Dog Lifespan Chart by Breed & Size
Compare average lifespans of 50+ dog breeds with our interactive chart. Filter by size, sort by lifespan, and see visual comparisons, all backed by veterinary research data.
Data Sources: Lifespan data compiled from the Royal Veterinary College VetCompass programme, AKC breed standards, and the 2024 Scientific Reports study of 584,734 dogs. Individual dogs may live shorter or longer depending on genetics, care, and environment.
Showing 68 of 68 breeds
| Breed ↕ | Min ↕ | Max ↓ |
|---|---|---|
| ChihuahuaToy | 15 | 20 |
| Toy PoodleToy | 12 | 20 |
| Chinese CrestedToy | 13 | 18 |
| DachshundSmall | 14 | 18 |
| Jack Russell TerrierSmall | 14 | 18 |
| Shih TzuSmall | 10 | 18 |
| PomeranianToy | 14 | 16 |
| Yorkshire TerrierToy | 12 | 16 |
| PapillonToy | 13 | 16 |
| Miniature PoodleSmall | 12 | 16 |
| Shiba InuSmall | 13 | 16 |
| West Highland White TerrierSmall | 12 | 16 |
| Australian Cattle DogMedium | 12 | 16 |
| American Staffordshire TerrierMedium | 12 | 16 |
| MalteseToy | 12 | 15 |
| AffenpinscherToy | 12 | 15 |
| Miniature SchnauzerSmall | 12 | 15 |
| PugSmall | 12 | 15 |
| Boston TerrierSmall | 11 | 15 |
| Pembroke Welsh CorgiSmall | 12 | 15 |
| Cocker SpanielSmall | 12 | 15 |
| Lancashire HeelerSmall | 12 | 15 |
| Tibetan SpanielSmall | 12 | 15 |
| BologneseSmall | 12 | 15 |
| Bichon FriseSmall | 12 | 15 |
| Lhasa ApsoSmall | 12 | 15 |
| BeagleMedium | 12 | 15 |
| Border CollieMedium | 12 | 15 |
| Australian ShepherdMedium | 12 | 15 |
| Standard PoodleMedium | 10 | 15 |
| WhippetMedium | 12 | 15 |
| VizslaMedium | 12 | 15 |
| Cavalier King Charles SpanielSmall | 9 | 14 |
| Shetland SheepdogSmall | 12 | 14 |
| English Springer SpanielMedium | 12 | 14 |
| BrittanyMedium | 12 | 14 |
| Siberian HuskyMedium | 12 | 14 |
| Staffordshire Bull TerrierMedium | 12 | 14 |
| Belgian MalinoisLarge | 12 | 14 |
| German Shorthaired PointerLarge | 12 | 14 |
| CollieLarge | 12 | 14 |
| Scottish TerrierSmall | 11 | 13 |
| DalmatianMedium | 11 | 13 |
| German ShepherdLarge | 9 | 13 |
| WeimaranerLarge | 10 | 13 |
| Chesapeake Bay RetrieverLarge | 10 | 13 |
| AkitaLarge | 10 | 13 |
| French BulldogSmall | 10 | 12 |
| Basset HoundMedium | 10 | 12 |
| Labrador RetrieverLarge | 10 | 12 |
| Golden RetrieverLarge | 10 | 12 |
| BoxerLarge | 10 | 12 |
| Doberman PinscherLarge | 10 | 12 |
| Rhodesian RidgebackLarge | 10 | 12 |
| Great PyreneesGiant | 10 | 12 |
| Cane CorsoGiant | 9 | 12 |
| Tibetan MastiffGiant | 10 | 12 |
| Scottish DeerhoundGiant | 8 | 11 |
| BulldogMedium | 8 | 10 |
| RottweilerLarge | 8 | 10 |
| Great DaneGiant | 7 | 10 |
| Irish WolfhoundGiant | 6 | 10 |
| Saint BernardGiant | 8 | 10 |
| Bernese Mountain DogGiant | 7 | 10 |
| NewfoundlandGiant | 8 | 10 |
| English MastiffGiant | 6 | 10 |
| LeonbergerGiant | 7 | 9 |
| Dogue de BordeauxGiant | 5 | 8 |
Size Category Legend
Average Lifespan by Size
| Size Category | Weight Range | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Toy | Under 10 lbs | 12-20 years |
| Small | 10-25 lbs | 12-18 years |
| Medium | 25-50 lbs | 10-15 years |
| Large | 50-100 lbs | 8-12 years |
| Giant | Over 100 lbs | 6-10 years |
What is a Dog Lifespan Chart?
A dog lifespan chart is a comprehensive reference showing the average life expectancy of dog breeds organized by breed name, size category, or breed group. Most dogs live 10-13 years on average, with small breeds (12-18 years) significantly outliving giant breeds (6-10 years). Our interactive chart above compares 50+ breeds with sortable columns and visual lifespan bars, making it easy to compare breeds side by side.
