Let’s be real, one of the hardest parts of owning a dog is knowing their time with us is limited. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wished your furry friend could live forever. While we can’t change nature, we can certainly understand dogs’ life expectancies.
You’ve probably heard that “One dog year equals seven human years.” It’s a simple rule, easy to remember, but is it really accurate? The thing is understanding the relation between human and dog years is more complicated than a simple 7-to-1 ratio. Factors like breed, size, and weight play a huge role in how fast or slow one ages.
Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a giant Saint Bernard, knowing their lifespan helps you prepare and make the most of your time together. I’ll walk you through the maximum lifespan of dogs and what to expect if you have a mixed breed in detail.
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Dog Life Expectancy Chart
Not all dogs have the same lifespan. Generally small dog life expectancy is higher than large dog life expectancy and female dogs outlive their male counterparts by a small margin. Below is a detailed dog breed lifespan chart that breaks down the overall, male, and female life expectancy for various breeds.
| Dog Breed | Overall Life Expectancy | Female Life Expectancy | Male Life Expectancy |
| Chihuahua | 14-20 years | 15-20 years | 13-19 years |
| Dachshund | 12-16 years | 13-17 years | 11-15 years |
| Pomeranian | 12-16 years | 13-17 years | 11-15 years |
| Shih Tzu | 10-18 years | 11-19 years | 10-17 years |
| Toy Poodle | 12-20 years | 13-21 years | 12-19 years |
| Beagle | 12-15 years | 12-16 years | 11-14 years |
| Border Collie | 12-15 years | 12-16 years | 11-14 years |
| Cocker Spaniel | 12-15 years | 13-16 years | 11-14 years |
| Australian Shepherd | 12-15 years | 13-16 years | 11-14 years |
| Bulldog | 8-12 years | 9-13 years | 7-11 years |
| Labrador Retriever | 10-12 years | 10-13 years | 9-11 years |
| Golden Retriever | 10-12 years | 10-13 years | 9-11 years |
| German Shepherd | 9-13 years | 10-14 years | 8-12 years |
| Boxer | 10-12 years | 10-13 years | 9-11 years |
| Doberman | 10-13 years | 10-14 years | 9-12 years |
| Great Dane | 7-10 years | 8-11 years | 6-9 years |
| Saint Bernard | 8-10 years | 9-11 years | 7-9 years |
| Mastiff | 6-12 years | 7-13 years | 6-11 years |
| Newfoundland | 9-10 years | 9-11 years | 8-9 years |
| Irish Wolfhound | 6-8 years | 7-9 years | 6-7 years |
Toy- breeds like Chihuahuas can live between 14 to 20 years, with females typically living longer than males. Similarly, Toy Poodles have one of the longest lifespans, often reaching between 12 to 20 years.
Medium-sized dog breeds have slightly shorter life expectancies, but they still provide many years of companionship. Beagles typically live between 12 to 15 years and are known for their playful and social nature. Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies have a similar lifespan, usually between 12 to 15 years.
Large dogs, unfortunately, have shorter lifespans. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers generally live between 10 to 12 years. While these breeds are full of love and energy, their size makes them more prone to joint and heart problems. Giant breeds have the shortest lifespan of all. Great Danes usually live between 7 to 10 years, while Saint Bernards and Mastiffs have an average lifespan of 6 to 12 years.
Taking proper care of your dog, no matter their size, can make a big difference in how long they stay happy and healthy.
Dog Breed Lifespan Chart by Weight
Another major factor in a dog’s lifespan is their weight. Dogs are often categorized by size, and generally, small dog life expectancy is higher than large dog life expectancy. Below is a dog breed lifespan chart that outlines lifespan based on weight.
| Weight Category | Average Weight | Life Expectancy |
| Toy Breeds | Under 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 12-20 years |
| Small Breeds | 10-25 lbs (4.5-11 kg) | 12-18 years |
| Medium Breeds | 25-50 lbs (11-23 kg) | 10-15 years |
| Large Breeds | 50-100 lbs (23-45 kg) | 8-12 years |
| Giant Breeds | Over 100 lbs (45+ kg) | 6-10 years |
Toy breeds, weighing under 10 lbs, have the longest lifespan, often between 12 to 20 years. Their small size puts less strain on their joints and organs, allowing them to live longer.
