing serious, Gabby. Sending you good luck and I’m very sorry for your losses.

Karen

So sorry for your losses. I just lost my cat of 13 1/2 years to cancer. It was so sudden which made it that much harder. I know it will get better for both of us, sending love and healing your way.

Lisa Loves Blue

I am devastated I just loss my fur baby name Blue on Weds I am so heart broken I had Blue sense he was 8 weeks old and he would have been 11 in February the same month I was born. I am at a lost. I cry all the time. Blue has been with me through thick and thin he has traveled 3 states and live there with me. Words can’t explain how I feel. Please say a prayer for me. I miss Him so much. Aww Blue 🙁

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

Amelia

I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, just lost my Lhasa after 16 years. It’s only been 3 1/2 weeks but at times the pain is almost unbearable. I miss him following me from room to room – every place I went. I have been searching for another pup but all I see are Pits and Chi’s and I wouldn’t have either. I get so discouraged that I will never find another pup. Prayers to you.

Mark Johnson

My wife n 2 kids never had a dog in early yrs of our family life. I grew up on a farm w 40 horses and at least 4 dogs n 10 cats so we had alot at moms to look after when visiting often. We moved to a single family home w a big fenced yard fromour first home, a small townhome in north beach md. We rescued rexy. A lab beagle mix at 6 mo old and he is the most lovable and smartest dog we ever experienced. We went on to adopt another, Sebastian a super sweet 4 year old beagle from the local rescue. He needed love as he was kept outside and had filthy teeth dirty infected ears and slightly emaciated. He’s now as fit as a fiddle and loves running howling and sniffing catching moles.
We added patty my sons dog, to the bunch. a super energy 1 year old choco lab jack Russel mix . She can leap onto a 4 ft tall deck.
Unreal having 3 pups.. love every day god gives us to share our love.

Hugs

lin

We just lost our 10 year old dog last month. We have been spoiled because all of our dogs have always lived to be 13, 14 or 15. She did have an active life though and was only sick for the last 6 days of her life. We adopted her late in her life when she was 7 years old. The other day we adopted a coon hound from the shelter. October is a Adopt a Dog Shelter month. She is 7 but very active. I realized from now on I want to adopt the older dogs that get passed by at the shelter. Yes, we wont have them in our lives as long as a younger dog, but we will be able to help that many more dogs. EVERY dog deserves a solid, forever home. Our new dog came from a hoarding situation. The shelter gave us records and it showed she had hundreds of ticks on her, had a bad ear infection, bad gums, needed a root canal, and had three missing teeth! Except for the missing teeth, which you cant see unless you really look way in her mouth, you would never know she had been in such bad shape. She had tapeworms too. She is a sweetie, easily trainable and is starting to give out kisses.

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I’m so sorry for your loss, Lin. I think it’s wonderful that you are dedicated to adopting older shelter dogs.

Jody Klemz

I have a dachshund he’s 21

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

Wow, that’s amazing!!! So happy he’s had 21 years and I hope he has many more left in him!

Hannah

I have a brown terrier mix, just turned 16 last week.

GR Peterson

I had a Cav. King Charles(Lady Bea),
She lived only 7.5yrs
Due to a heart valve issue.(a common problem in this breed).
It’s been about 2.5yrs. now since She passed…I miss her a lot and am starting to look for another little girl(dog), I live in a 5th…of 6 floors 1Bd apt.(450 sq.ft.)
with a “slow” elevator. Any thoughts on a good easy to house train for me?

Drea

My labrador / golden retriever mix died today at 15 and a half , good old age

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I’m sorry for your loss, Drea.

Maddy

I had two dogs growing up, one was found on the street, and we believe he was a yellow jab mix with something else, he was a year older then I was and he passed away when I was 9, so he was ten. I also had another dog at that time, and she is a Basset hound and chocolate lab mix, she is very short, chubby, and a dork, she does not exercise very much. She is around 10, both dogs were rescues so we didn’t know what their age exactly was, but we knew it was around there. But anyway, I don’t know around when she would pass, so can anyone help me?

Patricia Nunemaker

I have a 30 pound Jack Russell Terrier mix who is 13 1/2 years old and still going strong. He had a sprained ACL once years ago and that is the only time he has been injured or sick for that matter. Veterinarian told me he will probably live another 2-3 years.

Cat

Our family pet Sophie passed away yesterday. She was an 8 year old Mastiff Lab mix and was around 85-90 pounds. She was fine on Tuesday and then started acting mopey on Wednesday, she didn’t eat her food on Thursday and then was dead before noon on Friday. Upon closer inspection of her yard today, it appeared she had not been drinking much water. I saw her Friday morning and she looked ok. We went out to feed her in the afternoon and she was laying under her favorite shade tree and she was gone. We aren’t sure what happened to her.

