To find out how old your dog is, it’s not enough to just calculate “dog years.”Research suggests A dog’s lifespan can vary greatly depending on breed and size, and there may also be other factors at play that we don’t yet fully understand.
There’s a lot to know about dog lifespans. If you look at your dog and wonder, “How long do dogs live?”, here’s how to estimate and how to make sure your best friend stays with you for as long as possible.
Average Lifespan of a Dog
The average lifespan of a dog is 10-13 years, but this varies depending on the breed and size. Domestic dogs, due to human intervention, come in an incredible variety of sizes, builds, and looks, so it’s not surprising that there is a wide variation in lifespan between different breeds. Chihuahua vs Great Dane.
In general, small dog breeds live longer than large dog breeds.
Why do small dogs live longer?
Although the reasons for this are not fully understood, small mammals usually have shorter life spans than larger mammals.
One possible reason may be that common diseases that affect dogs as they age (such as incontinence, cancer, and mobility issues) are harder to manage in larger dogs and lead to them being euthanized sooner. There also seems to be some variation in the types of diseases that different breeds suffer from.
Do mixed breed dogs live longer?
Mixed breed dogs usually live longer than purebred dogs. Genetics plays a big role in a dog’s life expectancy, and purebred dogs are at higher risk of certain genetic disorders because they have been bred with other dogs that have similar genes.
Mixed-breed dogs are at lower risk of these diseases, which may contribute to their longer lifespan.
Certain dog breeds have been purposely bred for traits that can unfortunately shorten their lifespan. For example, brachycephalic dogs such as English bulldogs have small tracheas, making them more susceptible to heat stroke and death from respiratory diseases.
The average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years, but this varies depending on the breed and size.
How long do small dogs live?
Below are some popular small dog breeds and their average lifespans:
How long do medium sized dogs live?
Medium-sized dogs approach the overall dog life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Medium-sized dogs’ lifespans and the diseases they are most likely to be concerned about vary by breed – Bulldogs, for example, are more likely to suffer from health problems due to their short snouts, while the hardworking Australian Cattle Dog has less of a genetic predisposition to disease and can live to be over 16 years old.
Here are some popular medium-sized dog breeds and their average lifespans:
How long do large dogs live?
Large dogs have a slightly shorter lifespan than medium-sized dogs, between 9 and 12 years, and this lifespan varies greatly depending on the breed.
As dogs get older, they become more susceptible to diseases that can be difficult to manage. Arthritis and certain types of cancer. Popular dog breeds like Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs are particularly susceptible to cancer.
Below are some popular large dog breeds and their average lifespans:
How long do giant dogs live?
Below are some popular large dog breeds and their average lifespans:
How to make your dog live longer
Do your research
Dog lifespans vary widely between breeds, so if you’re interested in a particular breed, do your research carefully and Choose a responsible breeder who is committed to the health of their dogs.
Responsible breeders will test their breeding dogs for common diseases (both health and genetic tests are available for many common problems), and knowing the lifespan and health concerns of your puppy’s relatives will help you make an informed decision.
While mutts may live longer than other breeds, many designer dog breeds (such as goldendoodles and labradoodles) were originally created with health in mind but have now been bred to have certain problems, so these breeders should be held to the same standards.
Mixed breed dogs that come from shelters have diverse enough bloodlines that they are not subject to the same risks as designer breeds.
However, breed-specific diseases can occur, so it’s worthwhile for owners to DNA test puppies from shelters. Many DNA tests also look for evidence that dogs carry genes for common diseases, so knowing more about a dog’s history can help predict any problems that may arise.
Follow your veterinarian’s instructions
It is important to follow your veterinarian’s preventive health recommendations. Vaccinations and regionally appropriate flea, tick and heartworm prevention can help protect your pet from infectious diseases.
Routine testing for intestinal and blood parasites should be done annually, and your vet should also advise regular blood tests to check the health of the liver, kidneys and bone marrow.
Establishing a baseline in a young dog and testing annually as he gets older will help catch any diseases early and make them easier to manage. Keep in mind that older dogs may require more frequent testing to screen for diseases that develop as puppies get older.
Some breeds, such as golden retrievers, benefit from regular imaging (X-rays and ultrasounds) as they age to monitor for certain types of cancer. Have your veterinarian examine any new lumps or swellings to determine whether the tumor is benign or needs to be removed surgically.
Maintaining a healthy weight in dogs
A healthy weight is essential to a dog’s longevity. Labrador Retriever Research Dogs bred to be in a healthy body condition were found to live an average of two years longer than overweight dogs.
Feed your dog measured meals and keep track of treats and snacks so you can adjust portions appropriately as your dog’s metabolism changes. If you’re not sure if your dog’s weight is appropriate, it’s a good idea to ask your vet.
