Life Expectancy In Dogs: Does The Breed or The Size Matter?

When we take on the responsibility of loving and living with a dog, we know that, in most instances, we will outlive our furry family member. It is always a challenge giving our hearts away with that information in the back of our minds, so we look for ways to extend the lives of our loved ones with good veterinary care, proper nutrition and exercise. , and determining which breeds live the longest – and why.

When it comes to aging, size does matter. Studies have shown that dogs weighing less than 30 pounds live, on average, longer than 10 years. The same studies show that it is the weight of the dog, not the height, that matters when it comes to growing older. A 60- to 70-pound English bulldog ages at the same rate as a same-weight German Shepherd. Generally, 40% of small breed dogs live longer than 10 years, while only 13% of giant breed dogs (Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, for example) live that long. Those giant breed dogs are considered geriatric at 6 to 8 years of age.

Many veterinarians will put the high-speed aging process in larger dogs down to a propensity for obesity, and its parallel conditions of heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. If you own a larger or giant breed dog, regular exercise and proper nutrition is necessary to keep the weight down and to help your pooch live longer.

Additionally, just as happens in the human animal, female dogs tend to live several years longer than their male counterparts, regardless of breed. At this point, there is no research indicating why this is the case, but statistical data proves this piece of information.

There is truth behind the rumor that mixed breed dogs are typically healthier than purebreds. Because of inbreeding and other genetic issues, many purebred dogs are born with health problems that can affect their longevity. Some diseases are breed specific, while others cross all canine breeds.

Statistically, cancer is the most common cause of death in older dogs, with ~50% of all dogs dying of this dreadful disease. Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers show unusually high rates of all types of cancers.

Larger-breed dogs, including Labrador Retrievers, Dobermans, Great Danes, and German Shepherds often suffer with debilitating hip dysplasia from extremely young ages that can often leave them lame and in pain to the point where euthanasia may be necessary. The main cause of this type of joint disease appears to be a faster than normal growth rate as puppies.

Brachycephalic dogs – those flat-faced breeds such as Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Pekingese dogs – can have breathing issues that cause overheating and even death in warmer climates. Great Danes, Dobermans, the Borzoi, and Bassett Hounds are prone to Wobbler’s Syndrome, a condition of the vertebrae in the neck causing weakness and unsteady – wobbly – gait.

Kidney failure and cardiac disease are also medical conditions that can crop up as your dog ages and that affects all breeds.

The latest listing of American Kennel Clubs 10 most popular canine breeds (from 2008) gives their average life span: 

• Labrador retriever: 10 to 14 years 
• Yorkshire terrier: 12 to 15 years 
• German Shepherd: 10 to 14 years 
• Golden retriever: 10 to 12 years 
• Beagles: 12 to 14 years 
• Boxers: 11 to 14 years 
• Dachshunds: 12 to 14 years 
• Bulldogs: 10 to 12 years 
• Poodles: 10 to 15 years 
• Shih Tzu: 11 to 15 years

Living conditions also make a difference in a dog’s life span. Pets who live inside a home are less likely to get diseases and have traumatic injuries that result in death. Spaying and neutering your dog before he or she breeds or comes into heat lessens the chances of mammary, testicular, and prostate cancers that can kill an older dog. Remember: Proper veterinary care, good nutrition, exercise and play, and keeping your dog’s weight down helps your four-legged companion lead a fuller, healthier, and longer life.