Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs

Research has found that large dogs live about 5 to 8 years, while small dogs average 10 to 14 years.

Within a given species, the smaller animals generally live longer than the larger ones. This has been documented in a number of species, but nowhere is it more pronounced than with dogs, probably because their size range—from the massive mastiff to the tiny Chihuahua—is so extreme. Natallia Yaumenenka/Shutterstuck

Q: Among the dogs I’ve had over the years, my small dogs lived longer than my large dogs. Is this generally true? If so, why?

A: Yes, it’s true, though no one is completely sure why.