If you are planning to adopt a dog or you have one and you want to know how long he can live you are on the right page. How long do dogs live? This is the question that we all want to answer and share the specifics. Keep in mind that the numbers you can see below are average and they are possible thanks to statistical data and calculations. But, we can still calculate how long a specific dog breed will live. There are a few things you need to know.
Smaller Dogs Live Longer
The first thing you need to know here is that smaller dogs will live longer. This is strange due to the fact in the animal kingdom, larger animals live longer. Some whales can live up to 100 years while mice can live a few years. How long do dogs live? Here the case is different. Scientists still don’t know why this happens but most believe that it has something to do with age-related diseases that affect bigger dogs more often and sooner.
Smaller dogs will typically live between 10 and 15 years. The best example is Chihuahua. These dogs can live between 15 and 17 years. There are a lot of differences when it comes to small dog breeds but most of them will live above 12-13 years. Medium dogs will live between 10 and 13 years. However, most of them will not live more than 15 years. Large dog breeds live between 8 and 12 years. Most of these are in the 10-12 years range.
The dog breed that has the shortest lifespan is the Irish wolfhound. This is the tallest dog breed and it will typically live 6.2 years on average. Chihuahuas live the longest. Some of them can live up to 20 years. As you can see, the difference is massive.
Life Expectancy Of Popular Dog Breeds Explained
Here we will have to take a deeper look. In other words, we will give you answers according to a specific dog breed. As you can assume, each dog breed has a different lifespan projection hence we need to explain it. All of these are the most popular pets at the moment!
How Long German Shepherds Live?
German Shepherds are some of the best and the most appealing dogs in the world. They are great pets. They are loyal, extremely smart, and beautiful. On average, they will live between 10 and 12 years which makes them one of the dog breeds with the shortest lifespan! Keep in mind that they need proper socialization and training to become the ultimate family dogs. This is also one of the most common dog breeds out there. As such, how long dogs live can be the same as how long German Shepherds live for some people.
How Long Fila Brasileiros Live?
How Long Fila Brasileiros Live? These amazing dogs will live between 9 and 11 years. These are guard dogs that are ideal for people who have a lot of experience with dogs. They are far from perfect for beginners and people who don’t have the time to spend on their socialization and training. Remember that these dogs can be very protective when strangers come.
How Long Kuvasz Live?
These dogs are ideal for livestock guarding. This was their main purpose. They live between 9 and 12 years. Yes, it is another dog breed with a short lifespan. If you want one, make sure you have experience with dogs. They can be stubborn and they like to spend time outside and they don’t have problems being alone.
How Long Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lives?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an amazing dog that will live between 9 and 12 years. In general, a lot of genetic issues affect their lifespan and make it short. On the other hand, they love kids and they love spending time with the family. An interesting addition is that you can keep one in an apartment without a single problem.
How Long Great Danes Live?
You all know that Great Danes are massive dogs and that they don’t live long. This is the truth. They live between 6 and 8 years and many of them have heart-related issues. Despite the size, these are gentle dogs that love the family and kids. They can also accept other dogs well but only if the socialization has been present since the puppyhood. It is important to add that they don’t like to be teased and you shouldn’t make fun of a Great Dane. They are also stubborn.
How Long Bernese Mountain Dogs Live?
A Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular and appealing dog breed. We all love them. They live between 6 and 8 years making them one of the dog breeds with the shortest lifespan. On the other hand, these dogs are happy and will accept other people and animals well. But, you need to trim his fur on a regular basis and keep in mind this dog breed doesn’t like hot weather. They prefer a cooler climate.
How Long Chihuahuas Live?
If you recall, we did mention that Chihuahuas have a very long lifespan. As a matter of fact, these dogs have the longest lifespan of all dog breeds. They can live up to 20 years while the average number is 17 years. The size can be only up to 7 pounds and we are talking about an adult dog.