The data in our chart is compiled from the most authoritative sources in canine health research, including the Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass programme (analyzing 500,000+ dogs from UK veterinary records), the 2024 Scientific Reports study of 584,734 British dogs across 155 breeds, and the American Kennel Club's breed health data. By using large-scale veterinary records rather than breeder-reported data, our chart provides the most accurate and unbiased lifespan estimates available.
Dog Lifespan by Size: Why Size Matters Most
Size is the single biggest predictor of how long a dog will live. A Chihuahua might celebrate 18 birthdays, while a Great Dane may only reach 8 years. This dramatic difference, sometimes a 2-3x lifespan gap, has fascinated scientists for decades.
Research published in The American Naturalist studying 74 breeds and over 56,000 dogs found that large dogs age at an accelerated pace compared to small dogs. Larger breeds showed higher rates of cancer-related deaths, suggesting that the rapid growth required during puppyhood leads to a higher risk of abnormal cell growth. Oxidative DNA damage measured in puppies was found to be higher in larger breeds, indicating that DNA repair mechanisms fail earlier in big dogs.
The general rule of thumb: for every 4.4 pounds of body weight, a dog's life expectancy decreases by approximately one month. This is why Toy breeds averaging under 10 pounds can live 12-20 years, while Giant breeds over 100 pounds typically live just 6-10 years.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Among the 155+ purebred breeds studied in the 2024 UK research, the Lancashire Heeler topped the charts with a median life expectancy of 15.4 years, followed by the Tibetan Spaniel (15.2 years), Bolognese (14.9 years), Shiba Inu (14.6 years), and Papillon (14.5 years).
Chihuahuas are often cited as the longest-lived breed overall, with documented lifespans of 15-20 years. The Chinese Crested has been known to live into its 20s, and the Australian Cattle Dog holds the record for the oldest verified dog ever. Bluey lived to 29 years and 5 months. These long-lived breeds share common traits: smaller body size, long snouts (dolichocephalic skull shape), and active temperaments.
Shortest Living Dog Breeds
At the other end of the spectrum, the Caucasian Shepherd has the lowest recorded median life expectancy at just 5.4 years, followed by the Presa Canario (7.7 years) and Cane Corso (8.1 years). The Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) is also among the shortest-lived, averaging 5-8 years.
Notably, the French Bulldog had an alarmingly low life expectancy of 4.5 years in UK veterinary data, though this figure is controversial and may reflect the breed's popularity leading to poor breeding practices in some lines. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds face unique health challenges including breathing difficulties, overheating, spinal problems, and eye issues, all contributing to reduced lifespans.
The Science Behind Dog Lifespan
A landmark 2024 study published in Scientific Reports analyzed veterinary records of 584,734 dogs across more than 150 breeds. The key findings confirm what smaller studies suggested: size and skull shape are the two most significant predictors of canine lifespan.
Small dogs with elongated noses had the longest median life expectancy (13.3 years), while large, flat-faced breeds had the shortest. The study also found that spayed females live approximately 23% longer than intact females, and neutered males live about 18% longer than intact males. These findings held true across breeds and sizes.
At the cellular level, scientists point to oxidative stress and DNA damage as the primary mechanism. Larger dogs grow much faster during puppyhood, which generates more free radicals and causes greater oxidative damage to cells. This accelerated growth-to-aging pipeline means bigger dogs essentially "burn through" their cellular lifespan more quickly than smaller breeds.
Mixed Breed vs. Purebred Lifespan
Mixed breed dogs (mutts, mongrels, or designer crossbreeds) consistently live longer than purebred dogs, approximately 1.2 years longer on average. A random-bred dog has an average life expectancy of 13.2 years in the Western world, compared to about 11.2 years for purebreds overall.
The reason is genetic diversity. Purebred dogs are more likely to carry two copies of recessive disease genes because they are bred from a smaller gene pool. Mixed breeds benefit from "hybrid vigor" (heterosis), which reduces the risk of hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and certain cancers. Popular crosses like the Labradoodle (12-15 years), Goldendoodle (12-15 years), and Cockapoo (12-16 years) often match or exceed the lifespan of either parent breed.
How to Help Your Dog Live Longer
While genetics set the baseline, lifestyle factors can add or subtract years from your dog's life. Here are the most evidence-based strategies:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Overweight dogs live up to 2-2.5 years less than dogs at ideal body condition. Approximately 34-59% of dogs in the US and Europe are overweight or obese.
- Regular veterinary checkups: Annual wellness exams catch health issues early, when they are most treatable. Senior dogs benefit from twice-yearly visits.
- Dental care: Annual professional dental cleanings reduce the risk of death by nearly 20%. Gum disease can lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
- Balanced nutrition: Feed age-appropriate, high-quality food. Research suggests dogs fed once daily had fewer gastrointestinal, dental, and kidney disorders.
- Daily exercise: 30-60 minutes of activity appropriate for your dog's age and breed helps maintain cardiovascular health, joint mobility, and mental sharpness.
- Spaying/neutering: Spayed females live 23% longer, neutered males 18% longer on average, primarily due to reduced cancer risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Understanding
What is the average lifespan of a dog?
