labrador-retriever

What percent of dogs live to be 16?

Not many dogs make it to 16, and nobody has a clean number for Labs. Here is what the studies say, what seems to help, and what to do when your dog gets there.

About 1 in 5 dogs makes it to 16, going by the biggest US vet records I could find. Other data says closer to 1 in 14. Either way, if your dog is 16 or close to it, they've beaten the odds.

If you're here because your dog is 14 or 15 and you're wondering what's ahead, this is for you. Here's what the numbers mean, what seems to help, and what to keep an eye on.

How common is it, really?

Not very. In those US records, about 4 in 10 dogs reach 14, 3 in 10 reach 15 and 2 in 10 reach 16. By 17 it's about 1 in 8. The UK numbers are lower, with about 1 in 14 dogs reaching 16. The studies count things differently, and both only include dogs that see a vet, so think of it as a range, not one exact number.

Size makes a big difference

Small dogs live the longest. In the US records, a puppy born today is expected to live about 13.5 years if it's a small breed, about 11.5 if it's large, and under 10 if it's a giant breed. So a large dog who reaches 14 is already ahead of the average, and 16 is easier to reach for a small dog.

What about Labradors?

Nobody has published an exact number for how many Labs reach 16. Labs usually live around 11 to 13 years, and the oldest Lab in the biggest UK study of the breed was 16. So 16 is possible, but it's the far end of the range. Our guide to what percentage of labs live to 16 years old has more on Labs.

What seems to help

There's no magic trick, but a few things have real evidence behind them.

Keep them lean. This one has the best evidence. In a long study, Labs kept slim lived about 13 years, while their heavier littermates lived about 11. It was a small study that Purina paid for, but US vet records point the same way: dogs rated obese lived about a year and a half less than dogs at an ideal weight. Ask your vet what your dog's ideal weight is and how to get there.

Don't skip the check-ups. Vets recommend a visit every six months once a dog is past 7, even if they seem fine, because problems are easier to deal with when they're caught early.

Look after their teeth. Dental problems are easy to miss, and many only show up when a dog is checked under anesthesia. In a large set of US vet records, dogs that had more teeth cleanings were less likely to die early, though that doesn't prove the cleanings are the reason.

Keep them moving, gently. Arthritis is one of the most common problems in older dogs, and catching it early helps them stay mobile. If your dog is stiff, ask your vet about physical therapy.

What to expect at 14, 15 and 16

At 14, the average dog has about two and a half years left. At 16, about two. Every dog is different, though, so here's what to watch for.

Confusion or changes at night. Cognitive dysfunction, which is a lot like dementia, is common at this age. In one study, about 2 in 3 dogs aged 15 to 16 showed some signs, and most cases never get diagnosed. If your dog seems lost, paces at night or has accidents, tell your vet. Our guide to the signs of canine dementia shows what to look for. A steady routine, daytime activity, daylight, and a dark room at night can help.

Changes that look like "just old age". Kidney problems, heart problems and pain can look a lot like aging. A new behavior is a reason to call the vet. If you're worried about pain, see pain relief for senior dogs for what is and isn't safe.

The cost. Senior care adds up over several years. Ask your clinic for an itemized estimate so there are no surprises.

And if you're starting to wonder how you'll know when it's time, when is it time to say goodbye to your senior dog is there when you need it.

Quick answers

What percentage of dogs live to 16?

Roughly 1 in 14 to 1 in 5, depending on the study. Small dogs are more likely to get there than large ones.

Can a dog live to 17?

Some do, but it's uncommon. In the US records about 1 in 8 dogs reach 17. In the UK data it's about 1 in 35.

Is 14 old for a dog?

Yes. About 4 in 10 dogs reach 14 in the US records, and for a large dog, 14 is well past the average life expectancy of about 11.5 years.

At what age is a dog a senior?

AAHA recommends check-ups every six months for dogs older than 7. The AKC describes a senior as a dog in the last 25% of its expected lifespan, which it says is typically 6 years or older, so big dogs get there sooner.

Where this comes from

The numbers come from the vet studies and veterinary groups listed below. I'm not a vet, so use this to get ready for a conversation with yours, not to replace it.