It’s well known that dogs are man’s best friends; if you’re looking for a pet that will be by your side for years to come, it’s likely that you’re thinking of getting a dog. But exactly how long do dogs live? The answer to this question will depend on the breed of dog. In general, dogs live between eleven and fifteen years. Larger breeds are likely to live slightly less, while some toy varieties can live for as long as seventeen years.
If you’re considering buying a new puppy, you may be looking for a long lasting breed. This article covers how long every AKC recognized breed of dogs can live for. Use the navigation directly below and jump to the letter of your breed.
Every Breed of Dog’s Life Expectancy
A
| Breeds that Begin with “A” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Affenpinscher | 12-15 Years |
| Afghan Hound | 12-15 Years |
| Airedale Terrier | 11-14 Years |
| Akita | 10-13 Years |
| Alaskan Malamute | 10-14 Years |
| American Bulldog | 10-12 Years |
| American English Coonhound | 11-12 Years |
| American Eskimo Dog | 13-15 Years |
| American Foxhound | 11-13 Years |
| American Hairless Terrier | 14-16 Years |
| American Leopard Hound | 12-15 Years |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | 12-16 Years |
| American Water Spaniel | 10-14 Years |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | 11-13 Years |
| Appenzeller Sennenhund | 12-15 Years |
| Australian Cattle Dog | 13-15 Years |
| Australian Kelpie | 10-13 Years |
| Australian Shepherd | 12-15 Years |
| Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog | 12-15 Years |
| Australian Terrier | 11-15 Years |
| Azawakk | 12-15 Years |
B
| Breeds that Begin With “B” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Barbet | 12-14 Years |
| Basenji | 13-14 Years |
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne | 12-14 Years |
| Basset Hound | 12-13 Years |
| Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound | 12-15 Years |
| Beagle | 10-15 Years |
| Bearded Collie | 12-14 Years |
| Beauceron | 10-12 Years |
| Bedlington Terier | 11-16 Years |
| Belgian Laekenois | 10-12 Years |
| Belgian Malinois | 14-16 Years |
| Belgian Sheepdog | 12-14 Years |
| Belgian Tervuen | 12-14 Years |
| Bergamasco Sheepdog | 13-15 Years |
| Berger Picard | 12-13 Years |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 7-10 Years |
| Bichon Frise | 14-15 Years |
| Biewer Terrier | 16 Years |
| Black and Tan Coonhound | 10-12 Years |
| Bluetick Coonhound | 11-12 Years |
| Boerboel | 9-11 Years |
| Bohemian Shepherd | 12-15 Years |
| Bolognese | 12-14 Years |
| Border Collie | 12-15 Years |
| Border Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Borozoi | 9-14 Years |
| Boston Terrier | 11-13 Years |
| Bouvier des Flandres | 10-12 Years |
| Boxer | 10-12 Years |
| Boykin Spaniel | 10-15 Years |
| Bracco Italiano | 10-14 Years |
| Braque du Bourbonnais | 10-12 Years |
| Briard Dog | 12 Years |
| Brittany | 12-14 Years |
| Broholmer | 8-10 Years |
| Brussels Griffon | 12-15 Years |
| Bull Terrier | 12-13 Years |
| Bulldog | 8-10 Years |
| Bullmastiff | 7-9 Years |
C
| Breeds that Begin With “C” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Cairn Terrier | 13-15 Years |
| Canaan Dog | 12-15 Years |
| Cane Corso | 9-12 Years |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | 12-15 Years |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | 10-14 Years |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | 10-12 Years |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 12-15 Years |
| Cesky Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | 10-13 Years |
| Chihuahua | 14-16 Years |
| Chinese Crested | 13-18 Years |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | 8-12 Years |
| Chinook | 12-15 Years |
| Chow Chow | 8-12 Years |
| Cirneco dell’Etna | 12-14 Years |
| Clumber Spaniel | 10-12 Years |
| Cocker Spaniel | 10-14 Years |
| Collie | 12-14 Years |
| Coton de Tulear | 15-19 Years |
| Croatian Sheepdog | 13-14 Years |
| Curly-Coated Retriever | 10-12 Years |
| Czechoslovakian Vlcak | 10-15 Years |
D
| Breeds that Begin With “D” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Dachsund | 12-16 Years |
| Dalmatian | 11-13 Years |
