Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Learn why nutrients like antioxidants & amino acids can help improve your pet's immune system, as well as top antioxidants to look for in pet food.
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
A common question among pet parents is why small dogs live longer than big dogs? In reality, does size really matter when it comes to the average lifespan of a dog? The short answer to this question is yes, dog size does affect lifespan. But is there anything that pet parents can do to help their dog — no matter their size or breed — to live a longer and happier life? Let's find out!
One thing to keep in mind when talking about the average lifespans of small, medium, large and giant breed dogs is that these are average figures. This means that some dogs will live shorter than the average and other dogs will live longer. But if this is the case, why do small dogs live longer than large dogs?
It is believed that large dogs simply age more quickly than small dogs. It's not uncommon for some giant breeds to gain upward of 100 pounds (45.36 kilograms) in a year, whereas some small breeds may only gain 10 pounds (4.54 kilograms). This rapid growth associated with some giant breeds appears to negatively affect their longevity. When looking at the average lifespans of dogs based on breed, there are often certain generalizations; however, even within the same size category, some dogs may live longer than others due to common health issues associated with a specific breed.
The average lifespan of a dog is dependent on whether they're a small, medium, large or giant dog breed — so the answer varies.
Smaller breeds, like the Chihuahua and Maltese, which are popular due to their portability, are considered on average to be less than 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms) and have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. However, the oldest known Chihuahua on record, named Megabyte, passed away at 20 years and 265 days old.
Medium dog breeds, like many of the spaniel breeds, are approximately 20-50 pounds (9.07-22.68 kilograms) and large breeds, like the popular Labrador retriever and boxer, are usually considered on average to be greater than 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms). The average lifespan for medium and large breeds is approximately 10-13 years.
Giant dog breeds are usually considered to be greater than 90 pounds (40.82 kilograms). The average lifespan for a giant breed, such as the regal Great Dane, is unfortunately only 6-8 years, but some have lived to be 11-12 years old or older.
Further, mixed-breed dogs tend to live about 1.2 years longer on average than same-sized purebred dogs.
The current record for the longest-living dog based on Guinness World Records is held by a medium breed dog born in Australia in 1910, an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived for 29 years and 5 months.
There are many things that pet parents can do to help their companion live a longer life, no matter what size or breed they have. The following can keep your pet happy and healthy:
Different breeds have certain health concerns that pet parents, along with their vet, should monitor. It's recommended that the pet parent learn about the characteristics and common health concerns of a particular breed or mixed-breed dog prior to adoption. This helps them to identify health concerns early on so that they can be addressed with the family's vet in a timely manner.
So, why do small dogs live longer? The short answer is that large dogs age more quickly than small dogs, but there's more to take into account. With routine vet care, exercise and lots of love, you can give your dog their best chance at living a longer, healthier life. And hopefully, with the continuing advances in veterinary care and nutrition, there will be a day in the future where we don't have to ask questions like "why do small dogs live longer than big dogs" anymore.
Jessica Seid is an emergency veterinarian practicing in the New England area. She is a graduate of the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and has been in the field for more than a decade. When she's not helping patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and French bulldog.
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.
Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.
Your dog's coat and skin are a big part of your dog's overall health. Ensure you keep your dog's coat healthy, by following these simple tips.
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.