An interesting fact is that these dogs don’t have severe health diseases and conditions owners need to worry about. They are an extremely healthy dog breed. Despite their size, they can be aggressive and some call them small guard dogs. When they see a stranger, they will need some time to get used to him.
How Long Toy Poodles Live?
As you can assume, these dogs are small. But, they come in different sizes. You can have teacup, toy, standard and giant size. All of them are small but not extremely small. The toy poodle has the longest lifespan of all the sub-breeds. These dogs will live between 12 and 15 years but most will live longer. If you are a first time owner, you will love toy poodles. They are easy to train and they don’t need much. Yes, they will get along with other dogs and people just fine.
How Long Bichon Frise Lives?
Bichon Frise has a hypoallergenic coat and is also loving nature. They are a very common dog breed and most people love them. They live on average 13 years. The first time when you see one, you will be impressed. Large had paired with large eyes and soft fur makes these dogs look like stuffed animals. They are also great with other pets and kids which makes them ideal pets for a family.
How Long Dogue De Bordeaux Live?
Here we have one dog that is special in many ways. Sadly, the lifespan is not special. They live only 5-7 years which can be a huge issue for some owners. When it comes to energy and exercising, they don’t have nor need this. They can spend a lot of time indoors and will be happy. All they need is a few walks per week. These dogs will be protective all the time and many people use them as watchdogs.
How Long Boerboel Live?
Boerboel is a funny and large dog that will live between 9 and 11 years. An interesting fact here is that these dogs will be friends with cats but not with other dogs. Hence, if you have a cat, this is a dog breed to look for. In addition, these are protective in nature so early socialization and proper training are a must. Without these, they can become aggressive. Don’t forget that they need a lot of work such as pulling a trailer, guarding, etc.
How Long Chow Chow Lives?
These amazing dogs will live between 8 and 12 years. They are actually one of the most popular dog breeds with the shortest lifespan. There are some issues if you want to adopt one. These dogs are aggressive when it comes to their food. They don’t like other dogs and they are not fond of children. Some owners keep them due to their appearance which is special.
They have long fur and a specific head. If you want one, you need to invest into proper training and make him social and well-trained. Only then are these pets ideal to keep in a family or with other dogs.
How Long French Bulldog Live?
French Bulldogs will live between 8 and 12 years. This is not much considering some dog breeds can live twice as much. They have a short coat that is easy to groom and keep in order. They also like kids and can be perfect pets for families. However, they can be aggressive toward strangers so keep that in mind. Another thing we must add is that these dogs will look after children and some people even call them ‘’nannies’’.
How Long Shih Tzu Lives?
You may have heard of Shih Tzu and you want one. These are small dogs that live around 15 years. Some people even call these ’’the cutest dogs alive’’ so you can get a better idea of what to expect. They have a good nature, don’t bark much and they don’t need a lot of physical activity. But they do need constant grooming which can be expensive.
How Long Schnauzers Live?
Schnauzers are one of those dog breeds that you will be impressed with. They live 12 years on average which is not bad. They also have a calm personality and they are independent dogs. It can be a huge advantage if you don’t have enough time to spend with your pet. On the other hand, we have stubborn behavior. They are actually one of the most stubborn dogs and proper training by professionals is mandatory unless you want to have a dog who will never obey your command.
How Long Fox Terriers Live?
Fox Terriers live 13 years but some will live much longer. They are small dogs and they need plenty of exercise every single day. One of the best things here is their love to be in the pack. Downsides include barking and digging around. They don’t like other dogs and they are not great with kids hence this dog breed may not be ideal for some people.
How Long Rottweilers Live?
A Rottweiler is one of the most popular dog breeds and the one that is special. They look great and they are scary to some people. They live between 9 and 10 years which is not much. Also, they are smart and want to learn new things hence they do have impressive qualities. Despite their nature, these dogs will be great pets. They are protective of family and kids. Some can be trained to be very aggressive when it comes to their territory which can be a big problem.