| Dandie Dinmont | 12-15 Years |
| Danish-Swedish Farmdog | 11-13 Years |
| Deutscher Wachtelhund | 12-14 Years |
| Doberman Pinscher | 10-12 Years |
| Dogo Argentino | 9-15 Years |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 5-8 Years |
| Drentsche Patrijshond | 11-14 Years |
| Drever | 15 Years |
| Dutch Shepherd | 11-14 Years |
E
| Breeds that Begin With “E” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| English Cocker Spaniel | 12-14 Years |
| English Foxhound | 10-13 Years |
| English Setter | 12 Years |
| English Springer Spaniel | 12-14 Years |
| English Toy Spaniel | 10-12 Years |
| Entlebucher Mountain Dog | 11-13 Years |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | 10-14 Years |
| Eurasier | 12-16 Years |
F
| Breeds that Begin With “F” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Field Spaniel | 12-13 Years |
| Finnish Lapphund | 12-15 Years |
| Finnish Spitz | 13-15 Years |
| Flat-Coated Retriever | 8-10 Years |
| French Bulldog | 10-12 Years |
| French Spaniel | 10-12 Years |
G
| Breeds that Begin With “G” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| German Longhaired Pointer | 12-14 Years |
| German Pinscher | 12-14 Years |
| German Shepherd Dog | 7-10 Years |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | 10-12 Years |
| German Spitz | 13-15 Years |
| German Wirehaired Pointer | 14-16 Years |
| Giant Schnauzer | 12-15 Years |
| Glen of Imall Terrier | 10-15 Years |
| Golden Retriever | 10-12 Years |
| Gordon Setter | 12-13 Years |
| Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen | 13-15 Years |
| Great Dane | 7-10 Years |
| Great Pyrenees | 10-12 Years |
| Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | 8-11 Years |
| Greyhound | 10-13 Years |
H
| Breeds that Begin With “H” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Hamiltonstovare | 14-17 Years |
| Hanoverian Scenthound | 10-14 Years |
| Harrier | 12-15 Years |
| Havanese | 14-16 Years |
| Hokkaido | 12-15 Years |
| Hovawart | 10-14 Years |
I
| Breeds that Begin With “I” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Ibizan Hound | 11-14 Years |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | 12-14 Years |
| Irish Red and White Setter | 11-15 Years |
| Irish Setter | 12-15 Years |
| Irish Terrier | 13-15 Years |
| Irish Water Spaniel | 12-13 Years |
| Irish Wolfhound | 6-8 Years |
| Italian Greyhound | 14-15 Years |
J
| Breeds that Begin With “J” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Jagdterrier | 10-12 Years |
| Japanese Akitainu | 10-12 Years |
| Japanese Chin | 10-12 Years |
| Japanese Spitz | 12-14 Years |
| Jindo | 14 Years |
K
| Breeds that Begin With “K” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Kai Ken | 12-15 Years |
| Karelian Bear Dog | 11-13 Years |
| Keeshond | 12-15 Years |
| Kerry Blue Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Kishu Ken | 11-13 Years |
| Komondor | 10-12 Years |
| Kromfohrlander | 13-15 Years |
| Kuvasz | 10-12 Years |
L
| Breeds that Begin With “L” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Labrador Retriever | 10-12 Years |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | 15-17 Years |
| Lakeland Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Lancashire Heeler | 12-15 Years |
| Lapponian Herder | 10-14 Years |
| Leonberger | 9 Years |
| Lhasa Apso | 12-15 Years |
| Löwchen | 15 Years |
M
| Breeds that Begin With “M” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Maltese | 12-15 Years |
| Manchester Terrier | 15-17 Years |
| Manchester Terrier (Toy) | 15-17 Years |
| Mastiff | 6-10 Years |
| Miniature American Shepherd | 12-13 Years |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | 11-13 Years |
| Miniature Pinscher | 12-16 Years |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 12-15 Years |
| Mountain Cur | 10-13 Years |
| Mudi | 12-14 Years |
N
| Breeds that Begin With “N” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 7-9 Years |
| Nederlandse Kooikerhondje | 12-15 Years |
| Newfoundland | 9-10 years |
| Norfolk Terrier | 12-16 Years |
| Norrbottenspets | 14-17 Years |
| Norwegian Buhund | 12-15 Years |
| Norwegian Elkhound | 12-15 Years |
| Norwegian Lundehund | 12-15 Years |
