Which lives longer, the Golden Retriever or the Pug?

The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan: Golden Retriever 13.2 years versus Pug 11.6 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Golden Retriever or the Pug?

On the Breed Health Score the Golden Retriever scores 79/100 and the Pug scores 55/100. The Golden Retriever scores higher.

Golden Retriever vs Pug

The Golden Retriever has a median lifespan of 13.2 years and a Breed Health Score of 79/100 (grade A); the Pug lives a median of 11.6 years with a score of 55/100 (grade C). On the overall index the Golden Retriever scores higher. The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

Golden Retriever

79grade A

Pug

55grade C

Median lifespan

13.2 yr

11.6 yr

Size

large · 25-34 kg

toy · 6-8 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

79A

55C

Conditions

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Atopic dermatitis Hypothyroidism

BOAS Pug dog encephalitis Corneal ulcers Skin fold dermatitis Obesity

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.