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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?
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 2013.
2013 Popularity Rank | Dog Breed | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
1 | Labrador Retriever | 11 Years |
2 | German Shepherd | 11 Years |
3 | Golden Retriever | 11 Years |
4 | Beagle | 12-15 Years |
5 | Bulldog | 8-12 Years |
6 | Yorkshire Terrier | 13 Years (possibly up to 20 years) |
7 | Boxer | 9-10 Years |
8 | Poodle | 12 Years |
9 | Rottweiler | 9 Years |
10 | Dachshund | 13-15 Years |
11 | French Bulldog | 8-10 Years |
12 | Doberman Pinscher | 10-13 Years |
13 | German Shorthaired Pointer | 12-14 Years |
14 | Siberian Huskie | 12-15 Years |
15 | Shih Tzu | 12-16 Years |
16 | Great Dane | 6-8 Years |
17 | Miniature Schnauzer | 12-14 Years |
18 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 9-14 Years |
19 | Pomeranian | 14 Years |
20 | Australian Shepherd | 12-18 Years |
21 | Shetland Sheepdog | 12-13 Years |
22 | Chihuahua | 17 Years |
23 | Boston Terrier | 11-15 Years |
24 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 12-15 Years |
25 | Havanese | 14-16 Years |
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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
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70 Comments on "Life Expectancy of Dogs: How Long Will My Dog Live?"
Hey Canine Journal: Ever hear of the Collie? Rough and Smooth? Unbelievable that you left out that breed! Probably too young to remember Lassie — but still……
I am so sorry for your loss. If only our dogs could live as long as we can. It sounds like the two of you had an unbreakable bond. Thank you for sharing your story with us. My thoughts are with you.
i’m 12 and my dog is a shih tzu x bichon and I think he is starting to get deaf because when I call his name he never hears me even when I am shouting at him, and his fur is starting to turn white.. I love him so much and I don’t want him to die yet. At the moment he is I think 10 and I’m not sure if he is going to suddenly die or if he has a couple more years left.
you have shih frise! DAMN! DAS KEWL!
are you sure they are pits? wink wink
I had an puppy-mill rescued Pug that showed all the signs of severe inbreeding. She was blind at birth and went deaf at 5. She had horrible health problems her whole life and constant allergies to foods and bedding, but lived to the ripe old age of 16 and A HALF when we finally decided to euthanize. I always wonder how long she might have gone, but I always felt she had a good, long life.
I kinda wish I didn’t look at this now at this. my dog is around9-10 and he’s a Catahoula/Irish wolfhound and now I’m slighty worried. But hes been acting the same as he did when he was a puppy so I’m not sure if I should be worried or not.
Jessica,
No one can make that heart felt decision for you and nothing can make it easy. Sit still with Abby, look her in the eyes and talk to her as you would. Tell her what is going on and listen in your heart and in her eyes. You will know what you will need to do.
I have a English/ pitbull mix dog her name is daisy. She is 20 year old and doing just fine. Its hard for her to get up steps but she fights the good fight. First dog Iv ever owned. She my best friend.
Wow, what an amazing lifespan for her. Enjoy ever minute with her. We’re so happy that the two of you have gotten to spend 20 years together and hope there are many more memories to be made ahead for the two of you. Thank you for sharing.
My dog, Candy (a male terrier mix) is now 18 years, 4 months old. I wonder if anyone can tell me his expected life span. He is medium in size. His age is showing now. He is slow moving and not as spry. Seems that his eyesight and hearing is still good though.
Hi Heather,
My dog is 18yrs old too! He’s about 14lbs and is a lahasa apso. I say as long as your dog walks around the house every now and then (not a lot but just enough so they’re not sleeping in one spot all day) and as long as they still have an appetite and can go on walks- I would guess another 1-2yrs. I’m no expert, just an idea.
I got my blue healer at 9 she is no 14 and plays jumps and runs like she is 5 lately she has had worm issues bit i believe she is free of them now are there any health issues I need to watch for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Penny and trixel
I would have given him the treatment and betted on the 50% in his favour. Would you have declined treatment had it been you?…. I bet you would have opted for treatment. 50% is way better than a terminal prognosis. When your pup stops eating/drinking, when he loses interest in his walks and toys, you will know it’s time. If you ever get another pet, pet insurance is a must. If you can’t afford it or don’t want it, it’s best not to have a pet. Hope your pup stays happy and well.
How long do husky Rottweiler’s live
We found that Rottsky dogs typically live 10-13 years.
We are so sorry John. Our thoughts are with you and Gilly. Hoping for a full recovery. In the meantime, be sure to give her lots of cuddles.
My dog macy is 13 and is very old and fragile. She’s a beautiful Labrador and dalmatian mix. She is so loyal and loving I fear the day she passes. It will feel just like losing a best friend.
I have had two English Bulldogs one went 12 years and the other almost 10 and was healthy but developed an inoperable cyst on his jowl.
We agree with you on adopting pets, thanks for sharing!
I have a cocker spaniel that was used as a breeder. I received her at age 5 that was 5 years ago. She seems to have aged must faster than my previous cocker who passed away at 15 years old. I was wondering just how much the breeding has affected her life span.