How Long Cardigan Welsh Corgis Live?
Cardigan Welsh Corgis live around 13 years and they are the oldest dog breed that came from the United Kingdom. These dogs love people and families. They have a strong instinct to herd cattle hence these are working dogs. When it comes to health, there are no major issues. The ones we can see are problems with hips and the back. Other than that, these are healthy and dogs who live long.
How Long Australian Shepherds Live?
Australian Shepherds have one of the most interesting eyes on the planet. They also have one of the longest lifespans. They will live 15 years on average. You will need to know a few things if you want one. They are healthy, have plenty of energy and they must be active. These are some of the most agile dogs in the world and are commonly members of agility competitions in the world.
How Long Afghan Hounds Live?
Afghan Hounds are elegant and special pets. They will live between 12 and 14 years on average. The long coat looks nice but it is a nightmare when it comes to maintenance. They have more energy than some people can handle and they are fast dogs. You obviously need to help them use that energy if you want to have a happy and healthy dog.
How Long New Guinea Singing Dogs Live?
New Guinea Singing Dogs are not common, despite the main topic here. However, we had to include them due to a simple fact. They are interesting and they are special. First of all, there are only 100 dogs of this breed in the world. They can howl, which is like singing, hence the name. Another interesting fact is that they can live 15 years or longer. Despite their wild roots, these dogs are great with people and can be ideal pets.
How Long Golden Retrievers Live?
There is no need to add that Golden retrievers are some of the best and the most popular dog breeds of all time. They have been one of the top 5 most popular breeds in the world and have been on the top of the list, especially in the United States. These dogs live around 12 years which is not bad for a large dog. Keep in mind that they are prone to cancer hence regular vet checks are mandatory. You need to make sure your pet is healthy and start treatment as soon as possible.
How Long Jack Russell Terriers Live?
Jack Russell Terriers are healthy dogs and they live around 14 years. These are very healthy dogs that don’t have a lot of diseases or conditions present, something we can see with most terriers. If you own one, keep in mind that he needs some tasks to complete. These will also help him burn the calories and stay healthy. In a nutshell, they are great pets that will be with you very long.
How Long Beagle Lives?
Beagle is a popular dog breed that lives around 12 years. They are small but they are also one of the best dogs for hunting. The hunting instinct here is strong so you will have to train your pet not to chase everything he can. The oldest dog of this breed lives 27 years which is impressive.
How Long Scottish Deerhounds Live?
Scottish Deerhound is an interesting dog and one that has a short life expectancy. These dogs will live around 9-11 years. Despite their size, these are loyal and friendly dogs who love spending time with family. They also like to roam around so you will need a big fence. We must add that they are perfect with other pets and children. The only issue is their stubbornness which can be a problem for some owners.
How Long Maltese Live?
We can argue that Maltese is an extremely popular dog breed if not one of the most common across the country. They have an amazing coat, white of course and they love to play with you and cuddle. These small dogs have tons of energy so they can play the entire day. The breed is healthy because there are no a lot of genetic issues. One fact that we must mention is that female dogs will live 1 year longer than most male dogs. The average lifespan is 15 years.
How Long Shetland Sheepdog Lives?
Shetland Sheepdogs are beautiful dogs that have specific and interesting blue eyes. They live between 8 and 12 years. These dogs are eager to please their owners and they are perfect when it comes to getting along with other dogs and kids. However, if you have a smaller dog or a cat you need to train your Shetland Sheepdog to behave properly. The hair is very long and very soft. Yes, it looks beautiful but it can be a nightmare when it comes to grooming.
How Long Maltipoo Lives?
These pets will live between 12 and 15 years but most reach a higher number. Keep in consideration that this is a mixed breed dog. They come as a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. What this means is that they have great health and they live longer than some other dog breeds of the same size. One advantage is the lack of shedding. They almost don’t shed at all and some people claim that these are hypoallergenic dogs.
How Long Shiba Inus Live?
