How Long Do Dogs Live? Dog Lifespan by Breed and Size
Most dogs live about 12 to 13 years. In US veterinary records, small dogs live about 13.5 years on average, medium dogs 12.7, large dogs 11.5 and giant breeds 9.5. A UK study of 584,734 dogs found a median lifespan of 12.5 years.
How long do dogs live?
Three large studies land in the same place: the average dog lives about 12 to 13 years.
- United States: records from more than 13 million dogs seen at Banfield hospitals give a life expectancy at birth of 12.69 years.
- United Kingdom, 2024: across 584,734 dogs from 18 data sources, the median lifespan was 12.5 years.
- England, 2013: vet records of 102,609 dogs showed a median of 12.0 years.
How long your own dog lives depends most on size, then breed, weight and health care. Use the lookup above to see where your dog is today, or the dog age calculator to convert their age to human years.
Average dog lifespan by size
Size is the strongest predictor of how long a dog lives. These are US life expectancies at birth for purebred dogs, grouped by adult weight:
| Size | Adult weight | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| Toy | under 12 lb (<5.5 kg) | 13.36 yrs |
| Small | 12–24 lb (5.5–11 kg) | 13.53 yrs |
| Medium | 24–57 lb (11–26 kg) | 12.7 yrs |
| Large | 57–99 lb (26–45 kg) | 11.51 yrs |
| Giant | 99 lb and up (≥45 kg) | 9.51 yrs |
Dog life expectancy by breed
The green bar is the breed club's typical range (AKC). The orange dot is the median age at death found in the 2024 UK study. Search or sort to compare.
| Breed | AKC range | Study median | 0 – 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terrier Small · Dental disease | 11–15 yrs | 13.3 yrs(14,579) | |
| Golden Retriever Large · Cancer | 10–12 yrs | 13.2 yrs(11,506) | |
| Labrador Retriever Large · Ear infections & obesity | 11–13 yrs | 13.1 yrs(43,428) | |
| Shih Tzu Small · Dental disease | 10–18 yrs | 12.8 yrs(12,007) | |
| Pit Bull Medium · Hip dysplasia | 12–16 yrsAmStaff | 12.0 yrs(36,216) | |
| Chihuahua Small · Dental disease | 14–16 yrs | 11.8 yrs(10,788) | |
| Pug Small · Obesity | 13–15 yrs | 11.6 yrs(10,026) | |
| Boxer Large · Heart disease | 10–12 yrs | 11.3 yrs(11,294) | |
| German Shepherd Large · Hip & elbow dysplasia | 12–14 yrs | 11.3 yrs(19,908) | |
| Great Dane Giant · Bloat (GDV) | 7–10 yrs | 10.6 yrs(1,986) | |
| English Bulldog Medium · Skin fold infections | 8–10 yrs | 9.8 yrs(11,065) | |
| French Bulldog Small–medium · Breathing problems (BOAS) | 10–12 yrs | 9.8 yrs(11,821) | |
| Mixed breedCrossbreeds | — | 12.0 yrs | |
| All dogs | — | 12.5 yrs(584,734) |
No match. Try the size table below, or pick "Mixed breed" in the lookup.
Pit Bull: the AKC range is for the American Staffordshire Terrier (the AKC doesn't recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier). The median is for Staffordshire Bull Terriers (36,216 dogs); American Staffordshire Terriers had a median of 12.5 years, but from only 142 dogs.
What age do dogs die?
In an English study of 102,609 dogs, the median age at death was 12.0 years. Half of the dogs died between about 9 and 14 years old (8.9 to 14.2), so a dog reaching its early teens is doing well, and many live longer.
What dogs die of changes with age. A study of 74,556 dogs in North America found that young dogs most often died of gastrointestinal and infectious disease, while older dogs more often died of neurological disease and cancer. Large breeds more often died of musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal problems, and small breeds of endocrine disease. The AVMA notes that cancer accounts for almost half of deaths in pets over 10.
What is the oldest a dog has lived?
The oldest dog confirmed by Guinness World Records was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived 29 years and 5 months and died in 1939. In 2023 a Portuguese dog named Bobi was named the oldest ever at 31, but Guinness withdrew that title in February 2024 for lack of evidence and has not confirmed a new holder.
Those are extreme exceptions. Among breeds in the 2024 UK study, the longest median lifespan was 15.4 years, for the Lancashire Heeler. For most dogs, reaching the mid to late teens is a long life.
Why lifespan numbers disagree
If you've seen different numbers for the same breed, you're not imagining it. Sources measure lifespan in different ways:
| Measure | What it means | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Breed club range | A typical range published by the breed club. Not a study. | 14–16 yrs |
| Median lifespan | Half of the dogs in the records died before this age, half after. | 11.8 yrs |
| Life expectancy at birth | Average years a newborn puppy can expect, counting every early death from accidents and illness. | 7.9 yrs |
Breed club ranges are often higher than study medians: 14–16 vs 11.8 years for Chihuahuas, and 13–15 vs 11.6 for Pugs. The Great Dane goes the other way, with an AKC range of 7–10 years and a UK median of 10.6 (from 1,986 dogs). Life expectancy at birth is lowest because it counts young dogs that died early, and it drops further for breeds whose population grew quickly in recent years.
Most large studies come from the UK, where vet records are pooled for research. We label UK and US data so you can see where each number comes from.
Why do large dogs die younger?
In most animals, bigger species live longer. Dogs break that rule. Researchers who analyzed 74 breeds found that large dogs die young mainly because they age faster: once adult, their risk of dying rises more quickly each year. Large and giant breeds also grow very fast as puppies, and much of their extra body mass is built in the first year or two.
That is why the dog age calculator adds more human years per year for large and giant dogs, and why their senior years start earlier.
