All 201 Amazing Dog Breeds Ranked By Lifespan: Shortest to Longest!


Have you ever wondered which dog breeds have the longest and shortest lifespans?

We’ve created this fun, comprehensive dog breed lifespan chart listing all these amazing pups from shortest to longest life expectancy. Regardless of whether you choose a puppy with a shorter lifespan, there are ways to maximize the time you have together and create cherished memories and adventures with your loyal companion.

dog breed lifespan

Let’s get started!

What You Need To Know About Dog Breed Life Expectancy

Dog Breed Lifespan Chart

As dog lovers, we want the best for a furry friend but unfortunately, all good things do end. Just know that the dog life expectancy chart below is simply average lifespans for most dogs. While we would love to have our pet dog live forever, this sadly is not the case. Some simple things to keep in mind our:

  • Enhance the likelihood of a prolonged life by selecting a puppy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the well-being of their pups.
  • Small breed dogs typically live longer than medium breed breeds. And medium breeds typically live longer than larger breeds.
  • Your dog’s health can play a role in increasing dog longevity. Simply start by ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight.
BreedLifespanGeneral Weight
Dogues de BordeauxOpens in a new tab.5 – 8 years110 lbs & up
Irish WolfhoundsOpens in a new tab.6 – 8 years120 lbs
MastiffsOpens in a new tab.6 – 10 years160-230 lbs
LeonbergersOpens in a new tab.7 years110-170 lbs
Neapolitan MastiffsOpens in a new tab.7 – 9 years150 lbs
BullmastiffsOpens in a new tab.7 – 9 years110-130 lbs
Bernese Mountain DogsOpens in a new tab.7 – 10 years80-115 lbs
German Shepherd DogsOpens in a new tab.7 – 10 years65-90 lbs
Great DanesOpens in a new tab.7 – 10 years140-175 lbs
BulldogsOpens in a new tab.8 – 10 years50 lbs
Retrievers (Flat-Coated)Opens in a new tab.8 – 10 years60-70 lbs
St. BernardsOpens in a new tab.8 – 10 years140-180 lbs
Greater Swiss Mountain DogsOpens in a new tab.8 – 11 years115-140 lbs
Scottish DeerhoundsOpens in a new tab.8 – 11 years85-110 lbs
Chinese Shar-PeiOpens in a new tab.8 – 12 years45-60 lbs
Chow ChowsOpens in a new tab.8 – 12 years45-70 lbs
NewfoundlandsOpens in a new tab.9 – 10 years130-150 lbs
RottweilersOpens in a new tab.9 – 10 years95-135 lbs
BoerboelsOpens in a new tab.9 – 11 years150-200 lbs
Cane CorsoOpens in a new tab.9 – 12 yearsProportionate to height (100+ lbs)
BorzoisOpens in a new tab.9 – 14 years75-105 lbs
Old English SheepdogsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years60-100 lbs
BeauceronsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years70-110 lbs
Black and Tan CoonhoundsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years65-110 lbs
Black Russian TerriersOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years80-130 lbs
BloodhoundsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years90-110 lbs
Bouviers des FlandresOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years70-110 lbs
BoxersOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years65-80 lbs
Doberman PinschersOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years75-100 lbs
English Toy SpanielsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years8-14 lbs
French BulldogsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 yearsunder 28 lbs
Great PyreneesOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years100 lbs & up
Japanese ChinOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years7-11 lbs
KomondorokOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years100 lbs or more
KuvaszokOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years100-115 lbs
Retrievers (Curly-Coated)Opens in a new tab.10 – 12 years60-95 lbs
Rhodesian RidgebacksOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years85 lbs
Tibetan MastiffsOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years90-150 lbs
Pointers (German Shorthaired)Opens in a new tab.10 – 12 years55-70 lbs
Retrievers (Golden)Opens in a new tab.10 – 12 years65-75 lbs
Spaniels (Clumber)Opens in a new tab.10 – 12 years70-85 lbs
Spinoni ItalianiOpens in a new tab.10 – 12 years56 lbs
Retrievers (Chesapeake Bay)Opens in a new tab.10 – 13 years65-80 lbs
WeimaranersOpens in a new tab.10 – 13 years70-90 lbs
English FoxhoundsOpens in a new tab.10 – 13 years60-75 lbs
GreyhoundsOpens in a new tab.10 – 13 years65-70 lbs
OtterhoundsOpens in a new tab.10 – 13 years115 lbs
AkitasOpens in a new tab.10 – 14 years100-130 lbs
Alaskan MalamutesOpens in a new tab.10 – 14 years85 lbs
Spaniels (American Water)Opens in a new tab.10 -14 years30-45 lbs
Spaniels (Boykin)Opens in a new tab.10 – 15 years30-40 lbs
BeaglesOpens in a new tab. (13 inches & under)10 – 15 yearsunder 20 lbs
BeaglesOpens in a new tab. (13-15 inches)10 – 15 years20-30 lbs
Glen of Imaal TerriersOpens in a new tab.10 – 15 years32-40 lbs
PuliOpens in a new tab.10 – 15 years25-35 lbs
SloughisOpens in a new tab.10 – 15 years35-50 lbs
SalukisOpens in a new tab.10 – 17 years40-65 lbs
PoodlesOpens in a new tab. (miniature)10 – 18 years10-15 lbs