Shiba Inus live 12-15 years and they are becoming one of the most popular dog breeds of all time. How long do dogs live? Now you know, at least when it comes to this particular dog breed. There are some genetic issues you need to know about. Some of them include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and more. An interesting fact here is that the longest living Shiba Inu lived 26 years which is amazing. They have a lot of energy but they are also very stubborn.
How Long Lhasa Apso Live?
Lhasa Apso is an interesting dog breed and one that is very intelligent, small and confident. They have a stunning coat that is extremely long and we all know what that means. They can live around 15 years. The oldest member of this breed was 29 years so you can see that some individuals can live really long. In addition, these dogs love the family but not strangers. They need time to adapt and accept a stranger.
How Long Yorkshire Terriers Live?
Yorkshire Terriers are a very popular dog breed and you can see them at any park these days. When it comes to lifespan, they tend to live between 13 and 16 years. The coat is long and if you don’t trim it, the coat will become extremely long and silky smooth. These pets love to play and they have a lot of energy that can help them with that. Keep in consideration that they are small dogs. What this means is that they can be bossy with other animals, strangers and also kids.
How Long Dachshunds Live?
Dachshunds will live around 13 years but many can live a bit longer. Yes, these dogs love their owners and people in general. They have a lot of energy so they can play for days. Two things you need to know. The first one is that these dogs do need a proper diet in order to be and stay healthy. The second is that they don’t like it and they shouldn’t live in a house where there are a lot of stairs. As you can see, they have short legs (wiener legs) hence they don’t ‘’like’’ stairs. On the other hand, the legs and long back are the main characteristics of Dachshunds.
How Long Shar-Pei Live?
Shar-Pei is another dog that you will love the first time you see one. They are not very common but they are gaining in popularity as we speak. The lifespan is 8-10 years which is short for dogs. There are a few things you need to know. These pets can spend a lot of time alone and they don’t need a lot of physical activity. You can walk him around the neighborhood and that’s it. But, you will have to groom him on a daily basis. They shed a lot so keep that in mind.
How Long Bullmastiffs Live?
Bullmastiffs are popular dogs and one that has a very short lifespan. On average, they live between 7 and 10 years. There are a few things we must explain. They like to snore and fart. They are complicated to train and they are not very intelligent. But, they can be great pets. They love the family and will do anything they can to protect the pack. In addition, they can be stubborn so early and proper training is mandatory.
How Long Irish Wolfhounds Live?
These pets live only 7-9 years and they are another, short lifespan breed we have here. They are also fast and they are very tall. These dogs will be protective but they will accept children and will play with them. They can accept other pets as well but only if they have proper training which is long and can be expensive.
How Long Saint Bernards Live?
Saint Bernard is a big dog that lives between 8 and 11 years. As you can assume, these are commonly called as some of the dog breeds with the shortest lifespan. They love other dogs and kids and they don’t need a lot of physical activity. They also don’t need you to be with them all day long. We also want to add their loyalty which is impressive. When it comes to training and grooming, they need these things a lot. But, you will have a beautiful and amazing dog at the end.
How Long Newfoundlands Live?
These dogs are epic and look like no other dog breed. They live between 8 and 10 years. Due to their fur, they will prefer a cold climate. If you live in an area where the temperature gets high, you will have to trim the fur. These pets love to play and they can play all day long. Despite the gentle heart, they can and will try to protect you at all times. Training is simple and very interesting.
How Long Pomeranians Live?
Pomeranians live 15 years and many can live much longer. These dogs are obedient and they have intelligence. On the other hand, they don’t have plenty of energy which makes them ideal pets for certain people. However, they will love to explore the world around them. We would like to add that this breed is ideal as purse dogs due to their calm temper. All we can add here is that these are amazing dogs that are the most common choice for women.
How Long Great Swiss Mountain Dogs Live?
