overweight dogs life expectancy

Study finds overweight dogs live shorter lives

New research with data provided by Banfield Pet Hospital found that the lifespan of overweight dogs was up to 2 1/2 years shorter, on average, than the lifespan of dogs with a healthy body weight.

The study out of England, from the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare's Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, revealed that overweight dogs overall are more likely to have shorter lives than those at ideal body weights. The study, "Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs," was conducted retrospectively over two decades and published online Dec. 11 in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Using Banfield data, the researchers examined records for more than 50,000 neutered, client-owned male and female dogs aged between 6 1/2 and 8 1/2 years across 12 popular dog breeds. The correlation between being overweight and reduced lifespan was seen in all 12 breeds, although the magnitude of the reduction differed, ranging from five months for male German Shepherd Dogs to 2 1/2 years for male Yorkshire Terriers.

According to the discussion by the study authors: "These results emphasize the need for veterinarians to implement steps to prevent the development of obesity in dogs under their care. Specifically, veterinarians could use the study findings in discussions with owners of new puppies, to highlight the risk that overweight status poses to health and the need for prevention. The findings could also be used in discussions with owners of already-obese dogs to convince them of the need to implement a controlled weight loss program."

Related JAVMA content:

Taking on obesity as a disease (Oct. 1, 2018)

Banfield finds 1 in 3 dogs and cats is overweight (Aug. 1, 2017)

Dog Life Expectancy Chart: How Long Do Dogs Live?

Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones (most of the time). Think about it: humans live longer than cats, which live longer than a rat, which live longer than a fly. But why isnt this true when it comes to animals within the same species, like dogs and even humans?

Looking at ourselves, a person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. They live longer because of increased health risks for a person who weighs 300 pounds. The same goes for larger vs smaller dogs.

When it comes to dogs life expectancy, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different, and their lifespans reflect this. Beyond size, is there an average dog lifespan based on breed or other factors? Yes. I explore the answers to these questions: How long do dogs live? and What is the dog lifespan by breed?

What Determines A Dogs Lifespan?

Are you curious about ways you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canines lifespan.

Care

As an owner, you can impact the care you provide for your dog. Think of yourself as your dogs parent. A dog with a proper, nutritious diet and exercise can live longer than one without. In addition, taking your furry friend to the veterinarian for annual wellness exams and getting her booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.

Size

Research shows thatlarger dogs live for a shorter period of time compared to smaller ones. For example, an Irish Wolfhound (average 115 pounds) has an average lifespan of eight years, while a Jack Russell Terrier (average of 15 pounds) can live up to 13-16 years. Medium-size dogs like the French Bulldog live between 10 and 13 years. Below, you can see the average lifespan of dogs based on size.

• Small dogs: 10-15 Years
• Medium dogs: 10-13 Years
• Large Dogs: 10-12 years
• Giant Dogs: 8-10 years

Purebred Dogs vs Mixed-Breed Dogs

Inbreeding or pure breeding can reduce canines lifespans. Cross-breed dogs have a longer lifespan than purebred dogs due to greater genetic diversity. Purebred dogs are at risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, mutts who have at least two breeds tend to have the fewest health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.

Not Sure Of Your Dogs Breed Mix?

If you are unsure of your dogs breed mix, try a DNA test kit to find out. Options like Wisdom Panel can give detailed insight into your pups breed as well as genetic health conditions. Learn more in our full Wisdom Panel review with personal experience.

Spayed Or Neutered

Spaying and neutering a puppy at a relatively young age can positively affect a dogs lifespan. Most studies recommend surgical sterilization before five months of age for small breed dogs and 12-15 months for larger breed house dogs.

Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast, and testicles.

Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not be completely accurate, but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies, and this will be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.

Canine Genetic Age Testing With A DNA Test

Do you want to find out your pets biological age? Embark makes it simple to determine your dogs true age with its Dog Age Test which measures your pups DNA methylation. As your dog ages, the level of DNA methylation changes in a predictable way.

Embark uses the amount and position of DNA methylation as a type of clock to estimate age. Order a kit, send in your sample, and get the results back in four to five weeks. Visit Embark DNAs website to learn more and buy a test.

Dog Breed Life Expectancy Chart: 20 Most Popular U.S Breeds

Below is a dog life expectancy chart sorted by the 20 most popular registered breeds in the US.

What Is The Longest Living Dog Breed?

Small breeds with long noses are generally the longest-lived. Chihuahuas are usually referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. In 2023, Spike, a Chihuahua from Ohio, was given the title of oldest dog living at the ripe old age of 24.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs that have lived 20 years or longer. In fact, the longest-living dog verified, according to Guinness World Records, was a female Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived 29 years and five months.

