Larger dogs tend to live longer lives than smaller ones on average. If you think about it, a human lives much longer than a cat, which lives longer than a mouse, which lives longer than a bee. But why isn’t that true when it comes to animals within the same species? Someone who weighs 200 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs say 300 pounds. That is because of increased health risks for the person who weighs more. When it comes to the life expectancy of dogs, how can you compare a Mastiff to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different and their lifespans totally reflect this. Beyond the size, is there an average age of a dog based on breed or other factors? We think so. Lets take a look.
Does Size Determine a Dog’s Lifespan?
Want to know how you can help your pup live a longer, robust life? Below are some helpful hints, that can help determine a canine’s lifespan.
Caring For Your Dog
As the owner, you can affect the care you provide for your dog. A dog with a proper, healthy diet and exercise can live much longer than one without. 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 to.
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
Everyone knows that 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 dogs.
Spayed/Neutered
Spaying and neutering a puppy at a young age can positively affect a dog’s lifespan. Studies show that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers in canines. Like cancer affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. 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 young dog, which could easily mean a longer life.
Dog Breed Life Expectancy By Breed
Dog life expectancy chart sorted by the most popular registered breeds from the past decade.
| 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 |
What Is the Longest Living Dog Breed?
Chihuahuas are normally referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 12-21 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. The oldest Chihuahua on record, died at the age of 21 years old.
The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancy. 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 Blue who lived 29 years and 5 months, we believe this to be a world record.