A Great Swiss Mountain Dog is not a typical dog you can see everywhere around you. These are work dogs and as such they need responsibility and they need daily tasks. You can keep one in the house but he will need a lot of time outside where he can exercise and do something. They live between 8 and 10 years which is short. Don’t forget that this breed is perfect for hunters and sports. They are agile, fast, and strong.
How Long Bulldogs Live?
Bulldogs are becoming a more and more popular dog breed. They can live between 8 and 10 years and male dogs can reach 50 pounds. Female dogs will reach 40 pounds. These dogs will reach 14-15 inches in height. You probably know a lot about these dogs. They are affectionate with a family and they are fine with children. They can be good with other dogs but not special.
How Long German Shorthaired Pointers Live?
German Shorthaired Pointers are a very popular dog breed as well. They live between 10 and 12 years and they can reach 70 pounds in weight (males). The weight for females starts at 50 pounds. Females will have 45-60 pounds.
These dogs look like no other dog and they are ideal to keep in a later family. German Shorthaired Pointers love children and they will get along with other dogs just fine. Due to the short and smooth coat, they don’t need a lot of grooming. They don’t drool a lot either which makes them ideal pets.
How Long Boxers Live?
Boxers are the 14th most popular breed in the United States at the moment. These dogs live between 10 and 12 years. Makes will reach 80 pounds of weight and 25 inches of height. Female dogs are smaller. They will reach 65 pounds and 23.5 inches. Despite what you may have heard, these dogs are great with children. They are fine with other animals and they are very affectionate for their family.
We must add that Boxers are courageous dogs and they can be silly sometimes. These are some of the reasons why they have been extremely popular for decades.
How Long Pugs Live?
As you know already, these dogs are common and they will only become more common. They live between 13 and 15 years. Pugs will reach 18 pounds in weight and 13 inches in height so these are small dogs. They love their family and will enjoy spending time with the members. Many of you know that pugs are great with children and can accept other pets as well.
This dog breed was a common choice of many Chinese emperors so you can have a royal dog. Those of you who want to have a dog to play with, travel with, and spend a lot of time with should consider Pugs. They are a popular dog breed due to a reason and they will probably become even more desirable in the near future.
How Long Bloodhounds Live?
Bloodhounds are special and popular dogs. They can reach 110 pounds and 27 inches (males) or 100 pounds and 25 inches (females) and they live between 10 and 12 years. These dogs are professionals when it comes to finding a person or an item that got lost.
You can see them used by authorities all across the country. This is because they have the best sense of smell and they can be properly trained to help easily. Despite their large size, these dogs are gentle and very intelligent.
How Long Akitas Live?
Akitas live up to 14 years. The average life expectancy is between 10 and 14 years more precisely. They can reach 130 pounds and 28 inches in height. This is for males. Females can reach 100 pounds and 26 inches. There is no need to add that these are large dogs.
They don’t like other dogs so this breed is not perfect if you already have pets. They are fine with kids and family but not as much as some other pets. All of you know that these dogs come from Japan and they are protective, loyal, and courageous pets.
How Long Dalmatians Live?
Dalmatians are one of the best-known dog breeds. One of the reasons for that is the movie or better said countless movies featuring these dogs. They live between 11 and 13 years and can reach 70 pounds of weight. The height is up to 24 inches. We can see that this breed loves the family and will do anything to protect the family members. They are not the best dogs for children and to gel along with other dogs but they can learn how to do it properly.
All we can add here is that the coat and the long history are a few things you will learn about these dogs as soon as you adopt one. They bark but only to alert the owner, nothing extensive.
The Final Word
How long do dogs live? As you can see, the numbers vary and there is no way we can generalize the answer in a single sentence. The only generic rule here is that smaller dogs live longer. Bigger dogs live shorter. When you are planning to adopt a dog, always make sure you understand this. Some owners don’t like having a dog for 6-7 years only.
It can be a painful and problematic experience. In addition, you need to research and see which dog breeds are healthy and which are known to have health issues. This can affect the lifespan as well.
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