Longest- and shortest-lived breeds
Among the 12 popular breeds on this page, the longest median lifespans belong to the Yorkshire Terrier (13.3 years), Golden Retriever (13.2) and Labrador Retriever (13.1). The shortest are the French Bulldog and English Bulldog, both at 9.8 years.
Across all 155 breeds in the 2024 UK study, the Lancashire Heeler had the longest median lifespan at 15.4 years, and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog had the shortest.
Flat-faced breeds and lifespan
Head shape matters. In the UK study, flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs had a median lifespan of 11.2 years, compared with 12.8 for medium-length muzzles and 12.1 for long, narrow muzzles. Flat-faced dogs are prone to breathing problems, which can shorten their lives.
Do mixed-breed dogs live longer?
It's a popular belief, but the research doesn't agree. An English study of 102,609 dogs found crossbreeds lived about 1.2 years longer than purebreds. The larger 2024 UK study found the opposite: a median of 12.0 years for crossbreeds and 12.7 for purebreds. A US study of 20,970 dogs found no significant difference. Size and individual health matter more than whether a dog has a pedigree.
Do female dogs live longer than males?
Yes, but only slightly. The 2024 UK study found a median of 12.7 years for females and 12.4 for males. UK life tables show 11.4 vs 11.1 years at birth, and US data shows 12.76 vs 12.63.
How to help your dog live longer
Many dogs live well past their breed's median. These are the factors with the best evidence:
Keep your dog lean
In US records, dogs with the highest body condition score had a life expectancy of 11.7 years, compared with 13.2 for dogs at an ideal weight. In a lifetime study of Labradors, dogs fed 25% less than their pair-mates lived significantly longer and developed chronic disease later.
Talk to your vet about neutering
Neutered dogs live longer on average, but timing can affect joint and cancer risks in some breeds.
Schedule regular checkups
The AVMA suggests twice-yearly visits for senior dogs, so problems are caught early.
Know your breed's risks
Each breed has its own common problems, from bloat in Great Danes to breathing issues in flat-faced dogs.
Research continues: the US Dog Aging Project is following tens of thousands of dogs to learn why some live longer than others.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dogs live?
Most dogs live about 12 to 13 years. US veterinary records put average life expectancy at birth at 12.69 years, and a UK study of 584,734 dogs found a median lifespan of 12.5 years. Small breeds usually live longer than giant breeds.
What age do most dogs die?
In an English study of 102,609 dogs, the median age at death was 12.0 years, and half of the dogs died between about 9 and 14 years old. Small breeds tend to live longer and giant breeds die younger.
What is the oldest a dog has ever lived?
The oldest dog confirmed by Guinness World Records was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived 29 years and 5 months and died in 1939. A later claim for a Portuguese dog named Bobi was withdrawn by Guinness in 2024.
Which dog breeds live the longest?
Of the breeds on this page, Yorkshire Terriers (13.3 years), Golden Retrievers (13.2) and Labrador Retrievers (13.1) had the highest median lifespans in the 2024 UK study. Across all 155 breeds in that study, the Lancashire Heeler lived longest, with a median of 15.4 years.
Why do lifespan numbers disagree so much?
Sources measure different things. Breed clubs give a typical range, studies report the median age at death in vet records, and life tables estimate life expectancy at birth, which counts every early death. The country, the years studied and how popular a breed recently became all shift the numbers.
Why do large dogs have shorter lifespans?
A study of 74 breeds found that large dogs die younger mainly because they age faster once they are adults, not because ageing starts earlier. In US data, giant purebreds have a life expectancy of about 9.5 years, compared with about 13.5 for small dogs.
Do mixed-breed dogs live longer?
The evidence is mixed. An English study found crossbreeds lived about 1.2 years longer than purebreds, but the 2024 UK study found a slightly lower median for crossbreeds (12.0 vs 12.7 years), and a US study of about 21,000 dogs found no significant difference. Size and health matter more than pedigree.
Do female dogs live longer than males?
Slightly. The 2024 UK study found a median of 12.7 years for females and 12.4 for males. US data shows a smaller gap, 12.76 vs 12.63 years.
Does spaying or neutering affect lifespan?
Neutered dogs live longer on average in UK and US records. For example, UK life tables show about 12.0 years for neutered females and 11.5 for neutered males, compared with about 10.6 for intact dogs. Neutering can also affect joint and cancer risks in some breeds, so talk to your vet about timing.
How often should a senior dog see the vet?
The AVMA suggests checkups every six months for senior dogs, so problems can be caught early.
How long will my dog live?
No calculator can predict one dog's lifespan. What we can show is the range for dogs of the same breed or size, and where your dog is today. Healthy weight, dental care and regular checkups all help.
Keep going
Sources
- McMillan K.M. et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports, 2024.
- Montoya M. et al. Life Expectancy Tables for Dogs and Cats Derived from Clinical Data. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2023.
- Teng K.T. et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports, 2022.
- O'Neill D.G. et al. Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. The Veterinary Journal, 2013.
- Fleming J.M. et al. Mortality in North American Dogs from 1984 to 2004: An Investigation into Age-, Size-, and Breed-Related Causes of Death. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2011.
- Urfer S.R. et al. Lifespan of companion dogs seen in three independent primary care veterinary clinics in the United States. Canine Medicine and Genetics, 2020.
- Kraus C., Pavard S., Promislow D.E.L. The Size–Life Span Trade-Off Decomposed: Why Large Dogs Die Young. The American Naturalist, 2013.
- Kealy R.D. et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. JAVMA, 2002.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Senior Pets.
- CBS News. Bobi loses title of world’s oldest ever dog after Guinness investigation, February 2024.
- Dog Aging Project.
Estimates only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Read our disclaimer.