Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?

Dogs

We want our dogs to be with us for a long and happy life; that's all part of being a good owner. It makes sense, then, that animal lovers would have questions about their dog's life span, especially as it relates to their particular breed. There is a lot of misinformation out there, as well as some that could be confusing for owners. When we took a look back at some of the questions our readers and clients have asked on this subject, these were the most common:

• Do small dogs live longer than large dogs?
• Why do smaller dogs live longer?
• Is it true small dogs live longer than big dogs?
• How long to small dogs live?
• Do all small dogs outlive big dogs?

Keep reading to see a vet's answers on these questions about your dog's size and what it means for their lifespan.

Do small dogs live longer than large dogs?

Simply put, the answer is yes. It is widely known and accepted that small dogs live longer than large dogs. For example, a Great Dane is considered ”senior” at 7 years of age, while a small poodle or Chihuahua is barely considered middle aged at the same age.