Cross Breeds

Is it true that small dogs live longer?

Some people who I know have small dogs that had lived to be over 20 years old!

Public Comments

1. A dogs average lifespan is 15-25 years old. I don't think size matters. Then again, I'm no vet.
2. that is what I've heard and seen.
3. Yes that's true. The bigger the dog the shorter the lifespan unfortunately.
4. It's true that small breeds have longer life spans than large and giant breeds.
5. Yes they do have a tendency to live longer than larger dogs.
6. yes it is true
7. No. It depends greatly on the species of the dog. The other factors that affect its life span are similar to human, such as exercises and health.
8. no it varies on dog breed... i have poodles and they live an average of 15 ... then i have had beagles and they died younger due to common back problems in beagles. i suggest u look up information on the specific breed you are interested in
9. Yes, typically smaller dogs live longer. They tend to be more lean and their hearts have to work alot less. However, unfortunately if they become sick with a virus or disease they tend to deteriorate rapidly and have a harder time recovering.
10. I think it's true
11. Yes, it's true that small dogs live longer. But 20 is a little bit too much. The oldest dog was I think 25 or 20, and that was a beagle, a medium sized dog. Might've changed, I dunno. But small dogs usually live up to 16 years. Same with medium sized. Big dogs live 10-12 years. Working dogs sometimes live 7 years
12. NOPE, SOMETIMES LARGE BREED DOGS HAVE MORE JOINT AND MOVEMENT PROBLEM WHEN THEY GET OLDER, BUT THE LITTLE ONES DON'T LIVE LONGER.
13. nyone who gets an English Bull Mastiff for a junkyard dog will burn in hell.
14. It depends on the breed of the dog not nessicarly the dogs size.
15. depends on the breed, different breeds have different "known" problems, like boxers are known for abdoman tumors, pugs are known for breathing and athsma. it all depends on health too
16. it depends on the breed....the care it recieves.......and what kind of medical care it gets....i dont think the size really has much to do with it....every breed has a different life span......my boxer is said to have a very short life span.....but my standard sized long haired weiner dog lived to be 23 yrs old.....it all depends on the care you give your animal
17. i just typed that to google and got the correct answer. i wonder why most of the people here dont do the same? some things are good to ask but for the facts on something you need better info than you will ever find here.
18. ys smaller dogs live to be older than other and no most dogs don't average to be 15-25 only small dogs witch is whey their better to get for your kid when the kid is tenish! they make good lifetime friends so if your looking for a dog i sugest a small one.
19. Yes, but a lot of it has to do with careful maintenance which includes: excersize, a good premium diet, regular check-ups with your veterinarian (vaccines, heartworm medication, dewormer, etc.) and good genes. I have seen a lot of small pets be up to date on everything, yet neglect to have routine dental cleanings which is very important to prevent heart and other systemic problems. But on an average small dogs do live longer especially if it does not get mauled by a big dog.
20. Yes, the smaller the dog, the longer the life span. A toy breed can have a life span of 16-18 years, while a large breed (Mastiff, etc.) might have a life span of 7-8 years.
21. i believe so. my shihtsu is 16 yrs old now and the girl is still going strong. Big dogs like labradors and golden retrievers are more prone to back problems and leg problems as they are heavier, so it reduces the years of the dogs.
22. Yes,it is true.
23. Who knows...I tend to think that the Hines 57 Mixed breeds live the longest, no matter what their size. I had a big old lab, collie, mix. Actually both of his parents where a mix, and he lived to be 16. (He ate cat food most of his life, and was only taken to the vet one time in his life...to be neutered & a rabies shot) One thing I hate about big dogs is...when they do die, it's a lot of work to dig a hole big enough to bury them properly. A rat terrier would be a much easier job...LOL
24. mabey, i have a dog that is 11 and she is real small.
25. It is true. There is a chart at my vet and the big dogs that weigh a lot more live an average of 12 years whereas little dogs like chihuahuas live an average of 15 years but they have been known to live as long as 16 or 17 years.
26. Yes, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives. Something about the endurance and growth pattern, I think. At any rate, it's true. I have one dog that is 20 years old and another that is 11 while my 2 big ones passed away at 9 and 12 years of age. Good question!!
27. I think it's true and thats what I have heard. I had a big dog, it was a mixed breed, and he lived to be 16 years old. I also have a small dog, minature dachsund,and he is about 4 yrs. I want to be a vet!!But I'm a student for now.