How long do different breeds of dogs live, and how to extend their life

Pets are often an important pillar in a person's life. Conceptualization by the Human Connections Research Institute found that children in families with dogs have higher social-emotional outcomes and more unstructured physical activity than children from families without them. And it is quite understandable that the owners want their four-legged friends to live as long as possible. What you need to know about the life expectancy of dogs depending on the breed and size, said the publication USA Today.

Photo: IStock

How many dogs live

Your furry friend's lifespan depends on their size and breed, says veterinarian Nicole Savageot.

Small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese or Shih Tzus usually live 14 to 16 years. Medium-sized dogs, on the other hand, including Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels, are about 10-12 years old, while large or giant breeds (Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernards) are only 7 to 10 years old.

The only exception to the size rule that Savageot has noticed are herding dogs.

“Several of the herding dogs I saw were over 20 years old, and they are a medium breed. Most medium-sized breeds only live to be 10 to 12 years old,” she explained. “But these dogs live 8-plus years longer, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

On the subject: Choosing a pet: the most aggressive and friendly dog ​​breeds

Before the 31-year-old Bobby, the oldest dog in the world was the 29-year-old Australian Cattle Dog Bluey. But Boby is not of this breed - he is a purebred Raferio do Alentejo, who were historically used to guard property, sheep, and other domestic and cattle.

Why small dogs live longer

Little is known about why small dogs live longer, although a 2023 study published in the journal American Naturalist found that large dog species may be more susceptible to cancer due to selective breeding practices.

"Big dogs often get arthritis as they get older and they can't move around as much, so their size may be part of that," Savageau said. “Even when they don’t have problems, they just don’t live long.”

Mixed breed dogs live longer

According to a 2019 study, there is some evidence that mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebreds, but the difference in lifespan decreases if mixed-breed dogs are larger.

It depends on the genetic lottery, says Savageot, meaning a mixed-breed dog could miss out on a genetic benefit. On the other hand, they can inherit all the genetic features from the breeds from which they are descended.

“Sometimes the opposite is true, and mixed breed dogs actually get a lot of problems because of their genetics, and sometimes they actually do a lot better because some of the recessive genes are bred out of them,” the veterinarian said.

Golden Retrievers, for example, usually die of spleen cancer called hemangiosarcoma at 10-12 years of age. A mixed breed dog that is part golden retriever has the potential to not get sick. But, says Savageot, nothing can be guaranteed.

How many dogs live in human years

Dogs age differently and faster than humans. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a puppy's first year of life is about 15 human years. The second year is equivalent to nine human years, and then each subsequent dog year is equal to about four or five human years.

AVMA calculations are based on dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds (9,5-22,6 kg). Thus, average dogs with a life expectancy of 10–12 years will live to about 60–69 years, the equivalent of human age.

How to prolong the life of a dog

Visit the veterinarian annually: take the puppy once a year for a checkup and do not forget to take blood tests if your dog is old. “In many cases, we are faced with age-related diseases that can be managed. And the sooner you catch them, the better they can be controlled and the longer your dog will live,” advises the veterinarian.

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Keep track of your pet's weight: Obesity in dogs can shorten their lifespan by more than two years.

Vaccinate and prevent diseases: Ask your veterinarian about diseases in your area that your dog should be vaccinated against. In addition, Savageot recommends giving anthelmintic tablets as directed by the veterinarian.

Dental health: poor dental health is fraught with additional problems or diseases in the pet. Ask your veterinarian about recommended cleanings for your dog.

When you get a four-legged friend, you don't want to think about the end of your dog's life, but Savageot says it's an important step that every owner, regardless of breed, should take.

“From the first days of bringing your pet into your home, it’s a good idea to know what its life expectancy is and just keep that in mind,” advises Savageau. “When the time of separation comes directly, it will be a little easier for you to bear it.”

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