If we could have three wishes, one would most likely be that our dogs live forever. The reality, however, is that life expectancy varies significantly by breed – and the dividing line is not always where we might first think.

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Although genetics is undoubtedly an important factor, it is good to know that as an owner you can do a great deal to help your pet live a long and happy life.

Chihuahuas can reach a very advanced age

Size Matters a Lot

Most research and veterinary data point in the same direction: the smaller the dog, the longer they are likely to live. Small breeds often live 14–18 years, while giant breeds often only reach 7–10 years. The reason is not entirely clear, but several factors play a role:

• large dogs age faster,
• serious diseases develop more frequently in them,
• their bodies are under greater strain.

However, longevity is not only a matter of size, but also of body structure. A 2024 British study highlighted that dogs with longer snouts and smaller bodies live the longest, while flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, such as the popular pugs and bulldogs in our country, unfortunately tend to have shorter lifespans.

Pugs are prone to numerous health problems due to their unique anatomical structure

These Breeds Live the Longest

Small dogs dominate the top of the list. Among the breeds popular in our country, several are included: Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles often live 14–17 years, and reaching 20 years is not uncommon for chihuahuas. Shih Tzus and Jack Russell Terriers can also reward their owners with long lives. In addition to the more popular breeds, the perhaps less well-known Lancashire Heeler and Tibetan Spaniel also have a high life expectancy, well over 15 years. However, it is important to add that size-related advantage is only one of the factors influencing dogs’ lifespan. Research shows that other factors also demonstrably affect how long dogs live.

Jack Russell terriers are also among the longer-living breeds / Photo: welovedogz.hu

You Wouldn’t Believe How Important Dental Care Is

In a study, Dr Silvan Urfer of the University of Washington compared data from 169,000 dogs and concluded that regular dental cleaning is associated with longer life expectancy. According to the study, annual dental cleaning performed by a veterinarian reduced the risk of mortality by nearly 20%!

Overweight Dogs Live Shorter Lives

At least, this was the conclusion of research conducted by the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition and the University of Liverpool, which examined the consequences of excess weight in 12 dog breeds. The survey clearly showed that in the smallest dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers, the life-shortening effect of excess weight was even more drastic than in larger dogs.

The dachshund, a great favourite in Hungary, can live a particularly long life, but regular veterinary visits are important in their case as well / Photo: welovedogz.hu

The Pace of Cognitive Ageing Is the Same

Based on studies conducted on the topic, it can be stated that the process of cognitive ageing is not influenced by a dog’s body size. Researchers examined the cognitive development of more than 4,000 individuals from 66 dog breeds through memory and decision-making tasks and concluded that the pace of cognitive ageing is the same for all breeds, regardless of body size. Dementia in old age is unfortunately quite common in dogs, but the good news is that, even if it cannot be avoided, it can certainly be slowed. As ethologist researcher Kata Mária Udvarhelyi-Tóth highlighted in one of our previous (hungarian) articles, continuous mental stimulation can greatly help delay symptoms:

Animals that live actively throughout their lives, and whose owners ensure this continues in old age, will age more slowly. Of course, genetic and other health factors may also play a role, but fundamentally we can say that the more a dog uses their brain, the later or more slowly decline begins.

So Which Dog Lives the Longest?

If we had to summarise briefly, we would answer: the dog in whom genetic traits and attentive care meet. A dog may be of any breed, but without proper care, genetic advantage quickly disappears. The good news, however, is that as an owner you can do a great deal to ensure many more happy years together: regular veterinary check-ups, quality nutrition, proper exercise, and a safe environment – all of these can literally add years to your shared life. And let us not forget that not only the number of years lived matters, but also the quality in which they are spent.

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