PoodlesOpens in a new tab. (standard)10 – 18 years60-70 lbs
PoodlesOpens in a new tab. (toy)10 – 18 years4-6 lbs
Shih TzuOpens in a new tab.10 – 18 years9-16 lbs
American English CoonhoundsOpens in a new tab.11 – 12 years45-65 lbs
Bluetick CoonhoundsOpens in a new tab.11 – 12 years55-80 lbs
American FoxhoundsOpens in a new tab.11 – 13 years65-70 lbs
Anatolian Shepherd DogsOpens in a new tab.11 – 13 years110-150 lbs
DalmatiansOpens in a new tab.11 – 13 years45-70 lbs
Entlebucher Mountain DogsOpens in a new tab.11 – 13 years55-65 lbs
Miniature Bull TerriersOpens in a new tab.11 – 13 years18-28 lbs
Portuguese Water DogsOpens in a new tab.11 – 13 years42-60 lbs
Retrievers (Labrador)Opens in a new tab.11 – 13 years65-80 lbs
Airedale TerriersOpens in a new tab.11 – 14 years50-70 lbs
Ibizan HoundsOpens in a new tab.11 – 14 years50 lbs
Australian TerriersOpens in a new tab.11 – 15 years12-18 lbs
Setters (Irish Red and White)Opens in a new tab.11 – 15 years42-60 lbs
Yorkshire TerriersOpens in a new tab.11 – 15 years7 lbs
Bedlington TerriersOpens in a new tab.11 – 16 years17-23 lbs
BriardsOpens in a new tab.12 years55-100 lbs
Scottish TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 years19-22 lbs
Setters (English)Opens in a new tab.12 years65-80 lbs
Basset HoundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 years40-65 lbs
Berger PicardsOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 years50-70 lbs
Bull TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 years50-70 lbs
Miniature American ShepherdsOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 years20-40 lbs
Pembroke Welsh CorgisOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 yearsup to 30 lbs
PumiOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 years27-29 lbs
Setters (Gordon)Opens in a new tab.12 – 13 years55-80 lbs
Spaniels (Field)Opens in a new tab.12 – 13 years35-50 lbs
Spaniels (Irish Water)Opens in a new tab.12 – 13 years55-68 lbs
Treeing Walker CoonhoundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 13 years50-70 lbs
Soft Coated Wheaten TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 -14 years35-40 lbs
Spanish Water DogsOpens in a new tab.12 -14 years40-49 lbs
VizslasOpens in a new tab.12 -14 years55-60 lbs
Wirehaired VizslasOpens in a new tab.12 -14 years55-65 lbs
Bearded ColliesOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years45-55 lbs
Belgian SheepdogsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years55-75 lbs
Belgian TervurenOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years55-75 lbs
BologneseOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years6-10 lbs
BrittanysOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years30-40 lbs
Cirnechi dell’Etna12 – 14 years22-26 lbs
ColliesOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years60-75 lbs
German PinschersOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years25-45 lbs
Icelandic SheepdogsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years30 lbs
PekingeseOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 yearsup to 14 lbs
Peruvian Inca OrchidOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years8.5-17.5 lbs
Pharaoh HoundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years45-55 lbs
PlottsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years50-60 lbs
Polish Lowland SheepdogsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years30-50 lbs
Retrievers (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)Opens in a new tab.12 – 14 years35-50 lbs
Russell TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years9-15 lbs
SamoyedsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years45-65 lbs
Sealyham TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years23-24 lbs
Shetland SheepdogsOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years15-25 lbs
Siberian HuskiesOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years45-60 lbs
Skye TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years35-45 lbs
Spaniels (English Cocker)Opens in a new tab.12 – 14 years28-34 lbs
Spaniels (English Springer)Opens in a new tab.12 – 14 years50 lbs
Staffordshire Bull TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 14 years28-38 lbs
Norwegian BuhundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years31-40 lbs
Norwegian ElkhoundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years55 lbs
Norwegian LundehundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years20-30 lbs
Norwich TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years12 lbs
AffenpinschersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years7-10 lbs
Australian ShepherdsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years50-65 lbs
Border ColliesOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years30-55 lbs
Border TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years13-15.5 lbs
Brussels GriffonsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years8-10 lbs
Canaan DogsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years45-55 lbs
Cardigan Welsh CorgisOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years30-38 lbs