My beagle Charlie (aka my son) made it to 18 years and 2 + months. The last couple of years he slowed down. The end is always hard to deal with. I still miss him every single day. RIP Charlie- OLD MAN PUPPY HEAD.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sounds like the two of you were best friends. Our thoughts are with you.
My girl Flossie, is a Boston/Chihuahua mix. She is almost 9 years old and still going strong.
We had an English springer spaniel who we had to euthanize at the age of 16 yrs 5 months he kept great health up until two days before. We also had a fox terrier who died in his sleep at the age of 19 yrs 1 month.
We say the secret is fresh water everyday and no over feeding.
This article made me feel a bit better about my dog. He’s a Labrador/Bassett Hound mix and he’s 9 years old. I’ve had him since I was a kid and started worrying about his age recently, but he’s healthy, has a good diet, and acts like a puppy. He also has the biggest attitude I’ve ever seen in an animal!
I’ve an 18 years young black Yorkshire terrier (very rare). She’s pretty amazing but lately I’ve noticed she’s sleeping a lot and her stools have become goo like. She’s a healthy weight and loves to pick at nuts and chicken. Just wondering is this the beginning of the end for her? I need to get her wellness tests done in Aug, but just wondered if anyone is in the same situation? She’s always been a house dog and I’ve given her the best!
Hi Angelique, that’s a very common train of thought and one that we definitely think is okay as long as you’re comfortable with having two dogs for a while. I think your current dog would also enjoy having another friend to hang out with at home. And as you mentioned, hopefully your son will have time to bond with the second dog so he isn’t left in as much of a panic when he is gone. So we say go for it!
I’m so sorry for your losses. Life can change quickly and unexpectedly. Hopefully since your second dog went from fine to passing away he didn’t suffer for too long. If you don’t mind me asking, what were some of your favorite things to do with your first and second dogs? Sometimes it helps to reminisce about the fun times with loved ones after they have passed.
Our dog Lab/German Shepherd died at 13/14yrs old. He was happy in the morning and gone by dinner time. He just laid down and fell asleep and was gone.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kate. It sounds like he had a peaceful death and a long life. My thoughts are with you during this time.
I have a wonderful dog, a Staffordshire labrador cross, sweet natured and healthy. The RSPCA think she was 6 when I got her 7 years ago. Over the last 2 years her walks have become an effort and she struggles over short distances, although in her mind she thinks she’s a puppy as she gets really excited when I fetch her lead. I know it will be very difficult for me when I have to say goodbye but I appreciate every day I have with her.
Thank you for sharing such a sweet story with us. It sounds like she brings such joy to your life as I’m sure you bring to her’s as well. Dogs are such amazing beings and we’re so fortunate when we can build such strong relationships with them. I hope you have many more years with her and give her an extra belly rub from us here at Canine Journal! 🙂
I have a 120 pound 4 year old german shepherd with a massive growth near his stomach. I took him to the vet and they said it was his penis. We also have a 4 year old american eskimo that hates her life. She suffers from a low self esteem and poor body image. She eats three times a day. Not dog food though…just worn underwear. I hope they both live to be 15 at least.
What a sweet comment. Thank you so much for sharing with us. She sounds wonderful and I hope she is around for many more years. Your family has a very special bond with her. I’m sure you’ve made her very happy as well!
I have a Yorkshire Terrier and she turned 17 on October 16th and she is absolutely amazing. Her health is great and she still has a lot more energy than expected at her age. We’ve had her since 1998 and she’s an active member of our family. I think that’s a pretty long lifespan for any dog. Having her since I was in kindergarten (now an adult), I feel like we have an irreplaceable bond.
Awesome! My Yorkie, Smalls, turns 10 tomorrow, and I’m panicked about him passing in three to six years. I had a schnauzer-mix that I adopted from the shelter in 1980, and he lived a very healthy life until 1998. He was at least 18 whenever I had to have him euthanized because his arthritis was very bad and I didn’t want him to suffer. I feel like Smalls is such a puppy and has at least six to eight more years left. I hope!
Wow, that is so wonderful! 17 years is definitely a long lifespan for any dog. I’m sure your bond is like no other. You have grown up together and shared so many things with one another. What an amazing relationship! Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
Wow Avenne! That is an amazing story of the love and loyalty shared by a dog and its family. Thank you for sharing and sending lots of love to Lady the Hero Dog across the Rainbow Bridge! <3
We hope she has a few more years as well Candice. Be sure to appreciate your time with her (sounds like you do) and spoil her every now in then with a trip to a dog park, an extra walk or something else she loves doing. Thanks for sharing about Candice.
My English bulldog died at age 10 of leukemia. Still have his sister, age 11 years 3 months and their dad died 2 weeks ago at age 12 years 8 months. Very special dogs, well loved
I just lost my min pin at 17 yrs 7 months. Is this above average as I haven’t seen that breed mentioned in any longevity articles?
I had a min pin that I wasn’t quite sure how old he was when I first got him. A vet determined he was about 13-14 years old, and I cared for him about 3 years before he passed away from congestive heart failure. He was full of energy all the way up until the heart failure took its toll too.
Hi Jim,
Sorry for your loss but yes, I would say 17 years for any dog is quite exceptional! You are lucky to have had so many years with your pup.
What about Chinese Crested? Wire Hair Fox Terriers?