How long do dogs live: life expectancy and tips for longevity

“How long do dogs live?” That’s one of the most common questions dog parents ask — and it makes sense: when you love them, you want them to live forever!

The truth is, dogs have a very different life cycle from ours. Understanding how it works is key to ensuring more years of quality and love by their side. Let’s dive into the canine universe together!

Discover how to calculate, understand, and increase your best friend’s lifespan!

Index

How do dog years work?
Dog years vs. human years
How many human years is 1 dog year?
Why do dogs live shorter lives?
Why dogs live less than humans
How size affects a dog’s lifespan
How long do small dogs live?
Lifespan of medium-sized dogs
How long do large dogs live?
How long do mixed-breed dogs live?
Dog age conversion chart
The longest-living dog on record
What’s the maximum age a dog can live?
How to add more years to your dog’s life
Nutrition is key
Meet Weasy Food: natural nutrition for dogs
Real food, unlike anything your dog has tried before
Routine veterinary checkups
Vaccination and deworming on schedule
Healthy weight management
Clean environment and hygiene
Exercise and mental stimulation
Love and affection
Frequently asked questions about dog age
Conclusion

How a dog’s lifespan works

A forever-puppy? or already a little senior?

A dog’s age doesn’t work the same way as ours. They mature much faster in their first years of life, and that rhythm changes depending on their size, breed, and the care they receive. Understanding this helps us take better care of their physical and mental health.

Dog years vs. human years

That old formula of “1 dog year = 7 human years” isn’t really accurate. The equivalence is more complex and depends on the stage of the dog’s life. For example, a 1-year-old dog can actually be the equivalent of a 15-year-old human.

How many human years is 1 dog year?

It depends on the dog’s size. In general:

Small breeds: about 15 human years
Medium breeds: around 14–15 human years
Large breeds: between 12–14 human years

After the first year, the pace changes, and each additional year is worth an average of 4 to 7 human years.

Why do dogs live less than humans?

Dogs have a different evolutionary path and metabolism compared to us. They mature much faster and also age in a shorter period of time. Their reproductive cycle, genetics, and body size all have a direct impact on life expectancy.

Dogs have a more accelerated biological cycle. Their organs, tissues, and cells develop — and wear out — much faster. Unfortunately, body size is often inversely related to lifespan, meaning that larger dogs usually live fewer years.

the smaller live longer?

How different sizes influence life expectancy

Size matters — a lot! Small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs. It is widely agreed that smaller dogs live longer and age more slowly after their first few years of life — while larger dogs tend to age more quickly once they pass the 2–3 year mark. This happens because the rapid growth of bigger breeds can overload their bodies, leading to premature aging.

How long does a small dog live?

They can live 13 to 17 years, depending on breed, diet, lifestyle, and care. Breeds such as Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshires are well known for their longevity.

Medium-sized dogs: what is their lifespan?

Medium dogs usually live 11 to 14 years. Breeds like Beagles and Border Collies fit this category and, with proper care, can surprise with their longevity.

How long do large dogs live?

On average, they live 8 to 12 years. Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are loving companions but often require extra care for joints and the heart, for example.

How long do mixed-breed dogs live?

Mixed-breed dogs (also called mutts) often have good life expectancy, sometimes longer than purebred dogs. Thanks to genetic diversity, they are generally more resistant and can live 12 to 18 years.

Dog age chart

Keep in mind these are approximate values and don’t take into account lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Still, they give a good idea of how your dog’s age compares to human years:

Dog's real age	Small size breed*	Medium size breed*	Large size breed*	Giant size breed*
1 year	15 human years	15 human years	15 human years	15 human years
2 years	24 human years	24 human years	24 human years	24 human years
3 years	28 human years	28 human years	30 human years	32 human years
4 years	32 human years	33 human years	35 human years	37 human years
5 years	36 human years	37 human years	40 human years	42 human years
6 years	40 human years	42 human years	45 human years	49 human years
7 years	44 human years	47 human years	50 human years	56 human years

Meet the Longest-Living Dog

The stunning coat of the Australian Cattle Dog.

When it comes to a specific dog with a record-breaking lifespan, the world’s official record belongs to Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived an incredible 29 years and 5 months in Australia. There are also reports of Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo, who supposedly lived nearly 32 years.

What is the maximum lifespan of a dog?

While the average lifespan varies, with excellent care, some dogs can live close to 20 years. This requires special attention to health, nutrition, and overall well-being.

How to Add More Years to Your Dog’s Life

Want to extend your pup’s lifespan? With love, a healthy routine, and lots of care, you can enjoy many happy years together. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Nutrition is key

Health starts with the food bowl. Avoid ultra-processed options and choose natural, nutritious foods. When giving treats, go for natural snacks in proper portions and balance. You can also check out this natural feeding guide and our list of safe foods for dogs.

Routine vet visits

Regular checkups help detect silent diseases early and ensure healthier aging. Don’t skip them!

Vaccination and deworming

Keeping vaccinations up to date prevents serious contagious diseases. Dewormers and antiparasitic treatments protect against illnesses that can be fatal. Vet visits for vaccinations are also a great time to check overall health, temperature, teeth, and any discomfort your dog might be feeling.

Healthy weight

Overweight dogs live shorter lives. Excess fat strains organs and joints, so proper diet and regular exercise are essential!

Clean environment and hygiene

A clean environment means better health. Avoid dirt buildup, wash your dog’s bed regularly, and clean food and water bowls often.

Physical activity and mental stimulation

Walks, playtime, exercise, and socialization are great for both body and mind. Even lazier pups benefit from a daily walk, puzzle toys, or treasure-hunt games.

Love and affection

A happy dog lives longer! Stimulate your pup with toys, training, treats, and of course, lots of affection. Love and bonding—with humans, other dogs, and even other animals—strengthen immunity, energy, and overall well-being.

A life well-lived, in good company!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Age

1. Can a dog live 20 years?

Yes! Although rare, some dogs—especially small breeds—can live up to 20 years with proper care.

2. Is it possible for a dog to live 30 years?

Not likely, but considering the record is 29 years, it’s not that far off!

3. What’s the maximum age a dog can live?

Generally up to 20 years, with very rare cases beyond that.

4. Which dog breeds live the longest?

Breeds such as Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Dachshund, and Yorkshire Terrier are well known for their longevity. Lhasa Apso, Beagle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Jack Russell Terrier, Pomeranian, and the Australian Cattle Dog are also among the long-living ones!

5. How old is a 7-year-old dog in human years?

That depends on the dog’s size:

Small breeds: about 44–47 human years
Medium breeds: around 47–50 human years
Large breeds: can be equivalent to 54–60 human years

At this stage, your pup is already a mature adult — and needs special care tailored to this life phase.

6. How old is a 2-year-old dog in human years?

This also varies with size. On average:

Small breeds: about 24 human years
Medium breeds: 23–24 years
Large breeds: 20–22 years

After the second year, the pace of aging slows down slightly, but it still requires extra attention to diet and preventive health.

Conclusion

Our furry friends may live shorter lives than we do, but their time with us is incredibly intense — filled with love, tail wags, playtime, and real connections. By caring for them with attention and affection — from nutrition to checkups, from vaccinations to cuddles — we’re not only giving them more years, but more life in those years.

Your pup deserves a long, happy, healthy life. And we’re here to walk this journey with you!

let's go!