What is the average lifespan of a dog?

Answer by  benicio (257)

Just from personal knowledge, they seem to usually live between 10 and 13 years. Human years. :) I'm sure there are outliers though.

Answer by  Rogueface (40)

It depends a lot on the breed of dog as well as other factors. Ignoring breed and heritage differences, the average lifespan for a dog is somewhere between 9 and 12 years. That said, smaller breeds (ie toy breeds) tend to live slightly longer, while larger breeds (wolfhounds, great danes, etc) have shorter lifespans.

Answer by  dingosan8 (407)

Lifespan varies from dog to dog with the average being about 15 years. The rule of thumb is that smaller breeds tend to live longer and it is not uncommon to see them live up to 20 years. Larger breeds are shorter lived. They grow faster and as a result age faster. Great Danes for instance only live to be about 6 years old.

Answer by  manny (185)

I've read that the average is 12. 8 years. Lots of things factor into the normal lifespan of a dog, including the dog's breed. Great danes and bulldogs generally have shorter lifespans, while Chihuahuas and Miniature poodles, for example, have longer lives usually.

Answer by  LohnJaw (122)

It varies quite a bit with the breed you're talking about. The average age, however, is about 10-13 years. It can be 9 years or 15 years, though.