The average dog lifespan is 10-13 years, though this varies significantly by breed and size. Research from the Royal Veterinary College found the overall average life expectancy for dogs is 11.2 years. Dogs dying of natural causes averaged 12 years and 8 months. Small breeds typically live 12-18 years, while giant breeds average just 6-10 years.
What dog breed lives the longest?
Among purebred breeds, the Lancashire Heeler has the longest median life expectancy at 15.4 years, followed by Tibetan Spaniels (15.2 years) and Bolognese (14.9 years). Chihuahuas are commonly cited as the longest-lived breed, with lifespans of 15-20 years. The verified longest-living dog ever was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived to 29 years and 5 months.
Do mixed breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs?
Yes, mixed breed dogs live approximately 1.2 years longer on average than purebred dogs of similar size. Mixed breeds have greater genetic diversity, reducing the risk of hereditary diseases common in purebred lines. A random-bred dog has an average life expectancy of 13.2 years in the Western world, compared to the overall purebred average of about 11.2 years.
How-To Questions
How do I use a dog lifespan chart?
Find your dog's breed or closest match in the chart and look at the average lifespan range. If you have a mixed breed, estimate based on your dog's weight. Dogs under 20 lbs average 11+ years, while dogs over 90 lbs average about 8 years. Use size category filters to narrow results. Remember that individual dogs may live shorter or longer depending on health, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
How can I help my dog live longer?
The most impactful steps are maintaining a healthy weight (overweight dogs live up to 2 years less), scheduling regular veterinary checkups, providing annual dental cleanings (reduces mortality risk by 20%), feeding a balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age and size, ensuring 30-60 minutes of daily exercise, and keeping up with vaccinations and parasite prevention.
How do I know when my dog is considered a senior?
Senior age varies by size: giant breeds become seniors around 5-6 years, large breeds at 7-8 years, medium breeds at 8-9 years, and small breeds at 9-11 years. Generally, a dog enters senior status during the last 25% of their estimated lifespan. Signs include graying muzzle, reduced energy, stiffness, cloudy eyes, and changes in appetite or behavior.
Comparison Questions
Why do small dogs live longer than large dogs?
Scientists believe large dogs age faster at the cellular level due to their accelerated growth during puppyhood. A 2013 study of 74 breeds and 56,000+ dogs found that large breeds die more often from cancer. Oxidative DNA damage is higher in larger breeds, suggesting DNA repair mechanisms fail earlier. Additionally, larger bodies place more stress on organs like the heart, contributing to shorter lifespans.
Does a dog's face shape affect its lifespan?
Yes. A 2024 study in Scientific Reports involving 584,734 dogs found that flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs have significantly shorter lifespans. Dogs with elongated snouts (dolichocephalic breeds) consistently lived longer. Small, long-nosed breeds had the longest median life expectancy at 13.3 years.
Do spayed or neutered dogs live longer?
Research consistently shows that spayed and neutered dogs live longer. Neutered males live approximately 18% longer, while spayed females live 23% longer than their intact counterparts. Spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra (affecting 25% of unspayed dogs) and dramatically reduces mammary cancer risk. Neutering reduces risks of testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Technical & Research Questions
What is the oldest dog ever recorded?
The verified longest-living dog is Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog from Australia who died on November 14, 1939, at 29 years and 5 months old. In 2023, a Portuguese dog named Bobi was briefly awarded the Guinness World Record at over 30 years, but the record was later revoked in 2024 due to insufficient age verification evidence.
How does obesity affect a dog's lifespan?
Obesity significantly shortens a dog's life. Research by Banfield Pet Hospital shows overweight dogs live up to 2-2.5 years less than dogs at a healthy weight. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 34-59% of dogs in the US, Canada, and Europe are overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy body condition is one of the most impactful steps owners can take to extend their dog's life.
What are the most reliable sources for dog lifespan data?
The most cited scientific sources include the Royal Veterinary College's VetCompass programme (UK veterinary records for 500,000+ dogs), the AKC breed health data, the 2024 Scientific Reports study (584,734 British dogs, 150+ breeds), and the Institute of Canine Biology's lifespan research. Breed-specific lifespan data is best sourced from large-scale veterinary studies rather than breeder-reported data, which can be biased toward healthier individuals.
Related Calculators
Want more personalized results? Try these related tools:
- Dog Life Expectancy Calculator: Get a personalized life expectancy estimate based on your dog's breed, weight, age, and health factors.
- Quality of Life Calculator (HHHHHMM Scale): Assess your senior dog's quality of life across 7 key categories.
- Dog Age Calculator: Convert your dog's age to human years using the latest scientific formula.
Related Calculators
Explore these related tools to get a complete picture of your dog's health and nutrition:
Understanding Your Dog's Lifespan
Every dog owner wants their companion to live a long, healthy life. While breed and size set the baseline, the choices you make, from diet and exercise to veterinary care and weight management, can meaningfully extend your dog's years. Use this chart as a starting point to understand what's typical for your dog's breed, then take proactive steps to help them beat the averages.
For a more personalized estimate, try our Life Expectancy Calculator, which factors in your specific dog's breed, weight, age, and health status. And if you have a senior dog, our Quality of Life Calculator can help you make informed care decisions during their golden years.