Knowing your dog's breed and average lifespan can help you take good care of them as they enter their senior years and even prolong their life. If you're considering adding a new dog to your family, this knowledge can help you plan for the future.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

The average dog lifespan is 10 to 13 years, but genetics, size and health play a significant role in each individual dog’s life¹.

Smaller Dogs Tend to Live Longer

The smaller the dog, the longer they tend to live. Nobody is 100% sure why small dogs live longer, but one theory is they age slower than large breeds.

Larger dogs do tend to have a shorter lifespan and frequently can get issues such as OA pain that could limit their lifespan.

Mixed Breed Dogs Tend to Live Longer

Dogs that live the longest also tend to be mixed breeds, due to their diverse genetic makeup. This means that they’re less likely to inherit genetic disorders.

In comparison, purebred dogs have a much smaller gene pool to choose from, making them more prone to genetic disorders. This can significantly impact their lifespan.

One 2019 study found that lifespan was significantly longer for mixed breeds when it came to large-sized dogs².

The Longest Living Dog Breeds

When it comes to purebred dogs, some breeds typically live longer than most. Most of these breeds are on the small side. A small dog that is a mix of these breeds is also more likely to live longer.

Chihuahuas

Weighing only two to six pounds, Chihuahuas are one of the smallest and longest living dog breeds around. They’re known for their long lifespan, with some living up to 20 years. Congestive heart failure is the leading cause of death in older Chihuahuas, so make sure to keep your senior pup up to date on their wellness visits to the vet. Otherwise, they aren’t prone to many serious health issues and are a great choice for those looking for a long-living companion.

Toy Poodles

As the smallest of the three Poodle sizes, Toy Poodles weigh between four and six pounds and can live up to 18 years. They’re a smart breed and are fun to train for obedience and tricks. Like many small dogs, Toy Poodles are at risk for dental disease as they age and require regular teeth brushing and professional dental care.

Maltese

Weighing under seven pounds, this tiny breed usually lives between 12-15 years. Maltese dogs are known for their low shedding, long, silky coat. They’re intelligent, friendly, playful and make great family pets. They have few health issues to look out for and responsible breeders will screen for any genetic conditions.

Miniature Schnauzers

This breed is known for its distinctive mustache and can live between 12-15 years. The smallest of the three Schnauzer sizes, the Mini stands between 12-14 inches and weighs between 11-20 pounds. Mini Schnauzers are intelligent and loyal dogs that are fun to play with and to train to for tricks and agility. They’re prone to a few health conditions but are considered a generally healthy breed.

Beagles

The life expectancy of a Beagle ranges from 10-15 years. This breed actually comes in two standard sizes: 13 inches and under, weighing under 20 pounds, and 13-15 inches tall, weighing between 20-30 pounds. Friendly and energetic, Beagles make great family companions. Like other long-living dog breeds, Beagles are prone to dental disease as they age. Thanks to their love of food, they’re also prone to obesity.

Australian Cattle Dogs

This medium-sized dog has a life expectancy of 12-16 years and weighs between 35-50 pounds. This is an intelligent herding breed with endless energy. ACDs may deal with OA painas they age and are prone to obesity but are generally healthy dogs. They’re great companions for an attentive person who loves to stay active.

Dachshunds

These spunky little dogs come in two sizes: standard and miniature. A standard Dachshund weighs between 16-32 pounds, making them a somewhat large, small dog. Miniature Dachshunds weigh only 11 pounds and under. The life expectancy for both sizes is between 12-16 years old. These little hunters are brave, can be stubborn, and make great companions. To help them live longer, keep their long back healthy by monitoring their weight and activities.

The World’s Oldest Dog

As of June 2023, the world’s oldest living dog is Bobi, a 31-year-old dog in Portugal. Bobi is a Rafeiro do Alentejo, a medium-sized, purebred livestock guardian breed native to Portugal. Prior to Bobi, an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey was confirmed to have lived to 29 years old in the early 1900s.

Despite all odds, both of the longest living dogs reached well beyond the average dog’s lifespan. This just goes to show that every dog is unique and with good preventive veterinary care and lots of love, any dog can live a long and happy life.