Cavalier King Charles SpanielsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years13-18 lbs
Cesky TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years14-24 lbs
ChinooksOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years55-90 lbs
Dandie Dinmont TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years18-24 lbs
Finnish LapphundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years33-53 lbs
Fox Terriers (Smooth)Opens in a new tab.12 – 15 years18 lbs
Fox Terriers (Wire)Opens in a new tab.12 – 15 years18 lbs
Giant SchnauzersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years60-85 lbs
HarriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years45-60 lbs
KeeshondenOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years35-45 lbs
Kerry Blue TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years33-40 lbs
Lakeland TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years17 lbs
Lhasa ApsosOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years12-18 lbs
MalteseOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years7 lbs
Miniature SchnauzersOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years11-20 lbs
Portuguese Podengo PequenosOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years9-13 lbs
Redbone CoonhoundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years45-70 lbs
Setters (Irish)Opens in a new tab.12 – 15 years70 lbs
Swedish VallhundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 15 years20-35 lbs
Spaniels (Welsh Springer)Opens in a new tab.12 -15 years40-55 lbs
Tibetan SpanielOpens in a new tab.12 -15 years9-15 lbs
Welsh TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 -15 years20 lbs
WhippetsOpens in a new tab.12 -15 years25-40 lbs
Wirehaired Pointing GriffonsOpens in a new tab.12 -15 years50-70 lbs
Norfolk TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 16 years11-12 lbs
American Staffordshire TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 16 years55-70 lbs
Australian Cattle DogsOpens in a new tab.12 – 16 years35-50 lbs
DachshundsOpens in a new tab. (miniature)12 – 16 years11 lbs & under
DachshundsOpens in a new tab. (standard)12 – 16 years16-32 lbs
Miniature PinschersOpens in a new tab.12 – 16 years8-10 lbs
PomeraniansOpens in a new tab.12 – 16 years3-7 lbs
SchipperkesOpens in a new tab.12 – 16 years10-16 lbs
PointersOpens in a new tab.12 – 17 years55-75 lbs
Afghan HoundsOpens in a new tab.12 – 18 years50-60 lbs
Rat TerriersOpens in a new tab.12 – 18 years10-25 lbs
BasenjisOpens in a new tab.13 – 14 years24 lbs
American Eskimo DogsOpens in a new tab. (miniature)13 – 15 years10-20 lbs
American Eskimo DogsOpens in a new tab. (standard)13 – 15 years25-35 lbs
American Eskimo DogsOpens in a new tab. (toy)13 – 15 years6-10 lbs
BergamascoOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years70-84 lbs
Boston TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years12-25 lbs
Cairn TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years14 lbs
Finnish SpitzOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years25-33 lbs
Irish TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years27 lbs
LowchenOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years15 lbs
Parson Russell TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years13-17 lbs
PugsOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years14-18 lbs
Silky TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years10 lbs
Toy Fox TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 – 15 years3.5-7 lbs
Spaniels (Sussex)Opens in a new tab.13 -15 years35-45 lbs
West Highland White TerriersOpens in a new tab.13 -15 years15-20 lbs
Shiba InuOpens in a new tab.13 -16 years23 lbs
Standard SchnauzersOpens in a new tab.13 – 16 years35-50 lbs
Chinese CrestedOpens in a new tab.13 – 18 years8-12 lbs
XoloitzcuintliOpens in a new tab. (miniature)13 – 18 years15-30 lbs
XoloitzcuintliOpens in a new tab. (standard)13 – 18 years30-55 lbs
XoloitzcuintliOpens in a new tab. (toy)13 – 18 years10-15 lbs
Bichons FrisesOpens in a new tab.14 – 15 years12-18 lbs
Italian GreyhoundsOpens in a new tab.14 – 15 years7-14 lbs
American Hairless TerriersOpens in a new tab.14 – 16 years12-16 lbs
Belgian MalinoisOpens in a new tab.14 – 16 years60-80 lbs
ChihuahuasOpens in a new tab.14 – 16 years6 lbs
HavaneseOpens in a new tab.14 – 16 years7-13 lbs
PapillonsOpens in a new tab.14 – 16 years5-10 lbs
Petits Bassets Griffons VendeensOpens in a new tab.14 – 16 years25-40 lbs
Pointers (German Wirehaired)Opens in a new tab.14 – 16 years50-70 lbs
Russian Tsvetnaya BolonkaOpens in a new tab.14 – 20 years6-9 lbs
Tibetan TerriersOpens in a new tab.15 – 16 years18-30 lbs
Manchester TerriersOpens in a new tab.15 – 17 yearsunder 12 lbs
Manchester Terriers ToyOpens in a new tab.15 – 17 years12-22 lbs
Lagotti RomagnoliOpens in a new tab.15 – 17 years28.5-35 lbs
Coton de TulearOpens in a new tab.15 – 19 years9-15 lbs
Pyrenean ShepherdsOpens in a new tab.17 – 19 years15-30 lbs
Note: The average life expectancy for the breed is just one aspect to consider, as there are various other factors that influence lifespan, leading to variations in longevity.

