When it comes to knowing your dog’s age, calculating “dog years” is no longer enough: studies show that a dog’s lifespan can vary significantly depending on breed and size, and there are other factors at play that We do not know yet. I don’t fully understand.
There is a lot to know about the lifespan of the dog. So if you ever look at your pup and wonder, “how long do dogs live?” Here’s how you can estimate and how you can make sure your best friend is around for as long as possible.
The average life expectancy of a dog
The average lifespan of dogs is 10 to 13 years, although there is variability between breeds and sizes. As a species, the domestic dog is incredibly diverse in size, build, and appearance, thanks to human intervention. So it’s no surprise that there are significant differences in the lifespan of a Chihuahua vs. a Great Dane.
In general, smaller dog breeds live longer than larger dog breeds. The cause of this is not well established; Smaller mammal species typically have shorter lifespans than larger ones. One possible reason could be that common medical conditions dogs get as they age (such as incontinence and mobility issues) may be more difficult to manage in larger dogs and lead to euthanasia sooner. There also seems to be some differences in the guys of diseases experienced by breeds of different sizes.
Genetics also play a huge role in the life expectancy of dogs. Purebred dogs are more at risk of specific hereditary diseases because they are bred by other dogs with similar genes. Mixed-breed dogs have a reduced risk of these diseases, which likely contributes to their longer life expectancy. Certain breeds are also purposely bred to have traits that, as an unfortunate result, can also lead to a shorter lifespan. For example, brachycephalic dogs like the English Bulldog are more prone to heat stroke and respiratory-related deaths due to their small trachea.
The average lifespan of dogs is 10 to 13 years, although there is variability between breeds and sizes.
How long do small dogs live?
Small breed dogs tend to have the longest life expectancy, averaging 10 to 15 years. But as these long-lived dogs age, they are more prone to liver, kidney, and adrenal disease, as well as degenerative heart disease. Small dogs are also very prone to dental disease, which can complicate these other diseases.
Here are some popular small dog breeds and their average life expectancy:
How long do medium-sized dogs live?
Medium-sized dogs more closely align with the general average dog lifespan of 10-13 years. But some medium-sized dogs can be very long-lived; the oldest dog on record was a Rafeiro do Alentejo named Bobi, who is 30 years old and counting!
The life expectancy of medium dogs and the diseases of concern vary from breed to breed. Bulldogs, for example, are often plagued with health problems due to their flat-nosed design, while the hardworking Australian Shepherd has fewer genetic predispositions to disease and can live to be 15 years or more.
Here are some popular medium-sized dog breeds and their average life expectancy:
How long do big dogs live?
Large breed dogs have a slightly shorter life expectancy than medium breed dogs, between 9 and 12 years. Again, this life expectancy is highly affected by breed.
As dogs get older, they are more likely to be affected by hard-to-control arthritis and certain types of cancer. Popular breeds like the Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog are particularly prone to cancer.
Here are some popular large dog breeds and their average life expectancy:
How long do giant dogs live?
The imposing giant breed dogs have the shortest average lifespan, 8 to 10 years. Unfortunately, a 6-year-old Great Dane is considered a senior pet, given the wear and tear on his joints. Giant breeds are also much more prone to bone cancer and neurological disease than smaller dogs.
Here are some popular large dog breeds and their average life expectancy:
How to help your dog live longer
do your research
Because the lifespan of dogs is so breed dependent, if you are interested in a certain breed it is extremely important to carefully research and select a responsible breeder who is interested in the health of their dogs. Responsible breeders will test for common diseases in their breeding dogs (both health screenings and genetic testing are available for many common problems). Knowing the life expectancy and health issues of your pup’s relatives can help you make an informed decision.
While mixed-breed dogs can outlive some breeds, many designer breeds (such as Goldendoodles and Labradoodles) initially bred to be healthier are now bred to the point of having their own specific problems. Therefore, these breeders must meet the same standards.
Shelter mix dogs often have sufficiently variable pedigrees that they are not subject to the same risks as designer breeds. But because breed-specific diseases can still arise, it may be worthwhile for pet parents to get their shelter pup DNA tested, as many of these DNA tests will also look for evidence that their dog has the genes for common diseases. So by knowing more about your dog’s background, you can anticipate some problems that may arise.
Follow your vet’s guidance
It is important to follow your vet’s preventative health recommendations. Vaccinations, as well as proper flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, will protect your pet against communicable diseases.
Routine tests for intestinal and blood parasites should be done annually. Also discuss with your vet routine blood work panels to check the health of the liver, kidneys and bone marrow. Establishing baselines in young dogs and checking them annually as they age can help you find diseases early when they are more easily controlled. Keep in mind that older dogs should be further tested as they age to detect additional age-related issues that may arise.
Some breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, may benefit from routine imaging (X-rays and ultrasounds) as they age to monitor for certain types of cancer.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight
A healthy weight is essential for a long-lived dog. A study of Labrador Retrievers found that dogs kept in healthy body condition lived an average of two years longer than their overweight counterparts.
Feed your dog in measured meals and keep track of treats and snacks so you can appropriately adjust his intake as his metabolism changes. If you’re not sure if your dog is at a healthy weight, that’s a great question to ask your vet.
Featured Image: iStock/Halfpoint