Emily

It sounds like your dog was an outdoor dog… such a shame and very sad she died alone

Juicy’s Mommy.

Poor dog was left alone to long. A family Pet Lives with The Family. Not outside unattended. Dies, Under a tree in the shade? No problem using the word Dead so freely. Not upset at all. Poor Sophie. Needed to see a vet. > last words. We aren’t sure what happened to her….
This person doesn’t seem to care. My dog passed 14 months ago and I’m still overwhelmed. That’s how I ended up here.

Karen

I agree with you Juicy’s mom. Dogs are pack animals, not meant to be left outside without their family.

Donna

Actually it sounds peaceful under her fav tree, plus some naturally want to be alone at the end. Bless you for loving her.

Carley

I have an 11yr old Husky Shepard mix
He was rescued at 6mo to 1yr old. Had him for 10 yrs now. He’s slowing down and gets moody like an old man but I hope to still have a few more yrs with him.
I also have a 4yr old moose (chocolate lab) I’ve seen in groups for lab lovers that their lives are really unpredictable some die young some live the average life expectancy. I know it will hurt to loose either one of them but I am truly blessed to have them with me every day of their beautiful lives

James Reynolds

I have a 4 year old Australian Shepherd pit bull mix.
Someone had thrown her out in my neighborhood when she was about 3 weeks old, not weaned, skin and bones and full of worms.
My wife found her when she saw my neighbors dog picking her up and throwing her around.
I took her to the vet, got rid of her worms and got all of her shots.
She’s now a 45lb spoiled rotten little brat lol!
She has separation anxiety and won’t let me or my wife out of her sight.
She’s our baby.
I was just wondering if anyone knows what the average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd pit bull mix.
If anything happens to her it’s going to kill me and my wife.

Emily

You are amazing and it brings me so much joy to hear stories like yours. All animals deserve to be spoiled rotten.

Rachel

I took in my friend’s dog Rocky, he is Akita and Australian Shepherd mix and he’s 14 years old, 15 in next may!
He’s slow and grumpy and hard of hearing but still pulls the leash like a 2 year old!
He would be about 65lbs, arthritic, has an enlarged lymphoma, benign little tumors on his body (can’t do anything, too old) but other then that healthy and happy and not in pain.
So I’m sure you’ll have many years together with her.
Rocky looked rough when I got him several months ago and I thought I’d give him a few good months of getting pampered (he lived outside before on a chain) and so I walked him, fed him good food and good people food, he plays with my two little dogs and I think he could go for 16 years easily now! Just taking care of your dog can add years 🙂

ashley

I have a 10 year old mix-breed. His name is Moose. He is a combo of Labrador and Boarder Collie. He weighs approximately 115 pounds. He is very active and still plays like hes just a pup!

John

We had a Australian cattle dog. She lived for 18 years. What a great dog and our family had a blast with her, but not a first time dog owners dog.

franklin alexander

i did have a litter dog it was chihuahua he just pastway 21 day ago and he was 16yr and 9mon.old but he wood eat the same thin i did i wood like too say more about hem but it hurt me too know he going away foe good i do miss hem he was my bestfriend and all way will..ty

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Juicy’s Mommy

Hi Franklin, I can tell tell by your words you were suffering the loss. I’m very sorry. You had 16 great years with your baby. My little Yorkie passed suddenly at 9 years old. It was sept 17th 2017. I’m still missing her. I hope u are healing. God Bless you!

deb

I have a 13 year old sheltie and we think something is wrong with him. He has gone deaf but now we will take him on walks and he just plops over on his side for awhile then gets up like nothing is wrong. any idea

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I would recommend speaking to your vet about this asap. A change in activity level can be a sign of a healthy issue. Since our dogs can’t tell us when they are hurting, it’s our job to advocate for them. You are doing the right thing by looking for a solution to what could cause your dog to do this.

Karen

Have vet check for brain tumor.I had an animal once that did that

Marianne Hicok

I have two mixed breed dogs that are half rat terrier and half Shetie. The girls weighs 16 pounds and the boy weighs 20. They are 12 years old and in overall good health. The boy does have the nail disorder Lupoid Onchondostrohy, and takes medicine for this chronic condition that causes deterioration of his nails but does effect anything else. The reason for my question about life expectancy for these two is that I would like to rescue another dog, likely a senior dog. I understand there is no crystal ball and I pray my babies live another 8 years or so! But if I thought they might only have another couple years I think I would think long and harder about bringing another dog into our family. Not sure if this makes sense to anyone.