When selecting a puppy to adopt, the breed’s life expectancy is worth considering. Our comprehensive lifespan chart provides an easy-to-follow guide, showcasing each breed’s typical life expectancy range and weight. For further details about a specific breed, click on the dog’s name.

Are you wondering which dog breeds are the most energetic? Check out this article – 201 Dog Breeds Ranked By Energy Level – Find Your Perfect Pup!

Find All Your Dog Lifespan Questions Answered Below

How long is a dog year?

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Traditionally, one human year is considered equivalent to seven dog years, although this calculation is not exact. “Dog years” is a simplified way to understand a dog’s aging process. This method of calculation varies slightly depending on the size and breed of the dog.

Dogs mature quicker than humans early in their lives, so the first year of a dog’s life is roughly equivalent to 15 human years. The second year equals about nine human years. After that, each additional dog year equates to roughly five human years.

Check out this dog years chart converting dog years into human years:

The following information is based on findings from the American Veterinary Medical Association and is based on dogs weighing between 21 and 50 pounds. Smaller dogs tend to age slower than larger dogs.

Human YearsDog Years
115
224
328
432
536
642
747
851
956
1060
1165
1269
1374
1478
1583
1687
*Dog’s between the weight of 21 – 50 lbs.

What is the average life expectancy of a dog?

The average life expectancy for any dog is 12.72 years, based on the data in the chart above. In comparison, the median age of a dog is 12 years. However, your dog’s life expectancy depends on many factors, such as breed type, genetics, overall pet health, nutrition, and more.

Do neutered and spayed dogs live longer than non-neutered and spayed dogs?

Yes, neutered male dogs have a longer lifespan of 18%, while spayed females enjoy an extended life of 23% compared to their non-neutered and spayed counterparts. This information came from the Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health 2013 Report—where medical data from 2.2 million dogs were analyzed.

Do small dogs live longer than larger dog breeds?

Yes, smaller dog breeds tend to live 41% longer than larger breeds (sourceOpens in a new tab.). Plus, if you simply look at the chart above, the top 25 dog breeds that have the shortest lifespan are dog breeds that have a typical weight of around 100 pounds. And if you go to the bottom of the chart to see dogs with the longest lifespan they are all smaller dogs weighing typically 30 pounds or less.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

What Large Dog Breed Has The Longest Lifespan?

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog, renowned for its impressive stature, holds the distinction of being the largest dog breed with a remarkable life expectancy. With an average weight ranging from 110 to 150 lbs and a lifespan of 11 to 13 years, it stands alone as the only breed surpassing 100 lbs while possessing such remarkable longevity.

Dogues de Bordeaux

What dog breed has the shortest life expectancy?

