While we all wish our dogs would live for as long as us, the average dog lifespan is much shorter than humans. Let’s answer all your questions about your pup’s longevity, like how long does a dog live for and how can you help your dog live a healthier and happier life.
Why Do Dogs Have a Short Lifespan?
How long a dog can live depends on breed, size, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Even the healthiest dog can’t outlive the average human. Dogs grow faster than humans, so their entire life cycle is on fast-forward. Puppies reach adulthood much quicker than humans. The accelerated growth means that dogs age more quickly.
Take a Labrador, for example. In the first few weeks, the puppy is teething, growing fast, and gaining weight and size. Over the next few months, they start to develop adult features. At about 12 months, a puppy can reach adult size, although they will continue to develop until they reach full maturity. A one-year-old child is still in early development, learning to walk and talk.
The Average Dog Lifespan
The average dog lifespan is between 10 and 13 years, but there is a lot of variation depending on breed and size. One possible reason for the big variation in the average lifespan of a dog is metabolic rate. Smaller dogs have a faster metabolic rate, so age more slowly and experience cellular growth at a slower pace. On the other end of the spectrum, larger breeds have slower metabolic rates and age more quickly. Larger breeds can also be prone to certain health conditions, like joint problems.
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer?
You may have heard that small dogs live longer than larger dogs, but it’s not just a common belief. In fact, research consistently shows us that smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones. Researchers at the University of Washington studied over 25,000 dogs and 238 breeds. They found that, on average, small dogs do tend to live longer. But it’s not that larger dogs have more health problems; different-sized dogs have different risks for certain health conditions.
As we mentioned, size and breed are big factors in predicting how long domestic dogs live for. Normally, larger mammals live longer than smaller ones. Yet, having a small body size within a species appears to be associated with a longer life and slower aging.
While it’s difficult to give an exact cause, there are a few possible reasons why small dogs live longer. Because small dogs have a faster metabolic rate, their cells divide and reduce at a slower pace, helping to slow the effects of aging. Another possible reason why small dogs live longer is that they have less stress on their joints and organs compared to bigger dogs. In general, smaller dogs are less prone to diseases that affect larger breeds, like heart disease and hip dysplasia.
How Long Do Small Dogs Live?
Wondering how long do small dogs live? Small breeds actually have the longest lifespan, typically living between 10 and 15 years. Some smaller breeds, like chihuahua, can even reach 16 years or more. Remember that lifespan depends on the breed but also things like individual health and overall care.
Here are the average lifespans for a few different small dog breeds:
- Yorkshire Terrier: 12-16 years
- Pomeranian: 12-16 years
- Shih Tzu: 10-16 years
- Maltese: 12-15 years
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 12-14 years
How Long Do Medium-Size Dogs Live?
The average lifespan of a medium-sized dog is between 10 and 13 years. But there is still variation from breed to breed. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain health conditions, while others naturally have a longer average lifespan.
For instance, French bulldogs and English bulldogs are known for their short noses, which can lead to breathing difficulties and skin problems. Cocker spaniels are more susceptible to ear problems because of their long, floppy ears. Whereas some medium breeds are known for their longevity, like border collies and labs.
Here’s the average lifespan of a few popular medium-size breeds:
- Beagle: 12-15 years
- Bulldog: 8-10 years
- Cocker Spaniel: 12-15 years
- Dachshund: 12-16 years
- French Bulldog: 10-12 years
How Long Do Large Dogs Live?
How long large dogs live for can vary depending on breed, individual health, and care. In general, large breeds have a shorter lifespan than medium breeds at 9 to 12 years.
Larger breeds tend to age faster than small breeds. As large dogs weigh more, they can experience more stress on organs and joints and be more prone to health conditions like heart disease, and hip dysplasia. Large breeds like Great Danes and Rottweilers can be more susceptible to cancer.
Here are some common large breeds and their average lifespan:
- Golden Retriever: 10-12 years
- Bernese Mountain Dog: 7-10 years
- Rottweiler: 9-10 years
- German Shepherd: 10-13 years
- Greyhound: 10-14 years
How Long Do Giant Dogs Live?
