


On the flip side, they could also inherit all of the genetic conditions from the breeds they descend from. It depends on the genetic lottery, says Savageau, meaning a mixed-breed dog could miss out on the genetic conditions associated with the breeds they’re mixed with. There is some evidence that suggests mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs, according to a 2019 study, but the difference in lifespan decreases if the mixed-breed dogs are bigger.
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How much should dogs sleep?: Daily snooze hours, plus when to worry Do mixed-breed dogs live longer?

“Even when they don’t have horrible problems, they just don’t tend to live long.” “(Big dogs) get a lot of arthritis when they’re older, they can’t move around as much so their size might be a part of it,” Savageau says. There isn’t a ton known about why small dogs live longer, though a 2023 study published in the American Naturalist found larger species of dogs may be more susceptible to cancer because of selective breeding practices.

Even Bobi, who is a purebred Raferio do Alentejo, comes from a breed historically used to guard property, livestock, sheep and cattle. “And these dogs are living 8+ years longer than that and I've never seen anything like that.”īefore Bobi, the world’s oldest living dog was the 29-year-old Australian cattle dog Bluey. “Multiple cattle dogs I saw were over 20 years old, and they are truly a medium breed, so most medium breeds would only live to be 10 to 12,” Savageau says. The only exception to the size rule Savageau has seen is cattle dogs. Large or giant breed dogs – think Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, Saint Bernards – usually only live between seven and 10 years. Medium-sized dogs, including golden retrievers, French bulldogs and cocker spaniels, live closer to 10-12 years. Small dogs, like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese or Shih Tzus typically live between 14-16 years. The lifespan of your furry friend depends on size and breed, says veterinarian Nicole Savageau. But how long can we realistically expect them to be a part of our lives? Here's what to know: How long do dogs live? It’s understandable to wish your dog could live forever. Studies from the Human Bond Research Institute found children in families with dogs have greater socio-emotional outcomes and more unstructured physical activity than those from non-dog households. Pets are often an important pillar in a child’s life growing up. Bobi was born in 1992 when his owner was just 8 years old. The world’s oldest dog is Bobi, a 31-year-old Portuguese dog who likes long naps by the fire. Anastasiia Riddle and Cody Godwin, Associated Press