The Dogues de Bordeaux breed has the shortest lifespan among dog breeds, only 5 to 8 years. However, they are cherished for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent family pets and guardians. Check out more info about this beloved breed in the chart below.

Top 10 Dog Breeds With The Shortest Life Expectancy

Here is a list of the top 10 dog breed lifespans in the American Kennel Club with the shortest life expectancy.

📖 By the way — if you want all of this in one place, I wrote The Complete Boston Terrier GuideOpens in a new tab.. 14 years of real-world advice on health, training, and care. Grab it on Amazon →Opens in a new tab.
  1. Dogues de BordeauxOpens in a new tab. – 5 – 8 years
  2. Irish WolfhoundsOpens in a new tab. – 6 – 8 years
  3. MastiffsOpens in a new tab. – 6 – 10 years
  4. LeonbergersOpens in a new tab. – 7 years
  5. Neapolitan MastiffsOpens in a new tab. – 7 – 9 years
  6. BullmastiffsOpens in a new tab. – 7 – 9 years
  7. Bernese Mountain DogsOpens in a new tab. – 7 – 10 years
  8. German Shepherd DogsOpens in a new tab. – 7 – 10 years
  9. Great DanesOpens in a new tab. – 7 – 10 years
  10. BulldogsOpens in a new tab. – 8 – 10 years
Pyrenean Shepherd Dog

What dog breed has the longest life expectancy?

Within the American Kennel Club, Pyrenean Shepherds boast the longest life expectancy, ranging from 17 to 19 years. The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is the only other breed surpassing 19 years, with a lifespan spanning from 14 to 20 years.

Pyrenean Shepherd Traits & Characteristics
Height15.5 – 18.5 inches (male rough-faced)
15 – 18 inches (female rough-faced)
15.5 – 21 inches (male smooth-faced)
15.5 – 20.5 inches (female smooth-faced)
Weight15 – 30 pounds
Affectionate With Family5 out of 5
Good With Children3 out of 5
Good With Other Dogs3 out of 5
Shedding Level3 out of 5
Coat Grooming Level2 out of 5
Drooling Level2 out of 5
Openess to Strangers3 out of 5
Playfulness5 out of 5
Watch Dog / Protective5 out of 5
Adaptability (Routines vs non)4 out of 5
Trainability5 out of 5
Energy Level5 out of 5
Barking Level4 out of 5
Mental Stimulation Needs5 out of 5
Average Lifespan17 – 19 years
American Kennel Club GroupHerding Group

Top 10 Dog Breeds With The Longest Life Expectancy

Here is a list of the top ten dog breeds with the longest life expectancy in the American Kennel Club.

  1. Pyrenean ShepherdsOpens in a new tab. 17 – 19 years
  2. Coton de TulearOpens in a new tab. – 15 – 19 years
  3. Lagotti RomagnoliOpens in a new tab. – 15 – 17 years
  4. Manchester Terriers & Manchester TerriersOpens in a new tab. Toy – 15 – 17 years
  5. Tibetan TerriersOpens in a new tab. – 15 – 16 years
  6. Russian Tsvetnaya BolonkaOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 20 years
  7. Pointers (German Wirehaired)Opens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years
  8. HavaneseOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years
  9. ChihuahuasOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years
  10. American Hairless TerriersOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years

5 Dog Breeds With The Longest Lifespan And Are Great With Kids

Are you looking for a furry companion that will keep up with your wild kids and stick around for the long haul? Look no further than these loving dog breeds with some of the longest lifespans around. Plus, with an average lifespan of up to 14 years or more, you’ll be sure to have plenty of time to love and play with your new four-legged friend.

  1. Coton de TulearOpens in a new tab. – 15 – 19 years
  2. Russian Tsvetnaya BolonkaOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 20 years
  3. Petits Bassets Griffons VendeensOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years
  4. PapillonsOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years
  5. HavaneseOpens in a new tab. – 14 – 16 years

How can I tell how long my dog will live?

Determining the exact lifespan of a dog can be challenging, as it depends on many factors including breed, size, genetics, diet, and lifestyle. However, some general indicators can offer an estimation.

  1. Firstly, consider the breed and size of your dog. Smaller dogs typically live longer than larger breeds, and purebred dogs often have more health issues that could affect their lifespan.
  2. Secondly, a dog’s diet and physical activity can significantly influence their life expectancy. A balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and daily exercise can lead to a healthier life.
  3. Finally, the dog’s overall health status, including any chronic conditions or diseases, can directly affect their lifespan.

