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As dog owners, we wish our furry friends could stay by our sides forever. However, it's just a fact of life that the average lifespan of a dog is shorter than a human's. It can be a challenging reality to face, and many of us struggle when it comes time to say goodbye to our loyal companions. That's why knowing the basic facts about a dog's life expectancy is essential.
So, how long do dogs live? It varies, but by understanding the factors that influence a dog's lifespan, such as breed, size and general health, we can better prepare for their senior years and provide them with the best possible care. This helps ensure we spend as much time as possible with our beloved pets. Read on to learn how you can estimate your dog's lifespan and why dog health insurance is the smartest option to give them the care they need.
Article Contents:
The Average Lifespan of a Dog
How Long Do Small Dogs Live?
How Long Do Medium Dogs Live?
How Long Do Big Dogs Live?
How to Improve Dog Life Expectancy
The Average Lifespan of a Dog
Dog lifespans can vary significantly based on their breed and size. While the average lifespan of a dog is between 10-13 years, several factors directly affect how long your family companion will be by your side. As a species, dogs are incredibly diverse in size, build and appearance – primarily due to human intervention [1]. Therefore, it's not surprising that there are significant differences in lifespan depending on what dog breed you own.
Generally, smaller dogs are the longest-living dog breeds compared to their larger counterparts [2]. Although the exact cause is not well established, it's possible that medical conditions that commonly affect aging dogs (such as mobility issues and incontinence) may be more challenging to manage in larger breeds, which can lead to earlier euthanasia.
Genetics also play a significant role in dog life expectancy. Purebred dogs have a higher risk of specific hereditary diseases because they are bred with other dogs with similar genes [3]. Mixed-breed dogs, on the other hand, have a reduced risk of diseases, contributing to their increased lifespan. Unfortunately, certain breeds are purposely bred to have traits that may result in shortened lifespans.
How Long Do Small Dogs Live?
It's commonly known that small dogs are some of the longest-living dog breeds. Small-breed dogs have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, but they're also prone to specific health issues as they age. Specifically, they may develop liver, kidney or adrenal disease, as well as degenerative heart disease [4]. Additionally, small dogs are highly susceptible to dental disease, which can further complicate these conditions.
Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular small dog breeds:
Chihuahuas: 15-17 Years
Smooth & Wire Fox Terriers: 13-15 Years
English Toy Spaniels: 13-15 Years
Pomeranians: 14-16 Years
Parson Russell Terriers: 13-15 Years
Yorkshire Terriers: 12-15 Years
How Long Do Medium Dogs Live?
Medium-sized dogs generally have a lifespan that aligns with the average of 10-13 years. However, like all dogs, lifespan and potential health issues vary significantly from breed to breed. Here are the average lifespans for several well-known medium-sized dog breeds:
Australian Shepherds: 12-15 Years
Cocker Spaniels: 13-15 Years
Poodles: 12-15 Years
Bulldogs: 10-12 Years
Boxers: 10-12 Years
How Long Do Big Dogs Live?
Large dogs tend to have slightly shorter lifespans than medium-sized dogs, with an average lifespan of 9-12 years. Additionally, towering giant breeds have the shortest average lifespan at 8-10 years.
As dogs get larger, they may be more prone to medical issues, such as arthritis and certain types of cancer [5]. Unfortunately, large and giant breeds are also more susceptible to bone cancers and neurologic diseases than smaller dogs, which can be challenging to manage.
Here are some examples of popular large dog breeds and their average lifespans:
Great Danes: 8-10 Years
Golden Retrievers: 10-12 Years
Bernese Mountain Dogs: 7-10 Years
Giant Schnauzers: 10-12 Years
Dogue de Bordeauxs: 9-11 Years
Rottweilers: 10-12 Years
St. Bernards: 10-12 Years
Newfoundlands: 9-10 Years
How to Improve Dog Life Expectancy
Predicting dog lifespans can be challenging, as many factors beyond our control impact dog life expectancy. While this can be frustrating for pet owners who want to ensure their beloved companion stays with them as long as possible, we can take steps to increase our pups' lifespan.
Do Your Research
Selecting a dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences is important. Still, it's also essential to remember that breed plays a major role in a dog's lifespan and health. If you have a specific breed in mind, it's critical to research carefully and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes health over looks. A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings and genetic testing to ensure their breeding dogs are free of common diseases. Understanding your puppy's relatives' health conditions and lifespan can also help you make an informed decision.
While mixed-breed dogs are generally considered healthier and may live longer than purebred dogs, designer breeds, such as Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, can still have specific health issues affecting dog life expectancy. Breeders of designer breeds should also be held to high standards.
Adopting a mixed-breed dog from a shelter is a great choice, as these dogs often have a varied enough genetic background to avoid breed-specific illnesses that impact dog lifespan. However, it can still be helpful to DNA test your shelter pup to anticipate any health issues that may arise. Knowing more about your dog's genetic background can help you give them the best possible care for a long and happy life.
Follow Your Veterinarian's Guidance
To ensure health and improve dog life expectancy, follow your veterinarian's recommendations for preventive care. This includes regular vaccinations against infectious diseases and appropriate prevention against fleas, ticks and heartworm, depending on your location.
In addition to these measures, having your pet undergo routine testing for intestinal and blood parasites at least once a year is recommended.
It is also advisable to discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of performing blood work panels to check liver, kidney and bone marrow health, especially in senior dogs. Establishing and monitoring baselines when they are young can help detect and manage diseases early on.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for your dog's overall well-being. Nearly 34 percent of adult dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, which can significantly impact their lifespan [6]. Research suggests that obese dogs live an average of two years less than dogs at a healthy weight. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is crucial to reduce the risk of weight-related diseases, improve their quality of life and allow them to live their full life expectancy.
Further Your Dog's Lifespan With Affordable Dog Insurance From Embrace
Your dog is your faithful companion and deserves the best care possible to live a happy and healthy life. Your veterinarian is your trusted partner in achieving a longer dog lifespan for your pup. Together, you can create a customized plan that addresses your dog's unique needs, including proper nutrition, preventative care and exercise, to ensure they remain active and vibrant as they age.
While the importance of regular vet visits cannot be overstated, the cost of veterinary care can add up quickly, making it difficult to provide your dog with the best possible care. Embrace offers a variety of customizable dog health insurance plans to meet your specific needs and budget. Whether your dog requires routine check-ups, diagnostic tests or emergency and specialty care, our plans cover everything from exam and consultation fees to procedures and treatments. Request a free online quote today.
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