10 Longest Lived Dog Breeds

Recent research published in the journal Scientific Reports in February 2024 examined the longevity of companion animals. The researchers studied over 580,000 companion pups. This study revealed a wealth of information on the differences in breed life expectancy. The ten dog breeds that are least likely to have an early death and their average life expectancy are listed below, according to this research.

10 Dogs With Short Life Expectancies

Youll notice that most dogs in this chart are larger breeds. As mentioned above, larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. Some believe this is because large breeds age more quickly. For example, a Great Dane can gain 100 pounds from its day of birth to its first birthday, whereas a Shih Tzu can weigh up to 15 pounds in its entire lifespan. Below is a table of 10 dogs with short lifespans.

Dog Breeds At Risk Of An Early Death

A breeds average lifespan does not determine how long any individual dog is going to live. Some breeds are at a higher risk of early death, even if they have a fairly long expected lifespan. French Bulldogs, for example, though highly popular, are one breed to be aware of. While an adorable and fantastic pet, the Frenchie is predisposed to poor health. Due to their flat faces, this and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to respiratory issues.

The Caucasian Shepherd, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Bloodhound, Affenpinscher, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bulldog are other breeds identified in recent studies as having a high risk of earlier death.

Common Causes Of An Early Death For Dogs

Unfortunately, expected and average lifespans are just estimates. Many things can cause a dog to live less than its breeds expected longevity. In dogs younger than two years old, infectious diseases, trauma, sudden illness, and congenital diseases are the leading causes of early death. Larger pups are more susceptible to cancer, which is the leading cause of early death in bigger breeds.

Canine obesity also affects lifespan and can cause early death. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates up to 59% of dogs in the United States, Canada, and Europe are overweight or obese. Research done by Banfield Pet Hospital shows that dogs can lose up to two and a half years of their lifespan if they are overweight.

How Can I Extend My Dogs Life?

If you could give your dog medication to help keep her in your life longer, would you buy it? Thats precisely whatLoyal is working on right now. Loyal is a team of vets, scientists, and dog lovers striving toward reducing underlying causes of aging in dogs and delaying disease by developing a drug.

Also, consider pet insurance for your pup to help extend their lifespan as much as possible by getting them vet care when needed without worrying about the cost. Insurance cannot directly increase your pups lifespan, but insured dogs often live longer because their owners take them to the vet when something pops up, which allows vets to diagnose and address a condition sooner. Read ourpet insurance reviewsto learn more and get a quote for your dog in our short form below.

There are other ways to help keep your dog healthy and help her live a longer life. The best thing you can do is give your dog adequate exercise daily and make sure youre feeding them a healthy, well-rounded diet. All-natural, fresh dog food is gaining in popularity, and perhaps its something youd like to consider for your pup. Weve tried and reviewed some of the best dog food delivery servicesto help you decide if youd prefer a more traditional kibble or fresh, homemade dog food.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are hundreds of questions about dog lifespan. Below, Ive covered a few of the most frequently asked. If I didnt get to yours, let me know in the comments.

Do female dogs live longer than male dogs?

In some cases, yes. Spayed female dogs live much longer than intact males. Spayed and neutered male and female dogs both live longer than those left intact. Among intact dogs, males tend to live a little longer.

Can a dog live 20 years?

In some cases, dogs can live 20 years, but that is a very old age for a dog. This leads to another question: Can dogs live 30 years? It is incredibly rare for a dog to live 30 years, but there have been claims of such. To date, none of these claims have been verified.

Does having puppies really shorten a dogs lifespan?

This is a widespread theory but not necessarily true. Simply becoming a mother dog and carrying puppies does not shorten a female dogs lifespan. Pregnancy comes with risks, and having puppies too early or too late in life can further the complications and risks. Learn more about dog pregnancy tests here. Older dogs are at a much higher risk of complications and even death during pregnancy. A dogs overall health and care at the time of pregnancy are also factors.

An Active Pup Is A Healthy Pup

Regardless of breed, keeping your pup active will help them live a healthy and happy life. All breeds, regardless of size, need daily exercise. A daily walk is a special bonding time, keeps you active, and is good for your health, too. Learn more in our guide about how often and how long to walk your dog. We also cover step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog to fetch. A simple yet timeless game, chasing after that ball never gets old and is top-notch canine exercise.

Why Trust Canine Journal

Danielle has shared a special bond with dogs since childhood. She has over 30 years of experience with breeds of all sizes and dogs with special needs. Danielle is a dedicated professional researcher and pet product reviewer. She spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to help owners learn whats behind the label.