Small breeds, weighing between 10 to 25 lbs, can also live quite long, typically between 12 to 18 years. Medium-sized dogs, which weigh between 25 to 50 lbs, usually live around 10 to 15 years. These dogs include breeds like Border Collies and Beagles.
Large breeds, weighing between 50 to 100 lbs, have a shorter lifespan of around 8 to 12 years. Their larger size makes them more prone to joint problems, heart disease, and other health issues. Giant breeds, which weigh over 100 lbs, have the shortest life expectancy, typically around 6 to 10 years.
Mixed Breed Dog Life Expectancy
Mixed breed dogs, or “mutts,” can have very different life expectancies depending on their parent breeds. Generally, mixed breeds tend to live longer than purebred dogs because they have a wider gene pool, reducing the risk of inherited disease.
To give a general idea, a Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle) and a Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle) both have an estimated lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Smaller mixed breeds, like the Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle) or Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle), can live even longer, typically between 12 to 16 years.
Larger mixed breeds have a slightly shorter lifespan, but they still tend to live longer than their purebred counterparts. For example, a Shepsky (German Shepherd + Husky) has an estimated lifespan of 10 to 14 years, while a Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle) can live between 12 to 15 years.
Now to get an overview, look at this mixed dog breed lifespan chart. It contains names of all mixed breeds that are probably out there.
| Mixed Breed Name | Parent Breeds | Estimated Life Expectancy |
| Labradoodle | Labrador Retriever + Poodle | 12-15 years |
| Goldendoodle | Golden Retriever + Poodle | 12-15 years |
| Cockapoo | Cocker Spaniel + Poodle | 12-16 years |
| Maltipoo | Maltese + Poodle | 12-16 years |
| Schnoodle | Schnauzer + Poodle | 12-16 years |
| Yorkiepoo | Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle | 12-15 years |
| Pomsky | Pomeranian + Husky | 12-15 years |
| Chorkie | Chihuahua + Yorkshire Terrier | 12-16 years |
| Chiweenie | Chihuahua + Dachshund | 12-16 years |
| Dorgi | Dachshund + Corgi | 12-15 years |
| Puggle | Pug + Beagle | 10-15 years |
| Bulldog Mixes | Various Bulldogs + Other Breeds | 8-12 years |
| Shepsky | German Shepherd + Husky | 10-14 years |
| Horgi | Husky + Corgi | 10-14 years |
| Boxador | Boxer + Labrador Retriever | 10-12 years |
| Bernedoodle | Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle | 12-15 years |
| Shih-Poo | Shih Tzu + Poodle | 12-16 years |
| Cavapoo | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle | 12-15 years |
| Morkie | Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier | 12-16 years |
Mixed Breed Dog Life Expectancy Calculator
If you have a mixed breed dog and wonder how long they might live, there are ways to estimate their lifespan. One of the easiest methods is to look at the average life expectancy of the parent breeds.
For example, if your dog is a Morkie (Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier), their estimated lifespan is between 12 to 16 years. If your dog is a Boxador (Boxer + Labrador Retriever), their life expectancy might be closer to 10 to 12 years.
Another factor to consider is size. If your dog is small and mixed with a long-lived breed like a Poodle, they are likely to live longer. However, if your dog is a large mix, their lifespan may be shorter, around 8 to 12 years. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise can help your mixed breed dog live as long as possible.
FAQs
What dog breed has the longest lifespan?
Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles are among the longest-lived breeds, often reaching 20 years. Keeping them healthy with regular vet visits and good food can maximize their lifespan.
Why is small dog life expectancy higher than large dog life expectancy?
Smaller dogs age more slowly and experience fewer growth-related health issues. Large breeds grow rapidly, leading to joint problems and organ stress, which shortens their lifespan.
Can I make my dog live longer?
Yes, while genetics play a role, you can extend your dog’s lifespan by feeding a high-quality diet, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping up with vet check-ups, and giving them plenty of love and exercise.
Do mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebreds?
Yes, mixed breeds often have fewer genetic health issues, leading to a longer lifespan compared to some purebreds with hereditary diseases.
What is the maximum life expectancy of a dog?
The oldest recorded dog lived to be 30 years old. While rare, some dogs surpass their expected lifespan with proper care.