| Norwich Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | 12-14 Years |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 7-9 Years |
O
| Breeds that Begin With “O” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Old English Sheepdog | 10-12 Years |
| Otterhound | 10-13 Years |
P
| Breeds that Begin With “P” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Papillon | 14-16 Years |
| Parson Russell Terrier | 13-15 Years |
| Pekingese | 12-14 Years |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 12-13 Years |
| Perro de Presa Canario | 9-11 Years |
| Peruvian Inca Orchid | 12-14 Years |
| Petit Basset Griffon | 12-14 Years |
| Pharaoh Hound | 12-14 Years |
| Plott Hound | 12-14 Years |
| Pointer | 12-17 Years |
| Polish Lowland Sheepdog | 12-14 Years |
| Pomeranian | 12-16 Years |
| Poodle- Miniature | 10-18 Years |
| Poodle- Standard | 10-18 Years |
| Poodle- Toy | 10-18 Years |
| Porcelaine | 12-13 Years |
| Portuguese Podengo | 10-12 Years |
| Portuguese Podengo Pequeno | 12-15 Years |
| Portuguese Pointer | 14 Years |
| Pourtuguese Sheepdog | 12-13 Years |
| Portuguese Water Dog | 11-13 Years |
| Pudelpointer | 14 Years |
| Pug | 13-15 Years |
| Puli | 10-15 Years |
| Pumi | 10-13 Years |
| Pyrenean Mastiff | 10-13 Years |
R
| Breeds that Begin With “R” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Rafeiro do Alentejo | 12-14 Years |
| Rat Terrier | 12-18 Years |
| Redbone Coonhound | 12-15 Years |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | 10 Years |
| Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog | 12-14 Years |
| Rottweiler | 9-10 years |
| Russell Terrier | 12-14 Years |
| Russian Toy | 12-14 Years |
| Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka | 12-16 Years |
S
| Breeds that Begin With “S” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Saint Bernard | 8-10 Years |
| Saluki | 10-17 Years |
| Samoyed | 12-14 Years |
| Schapendoes | 12-15 Years |
| Schipperke | 12-14 Years |
| Scottish Deerhound | 8-11 Years |
| Scottish Terrier | 12 Years |
| Sealyham Terrier | 12-14 Years |
| Segugio Italiano | 11-13 Years |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 12-14 Years |
| Shiba Inu | 13-16 Years |
| Shi Tzu | 10-18 Years |
| Shikoku | 10-12 Years |
| Siberian Husky | 12-14 Years |
| Silky Terrier | 13-15 Years |
| Skye Terrier | 12-14 Years |
| Sloughi | 12-14 Years |
| Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer | 12-15 Years |
| Slovensky Cuvac | 11-13 Years |
| Slovensky Kopov | 12-13 Years |
| Small Munsterlander | 12-14 Years |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | 12-14 Years |
| Spanish Mastiff | 10-12 Years |
| Spanish Water Dog | 12-14 Years |
| Spinone Italiano | 10-12 Years |
| Stabyhoun | 13-15 Years |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 12-14 Years |
| Standard Schnauzer | 13-16 Years |
| Sussex Spaniel | 13-15 Years |
| Swedish Lapphund | 12-14 Years |
| Swedish Vallhund | 12-15 Years |
T
| Breeds that Begin With “T” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Taiwan Dog | 9-13 Years |
| Teddy Toosevelt Terrier | 14-16 Years |
| Thai Ridgeback | 12-13 Years |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 10-12 Years |
| Tibetan Spaniel | 12-15 Years |
| Tibetan Terrier | 15-16 Years |
| Tornjak | 12-14 Years |
| Tosa | 10-12 Years |
| Toy Fox Terrier | 13-15 Years |
| Transylvanian Hound | 10-14 Years |
| Treeing Tennessee Brindle | 10-12 Years |
| Treeing Walker Coonhound | 12-13 Years |
V
| Breeds that Begin With “V” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Vizsla | 12-14 Years |
W
| Breeds that Begin With “W” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Weimaraner | 10-13 Years |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | 12-15 Years |
| Welsh Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| West Highland White Terrier | 13-15 Years |
| Wetterhoun | 13 Years |
| Whippet | 12-15 Years |
| Wire Fox Terrier | 12-15 Years |
| Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | 12-15 Years |
| Wirehaired Vizsla | 12-14 Years |
| Working Kelpie | 12-15 Years |
X
| Breeds that Begin With “X” | Typical Life Expectancy |
| Xoloitzcuintli | 13-18 Years |
How long do dogs live in general?