Remember, these are only estimates; individual dogs can undoubtedly live longer or shorter lives depending on unique circumstances.

What age is a dog considered senior?

In general, dogs transition into their senior years around the age of seven. The classification of a dog as a “senior” can vary based on breed and size. Larger breeds, like Great Danes or Newfoundland Dogs, may be considered seniors as early as five years old due to their shorter lifespan. 

Conversely, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers may not reach senior status until they’re ten years old. Monitor your pet’s health and behavior changes as they age, and consult with your vet for the best care during their golden years.

What percentage of dogs live past 15 years old?

18.4% of dogs have a life expectancy range that will have them living past 15 years of age. This is based on life expectancy data from two hundred and one American Kennel Club breeds. See the dog breed life expectancy table above for each dog’s lifespan.

Who was the longest-living dog?

The longest-living dog on record is Bobi age 31, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo Portuguese dog. Born on May 11, 1992, in Conqueiros, Leiria, Portugal, Bobi made history on February 2, 2023, as the first dog to reach the remarkable age of 30. See Bobi in the video below.

Watch this video produced by the Guinness Book Of World Records covering the life of Bobi, The Worlds Oldest Dog:

https://youtu.be/SIwcB56x2ek

7 Tips For Helping Your Dog Live A Long Life

  1. Provide Proper Nutrition For A Lean Body: To keep your dog healthy and thriving, provide a balanced diet of high-quality proteins, carbs, and fats. But choose foods to create a lean body type.In a landmark study by Purina Scientists, Researchers tracked the health of 48 Labrador Retrievers from birth, with half of them being fed 25% less than their full-fed siblings. The findings revealed that dogs maintained in lean body conditions throughout their lives and enjoyed better and longer lives. See the following three points below.
  • The median lifespan was extended by 1.8 years or 15%. The mean lifespan for lean-fed dogs was 13 years compared to 11.2 years for control-fed dogs.
  • Additionally, the implementation of a 25% dietary restriction resulted in a delay of chronic disease symptoms in these canines.
  • Implementing dietary restrictions did not have any negative impacts on skeletal maturation, structure, or metabolism. 
  1. Exercise Regularly: Like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks or backyard fetch games keep them fit and active. Teach them new tricks or take them to a park or beach for off-leash playtime to provide mental stimulation. 
  2. Schedule Veterinary Checkups: Regular vet checkups are crucial for your pet’s health. Schedule at least one appointment per year (or more as advised by your vet) to catch any issues early and address them promptly. 
  3. Keep Up With Vaccinations: Vaccinations are crucial for safeguarding your dog from deadly diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. Stay on top of their vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian to ensure lifelong protection against these illnesses. 
  4. Practice Good Dental Hygiene: Approximately 85% of dogs over four years of age have incurable periodontal disease (sourceOpens in a new tab.). Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene and avoiding poor dental health is crucial to overall longevity. Regularly brush their teeth with a dog-specific toothbrush and offer dental chews or treats to help remove plaque between brushings. 
  5. Monitor Parasite Prevention: Parasites like fleas, ticks, heartworms, and various worms can harm dogs if untreated. Consult your vet about protecting your pet from these parasites for lifelong health. 
  6. Provide Mental Stimulation: Mental stimulation is vital for your dog’s long-term health and happiness. Provide various activities like agility training, scent work, puzzle toys, interactive toys, and obedience classes to keep their minds sharp and engaged.
Dog Breed lifespan

Final Thoughts

The life expectancy of your four-legged friend depends on many factors, from diet to preventative medical care, exercise, genetics, environmental factors, and more. Plus each breed has varied disadvantages or special needs that need to be considered when selecting the right pup for you and your family.

It’s important to remember that no matter what type of dog you have — big or small — it remains an incredible gift in your life!

Are you wondering which dog breeds are the most energetic? Check out this article – 201 Dog Breeds Ranked By Energy Level – Find Your Perfect Pup!

Donnie Gardner

Donnie Gardner is the founder of Boston Terrier Society and author of The Complete Boston Terrier Guide. He has been raising Bella his Boston Terrier since 2010 and resides in Kansas with his wife, daughter, two sons. He created Boston Terrier Society to help owners make informed decisions about their dog's health, training, and care. 📖 Get his book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06k3klcb

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