How long do dogs live: Breed and age guide
When you bring your pup home, it’s for life – and even that’s not long enough. In time, it’s difficult to imagine not having your dog around. It’s important to know how long dogs live, so you can keep an eye on issues that develop with age. Discover which dog breed ages best and understand more about the life expectancy of a dog with this guide.
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How long do dogs live?
While the life expectancy of a dog can vary with breed, the average dog lives for around 12.5 years. This can vary, based on the dog itself, their quality of care, as well as their size and other environmental factors. That means your dog could live longer than even some of the longest-living dog breeds or shorter than some of the dog breeds with the shortest lifespans.
While every dog is different, there are ways to help your dog live longer (or at least, give them the best chance at it). Getting regular checkups and giving your pup the amount of daily care they deserve will have you barking up the right tree. Especially as your pup enters old age.
Life expectancy of a dog
It’s difficult to give an accurate answer on the life expectancy of a dog, and there are exceptions to every rule. However, there are averages we can work from to get an idea of what can be considered old age.
While each breed can age differently, you can split the life expectancy of a dog into three categories:
Small dog life span
What small dogs, such as a Chihuahua or Jack Russell, lack in size and stature, they can make up for in longevity compared to bigger breeds. Generally, small dogs tend to have the highest life expectancy amongst dogs, contrary to what you’d expect from other species of mammals. Your pups’ little paws might be tip-tapping around your home for anywhere between 10-15 years.
Medium dog life span
Medium-sized dogs like the Border Collie or Beagle align more with the average dog life expectancy. While not an exact science, medium dogs tend to live for 10-13 years on average.
Large dog life span
The lifespan of large dogs tends to be shorter than most other breeds. While health conditions can vary between breeds, larger dogs are more at risk of hard-to-manage arthritis and certain cancers.
Something like a Golden Retriever could live until 10-12 years old. Some of the biggest dogs, such as a St. Bernard, may only live for about 8-10 years.
Do smaller dogs live longer?
Yes, on average smaller dogs live longer – but the reason why isn’t established. It could be that they age “slower”, according to the RSPCA, or that illness is more manageable for smaller dogs.
Here’s the average estimated lifespan of some small dog breeds:
- Chihuahua: 12–18 years
- Pomeranian: 12–16 years
- Yorkshire Terrier: 12–16 years
- Shih Tzu: 10–16 years
Dog breeds with the shortest lifespan
Large and giant dog breeds are those with the shortest lifespans, with the biggest dogs living ten years or less on average. Many of these breeds can be more severely impacted by arthritis and may be at higher risk of developing cancer.
These breeds include:
- Great Dane: 8–10 years
- Irish Wolfhound: 6–8 years
- Newfoundland: 9–10 years
- Saint Bernard: 8–10 years
How to maximise a dog’s lifespan
When you bring your little pup home, it’s difficult to imagine its life ever ending. You take each day as it comes – after all, the life expectancy of a dog isn’t printed on their coats. While you don’t get a say in how long your dog lives, there are ways to help your dog live longer. Or at least, things you can do to give them the best chance at a full, mischievous life.
Diet
Diet is essential to longevity, and obesity can negatively impact the life expectancy of a dog. According to a 2021 study from the Royal Veterinary College, one in 14 dogs are recorded by their vets as overweight each year.
While it’s only one piece of the puzzle, diet can have a significant impact on obesity and can provide your dog with the nutrients and vitamins they need. If your dog is getting too heavy, don’t be afraid to consult a vet for tips.
Thinking about snacks for your dog? Discover what foods dogs can and can’t eat.
Exercise
When we think about exercise, we usually think about “getting into shape”. Your dog isn’t worrying about fitting into jeans, though (funny as that thought that might be). While daily physical activity can have a positive benefit on your dog’s weight, there’s more to it than that.
Regular exercise reduces the likelihood of arthritis and behavioural problems, while also looking after their mental health. It also helps keep them in shape, providing a healthy level of fitness for a better quality of life. It doesn’t all need to be walks either – indoor games can make a great addition to a dog’s exercise routine.
Struggling to get out and about? Why not look at hobbies that both you and your dog can enjoy together?
Socialisation
Whether you think your dog is an extrovert or an introvert, isolation can drive them barking mad. Dogs want interaction, both from humans and other dogs. In fact, compared to a socialised dog, one who grows up isolated could develop anxiety, fearful behavioural issues, and even skin conditions.
Vet check-ups
One of the best ways to help your dog live longer is to take your dog for a health check annually or twice annually – even if they’re giving you those puppy dog eyes or throwing their kibble out in protest.
You might think your dog is the picture of health, but catching issues before they happen is always better than reacting to problems as they appear. With regular checkups, your dog could live a longer, better life.
Supervision
Dogs can amaze us with intelligence and obedience, even spotting things we don’t. However, they can dig up a whole world of trouble in the time they’re on their own. Whether it’s poisonous berries, raiding a chocolate hamper, wandering off with strangers or playing in water they can’t get out of, dogs can fall into all sorts of mischief.
By keeping an eye on your dog, you can ensure nothing happens that could rob you both of the years you’d otherwise spend together.
Want to know how to get your pup healthy and happy? Get tips on improving their wellbeing.
Help your dog live a long life with Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance for dogs could help to reduce the stress of looking after your canine companion, with different levels of cover to fit your lifestyle.
FAQs
Do dogs live longer if walked?
While walking itself isn’t going to increase the life expectancy of a dog, physical activity is important for their quality of life. Exercise can keep the weight off, provide mental stimulation and boost the fitness of your dog.
Walking your dog might not give them extra years for each mile their toe beans take, but it can protect against issues that might impact their longevity, according to PetMD. If your dog is older, they may struggle to walk as far, and you might need to consider easing off or introducing a new exercise routine.
Can a dog live 20 years?
While not impossible, it is unlikely for a dog to live 20 years. Many factors come into play, from genetic diseases and medical conditions, to breed and size, diet, veterinary attention and quality of life. Generally, smaller breeds have a longer lifespan.
How old is a 13-year-old dog in human years?
While you can guess, it’s difficult to determine how old a 13-year-old dog is in human years, as different dogs age at different rates. One common myth is that a dog ages seven times as fast as a person. According to PetMD, a dog aged 13 may be equivalent to 68 years if it’s a small dog, 74 if it’s a medium dog or 82 if it’s a large dog.
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