The lifespan of dogs varies greatly, and how long a dog can live will depend on a variety of factors. A dog’s lifespan will depend on its breed and genetics, as well as how well it’s cared for throughout its life. On average, a dog will live between eleven and twelve years.
About 20% of dogs will live to be fourteen, and 10% will see their fifteenth birthday. Not all breeds of dogs will live into old age. The life expectancy of larger breeds is significantly less, with Great Danes only expected to live between six and seven years.
How long is a dog year?
You may have heard people say that one dog year is equivalent to 7 human years. This would mean that a five year old dog is 35 years old in human years. This makes sense, as if a dog lives to be twelve years old, he will be in his eighties at the end of his life.
This calculation is just a bit of fun, and in a lot of ways, it doesn’t mean anything or make much sense as breeds differ widely in their longevity. Dogs are also very different to people, as they will grow and mature at a different rate.
What’s more important than age in years is your dog’s health, happiness, and energy levels. It’s better to live a full and active life that’s slightly shorter than to live to be very old if the dog is unhealthy, inactive, or even in pain.
Factors that Influence the Life Expectancy of a Dog
Healthy dogs are much more likely to live longer than dogs that are unhealthy. Your dog’s health will be dependant on his breed and genetics to some extent, and as an owner, you won’t have control over these things. When buying a new puppy, you should ensure that you get your dog from a reputable breeder. Many health problems are inherited, such as hip dysplasia, and good breeders will take steps to ensure that their puppies won’t inherit health issues.
There are also many aspects of your dog’s health and wellbeing that you will have control over. Your dog is dependant on you to make healthy dietary choices for him. Don’t feed your pet treats that are meant for humans, as many foodstuffs are toxic to dogs. As a responsible pet owner, you’ll need to ensure your dog has a healthy diet, gets enough exercise, and goes to the vet when he needs to.
Studies show that dogs who are obese are at significant risk of developing health problems such as cancer, which will shorten their lives. Obesity can also cause cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, controlling your dog’s diet will help him to lead a longer life.
The Longest and Shortest Living Dog Breeds
The table below shows the average lifespan of different breeds of dogs.
Longest living
The longest living breeds include Bearded Collies, Border Collies, and Tibetan Spaniels. Terriers also generally have good health as they are robust and long living. Breeds such as Fox Terriers and West Highland Terriers are likely to live at least thirteen years.
Miniature and toy dog breeds have the longest lifespan, with some living up to seventeen years. These breeds include miniature Dachshunds as well as miniature and toy Poodles.
Shortest lifespan
Large dog breeds have shorter lifespans, with some breeds of dogs only living an average of six or seven years. Dogs such as Great Danes, Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and St Bernard’s generally live less than seven years on average.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when choosing a breed of dog that will suit your family’s lifestyle. Many people look at the longevity of the breed when choosing a puppy. Dogs can live anywhere between six and seventeen years, with larger breeds living slightly less than average.
Genetics will play a part in your dogs’ longevity, as will factors such as diet and exercise. To ensure your pet has a long and healthy life, you should provide good quality nutrition and enough exercise.