All about your dog's lifespan

Your dog’s breed plays a big role in determining how long your dog might live. So, when it comes to dog life expectancy by breed size, you’ll find larger breeds have shorter lifespans, unfortunately, while small dog breeds are generally known as long-living dogs. You can attribute this distinction to genetic factors and breed-specific characteristics.

Larger dogs age at an accelerated rate, which may contribute to a higher likelihood of health issues such as joint problems and certain cancers. Conversely, small breeds are known to have the best dog breed longevity, with some, like Yorkshire Terriers or Chihuahuas, for example, being recognised as the longest-living dog breeds.

Small dogs are commonly called the longest-living dog breeds but it all really comes down to the specific dog. Genetics, overall health, and individual care play a significant role in determining dog breed longevity. While smaller breeds often have longer lifespans, it is essential to consider other factors when assessing a dog's lifespan.

Large dog breeds generally have shorter lifespans compared to smaller and medium-sized breeds. This is often due to factors such as the size of their bodies, genetic predispositions to illnesses, and, sadly, potential health issues.

To help answer the question of how long large dogs live, we’ve rounded up a few large dog breeds and their approximate life expectancy*, but, of course, it all depends on the individual dog.

It's important to note that these are average life expectancies, and individual dogs may vary. You can help improve the likelihood of a longer lifespan by ensuring you do everything within your power to make their lives the best they can be. Feeding them good quality food, giving them regular exercise and mental stimulation—and affection, which is a pleasure for and good for the health of all involved—and staying on top of vet visits ensure your dog's health status is monitored which can help lengthen your dog's life, no matter the breed or size.

The average lifespan of a medium-sized dog is about 10-13 years; however, this differs based on breed, genetics, and care. Medium-sized dogs generally live for a slightly shorter time compared to smaller breeds. However, their life expectancy varies depending on breed, health, and care. Here are some examples of medium-sized dog breeds and their life expectancy*:

These are the average medium-sized dog life expectancy; you should consider each dog is unique, and how long they live will depend on many things. Ensuring you properly care for and nurture your dog will help it live a healthy and even longer life.

The average lifespan of a small dog can vary depending on several factors, including breed, genetics, and overall health. There is a common idea that small dogs live longer, but why? Well, it’s all about ageing. Larger breeds age faster and, therefore, tend to have less time on this earth.

Here are some examples of small dog breeds and their life expectancy*:

You can see that the average lifespan of a small dog is longer than that of medium-sized and large breeds. However, each dog is unique. You can help your dog live longer by ensuring you do your utmost to keep them healthy, happy, and fit and by taking them to the vet regularly to stay on top of their health.

*Sourced from RC breed pages or the American Kennel Club but you may find different sources offering different average life spans for these breeds.

While breed and size play a role in a dog's lifespan, responsible pet ownership and appropriate care significantly impact their overall health and longevity. In addition to the list above on how to positively impact your dog’s longevity, here are some actions you can take to help improve your dog’s lifespan.