Erica

I volunteered for a small dog rescue group for a while. Ended up adopting one of my fosters…Nico. Rescue. Had a hard life. Skin and bones when he was rescued. No teeth. Lower jaw gone as the result of decay and neglect, etc. No one wanted him. True age at adoption unknown. (15 or 16?) He was mine for only 3 years. Died a natural old age death. I miss him VERY much. But I will be forever greatful that he was with ME for those last few years. And would do it again in a heartbeat. He was finally loved, and spoiled, and happy. He deserved to know true love and a pac family that accepted him as is, even if it was just for a little while. (He especially got along with my Pit. They were buddies). Worth EVERY short minute. Sure….think long and hard….about giving a senior dog a chance to know love before it’s to late. It’s all about compassion for a species of animal who have given SO MUCH to the human race. Take a risk and give back.

Kelly

You are a great person! U have inspired me to adopt an older dog too!

Emily

Erica — it’s so sad your dog had to suffer so many years but it brings a smile to my face hearing that you did everything to ensure your baby received all the love and care in the world as he should have from day one. Please keep saving lives. Wish there were more people like you.

Juicy’s Mommy

Omg, you brought tears to my eyes. You are an Angel. Senior dogs deserve the same chance as a puppy. I wish I could save them all. I hate what this world does to animals.

Patricia Bock

My Miniature-Pincher is 20 years old this past May 1st 2018. She weighs approximately 20 lbs and is 13 “ y’all. She still patrols our yard and can run short distances, climb the stairs, and jump on the couch on a good day. She is now deaf, has severe cataracts, and has lost some teeth but she always wants to go on walks. Our vet. said she is the healthiest 20 year old he has ever seen.
Her name is Beebee and with us since she was 8 weeks old. Never boarded, she had in home sitters, a large fenced yard, hiked in the mountains and lived in the house.

Kennetha Higdon

I have a 10 yr 5 month German Shepard names Bo. We just about lost him last yer to Spotted Rocky Mountain Fever. Thank goodness our Vet. brought him out of it. We was so close to losing him. He is close to his life expectancy. I walk him everyday any where from 2 to 4 miles, Im really hoping this will keep our baby around longer than expected. He is mine and my husbands baby. He is spoiled by both of us. He is some over weight though 140 pds.Starting to get slower on steps. I love him so much, he is a indoor/outdoor dog. So much I can say about him. This is my first post. I could write a letter about him. Ill stop here and post again soon. Thanks for letting me share.

Sisser

I would like to mention on the subject of hybrid health in dogs it depends on the parent breeds I have a German shepherd husky mix both parent breeds are known to get lupus and he has it, if the parent breeds are prone to different problems they have half the chance at twice the problems and if they have the same problems they are just as likely as a purebred, after all they’re not really hybrid they’re the same species. My boy is 14 and I’ve had him since he was 5 he’s always had some inflammation around his spine which causes some rear end weakness and potty problems but other than the lupus he has no health issues

Bill

Just put down our yorkie, Ti Amo (we called her Tia). She was 14 yrs and 3 mos. She developed a mass in her lung and had a congestive heart condition both came on suddenly (2-3 week span). The vet said she may have been able to hang on for may-be a couple of weeks but we didn’t want her to suffer. We also have a little male yorkie Jo Jo 13 yrs 10 mos old. Tia weighed slightly less than 5 lbs Jo slightly more than 5 lbs. We are crushed by the loss of Tia even though we knew she was getting up in age and hope that Jo is with us for at least 2 more yrs (AT LEAST).

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I’m so sorry Bill. Sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with Tia and I’m sure she loved you immensely. Thank you for sharing your story and know that my thoughts are with you.

sandra

Dogs break your heart when they die. They can be so special. Your pet had good owners and I wish you all well.

Pam

I just lost my precious pug at age 13.5. He diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis five months to dealth and would live longer if i didnt take him to specialist that put him on new medication.
He was coping with diease very well but no cure
My romeo died of aspiration pneumonia. And it was hardest thing to put him done to end his suffer. Romeo was happy and strong pug and not sure where this diease came from. We miss him dearly

Kimberly Alt (Admin)

I’m so sorry for your loss, Pam. Please know that we are all thinking of you.

Life Expectancy of Dogs: How Long Will My Dog Live?

What Determines a Dog’s Lifespan?

Get 3 Free Pet Insurance Quotes

Dog Care

Dog Size

Inbreeding vs Cross Breeding

Spayed/Neutered

Dog Breed Life Expectancy Chart

10 Dogs With Short Life Expectancies

What Is the Longest Living Dog Breed?

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