How long dogs can live for will depend on their breed and overall health. Giant dog breeds have the shortest average lifespan of 8 to 10 years, mainly because of their accelerated growth and increasing strain on their bodies. Giant breeds grow quickly, and because of their size, they can be more prone to health conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and heart problems. At about 5 or 6 years old, a giant dog would be considered a senior dog.
Here’s the average lifespan of a few giant dog breeds:
- Great Dane: 7-10 years
- St. Bernard: 8-10 years
- Newfoundland: 8-10 years
- Bernese Mountain Dog: 7-10 years
- Mastiff: 7-10 years
- Irish Wolfhound: 6-8 years
Do Mixed-Breed Dogs Live Longer?
The short answer is generally yes, they do.
So, how long do mixed-breed dogs live for? In a study from the American Animal Hospital Association, researchers found that mixed-breed dogs lived significantly longer than their purebred counterparts. As body size increased, the difference was even bigger.
Genetics has a huge role to play in life expectancy, and purebreds are often bred for specific traits. Sadly, these traits can sometimes lead to genetic problems. Mixed breeds are less likely to inherit these genetic problems. They also have a more diverse gene pool, which can help them be more resilient to disease.
What are the Most Common Signs of Aging in Dogs?
Just like us, aging is something normal that every pup will experience. As your dog gets older, you may spot some of the most common signs of aging, like:
- Arthritis
- Struggling to get up and stiffness
- Graying coat
- Decreased energy levels and increased sleeping
- Changes in hearing or sight
- Higher anxiety, which can be due to loss of vision and hearing
Senior dogs may show a reluctance to do things that were easy in the past, like hopping into a car or jumping off furniture. It’s normal for dogs to slow down as they get older, but if you have any concerns or think they are in pain, it’s best to speak with your vet. They can determine if there’s an underlying health issue and advise you on how to make your pup as comfortable as possible in their later years.
How to Increase Your Dog's Life Expectancy
Naturally, all of us would love for our pups to stay with us as long as possible. It’s not just about how many years a dog lives, but making sure they have a great quality of life during those years. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle can help our furry friends thrive. Let’s unpack this a bit!
Dogs need a healthy, balanced, and complete diet that provides the right blend of nutrients for optimal health. Having a diet that lacks essential nutrients or overfeeding can cause health problems. Choose a high-quality dog food, like Jinx, that’s designed to promote strong bones, healthy joints and muscles, a shiny coat, and overall health.
Healthy food is crucial for providing proteins for growth, carbohydrates for energy, fats for brain health, and vitamins and minerals for all sorts of bodily functions. While high-quality dog food is important, so is sticking to the correct portion size for your dog’s age, size, and caloric needs. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Overall, dogs with a healthy weight have more energy, better mobility, and a higher quality of life. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to keep table scraps and human treats to a minimum, adjust portion sizes as your dog gets older, and provide regular exercise.
A healthy lifestyle for dogs also includes:
- Exercise: Dogs need regular exercise and daily walks and runs. Make sure to adjust your exercise routine to your dog’s age and breed.
- Check-Ups: Regular check-ups at the vet are essential for preventative care for parasites, vaccinations to protect against diseases, and accessing quick treatment if your pup needs some extra help.
- Dental Care: At-home dental care and regular check-ups can help keep your dog's teeth in tip-top shape. Dental problems are common in dogs, and good dental hygiene can help prevent dental issues that impact quality of life.
- Enrichment: Mental stimulation is extremely important for dogs. Try puzzles, games, and training to prevent boredom, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve behavior.
- Socialization: Early socialization builds confidence and helps your pup be more comfortable with different people, environments, and dogs.
What Age Was The Oldest Living Dog?
Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, is the oldest verified dog to have ever lived. She reached an impressive 29 years and five months when she died in 1939. Bluey was a working dog on a sheep farm and lived a very active life, herding sheep. The medium-size breed has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but Bluey flew far exceeded that!
Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy
As pet parents, we know that aging is a normal part of life. While aging is out of your control, you can support and promote your pup’s health. If any health problems do arise, prompt treatment is essential. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and routine check-ups can all keep your dog healthy and happy for longer.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.