We might wish our dogs could live forever – but the truth is they age much quicker than we do. Some breeds also age much faster than others, so it’s important to know the average lifespan for your dog’s size.
Here’s what you need to know, plus how to keep your dog as fit and healthy as possible, for as long as possible.
The average dog life span is 11 years — although there’s a large amount of variation depending on a dog’s breed and size. That means typical dog age span ranges are usually split into four categories.
Bichon Frise: 15+ years
Chihuahua: 7+ years, although they can live as long as 20
Dachshund: 12-13 years
Lhasa Apso: 12 years
Yorkshire Terrier: 12+ years
Border Collie: 12+ years
Cockapoo: 13+ years
English Springer Spaniel: 11+ years
Labradoodle: 12-15 years
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 10+ years
Boxer: 10+ years
German Shepherd: 10+ years
Golden Retriever: 10+ years
Labrador: 10-12 years
Rottweiler: 8-10 years
If you’ve got a giant breed like a Great Dane, you might start to notice signs of them ageing from four or five onwards. But if you’ve got a tiny Chihuahua, they’ll probably still be acting like a puppy at the same age.
The main reason different dog breeds age at different rates is because of their size, with large breeds ageing considerably faster. The reasons behind this aren’t well understood, but there are a lot of other factors that affect a dog’s ageing process including:
Cross-breed, or mixed-breed dogs, tend to live longer than pedigree dogs due to a phenomenon known as ‘hybrid vigour’. Because purebred dogs are bred from a smaller gene pool, they’re often at higher risk for specific diseases than cross breeds.
Whether you’re choosing a mixed breed puppy like Labradoodles and Cockapoos, or a pedigree like Golden Retrievers and Huskies, it’s important to ask their breeder for the results of any health tests on the parent dogs and puppies.
A balanced diet is essential for your dog’s health and fitness. This needs to be tailored to your dog’s breed, age and fitness levels, so if you’re unsure where to start, speak to your vet for advice.
If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with vet professionals from the comfort of your own home. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.
Your dog’s food should also be suitable for their specific lifestage, so their age will determine whether you’ll be feeding them a puppy, adult, or senior formulation. Avoid feeding fatty table scraps, and remember to subtract the calories from any treats from your dog’s daily ration, so they don’t end up overweight.
Physical and mental stimulation are essential for keeping your dog’s body – and mind – active. How much exercise your dog needs will depend on their breed, fitness levels, health and age.
Aim for a blend of physical exercise like walking, plus mental stimulation like training sessions and games. Puzzle feeders and lick mats are also a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated while you're out of the house.
Obesity in dogs is becoming more common, with research from the PDSA finding that vet professionals estimate that 46% of dogs in the UK are obese or overweight. But extra weight can contribute to a wide range of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, which may impact your dog’s lifespan.
The best way to monitor your dog’s weight is using body condition scoring (BCS), something that’s easy to learn and can be included in your daily routine.
Dental problems are common in pets, making oral hygiene incredibly important. Many dogs show signs of gum disease as early as four years old. This can be down to a combination of issues, including the wrong diet, a lack of suitable chew toys and minimal dental care.
One of the best ways to prevent dental problems like gum disease is by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth. Ideally, you should start brushing your dog’s teeth when they’re a puppy, and gradually build this process into their routine. But if your dog is older, starting to brush their teeth at any age can make a big difference to their oral health.
Proactive health checks, like annual checkups, mean it’s easier to catch any minor health issues as soon as possible. Your vet can then develop a tailored plan to support your dog.
Petplan’s veterinary expert, Dr Brian Faulkner, comments:
“While these five tips might seem straightforward, our recent 2026 Dog Breed Report reveals an interesting disconnect: nearly half of dog owners (44%) state their number one concern for caring for their dog in 2026, is keeping them healthy and active."
“A dog’s age, existing health conditions, weight, and breed are all key factors in how long a dog should be exercised for. For instance, puppies require frequent, short bursts of play to protect developing joints, whilst senior dogs might need gentler, and low-intensity exercise."
“As a general guide, we recommend around 30 minutes daily for small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas; approximately one hour for medium-sized breeds such as Labradoodles. For particularly energetic breeds including Spaniels, Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, we recommend one to two hours of daily exercise; and a minimum of two hours for large breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds."
“It’s important to note that each dog is different and their routines will differ with time too. Simple, everyday things can make a huge difference to our pet’s lives such as regular exercise. As humans we also reap the health benefits of regular walks, but for our dogs it can help offer mental and social stimulation, as well as reducing boredom to help ensure a calmer dog at home."
“Early intervention is key to addressing any potential health issues. And if those vet visits become necessary, having dog insurance can provide invaluable peace of mind.”
Learn how to perform a dog MOT at home with Dr James Greenwood in the video below
Because dogs are individuals, they also age at different rates. It’s important to know the signs of ageing, so you can support your dog in the right way. Watch out for:
Ageing is a natural process – and something to be celebrated. Throwing your dog a birthday party is a fun way to honour the joy they bring to your life, and is also the perfect excuse for some cake, homemade treats and fun games.
If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with vet professionals from the comfort of your own home. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.
Last updated: 14 September 2026
Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England and Wales with company number 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England and Wales with company number 84638).
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