As dog owners, we want to make sure our beloved pooches live out their lives as happy as can be. But exactly how long can that be?
How Long Do Dogs Live?
Thinking about the time we have with our dogs is why one of the most common questions people want to know about is “how long do dogs live”?
The lifespan of a dog varies from breed to breed. On average, however, you can expect a domestic dog to live between 10 and 13 years with proper health care. Although some dogs can and do live beyond 13 years.
Oldest Dog Ever
The record for oldest dog in the world belongs to Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived to be 29 years and five months old!
Average Live Expectancy By Dog Breed
We all hope that our dogs can live to be 29, but it is important to know a dog’s life expectancy. In the table below, you can find a dog’s life expectancy for many specific breeds based on Dog Longevity by Dr. Kelly M. Cassidy. Check it out below:
Life Expectancy For Mixed Breeds
The image above is based on the pure breed’s average life span. However, if you have a mixed breed dog, it is a different story. The life span of a mixed breed dog can usually be determined by your dog’s weight.
For instance, smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs, according to statistics. According to the State of Pet Health 2013 Report by the Banfield Pet Hospital, dogs under 20 pounds had an average lifespan of 11 years.
On the other hand, dogs who weigh over 90 pounds usually lived for 8 years. Those dog breeds who are in the middle of 20 and 90 pounds live at around 11 years, too.
Again, keep in mind that all of this information is just an average estimate. A dog’s lifespan can be shorter or longer than the average years above.
Dog Years vs. Human Years
You’ve probably heard about dog years vs human years. We know that dogs age faster than people do. If you’re curious about the relationship between dog years and human years, we have a nifty little chart below to help you convert human years into dog years based on the size of the dog.
Whether we’re talking about dog years or human years, we all want our dogs to live as long as possible. There’s no surefire way to extend your dog’s life. But we do know that dogs who eat healthily, get plenty of exercises, feel loved and get regular checkups at the vet tend to live longer, happier, healthier lives.
For tips on how to keep your dog, and other pets healthy, check out the Vet’s Corner section of our website for articles written by our vet and vet tech.
