How long do domestic dogs actually live and what can an owner do to prolong their life? We analyzed the research and found out which breeds are considered long-lived.
When a puppy appears in the house, you want to believe that decades of walks, games and happiness lie ahead. But over time, the question inevitably arises, how long do dogs live, and then another – How to make your pet’s life as long and as high quality as possible. Modern research provides fairly accurate and sometimes unexpected answers to these questions.
Average life expectancy of dogs: numbers without myths
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Statistics on dog life expectancy are regularly collected in different countries. In recent years, large-scale research on this topic has been carried out in the USA, Great Britain, and Denmark. The scientists’ conclusions agree: On average, domestic dogs live 12–13 years.
It is important to understand that this is not a “guaranteed” period, but an average. Actual life expectancy depends greatly on many factors, most notably breed and size. Most pets pass away between the ages of 10 and 14 years, but there are also real record holders: about 5% of dogs live to be 17–18 years old.
Why do little ones live longer than big ones?
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As scientists from the National Taiwan University and the Royal Veterinary College of Great Britain found, the most significant factor determining a dog’s life expectancy is its size. The smaller the dog, the longer it will be healthy. Small breeds age more slowly: their hearts, joints and internal organs experience less stress. While large dogs literally “wear out” the body at an accelerated rate: they grow quickly, and their systems work at high speeds from an early age.
It turned out that there are breeds that live longer than others:
- Chihuahuas – often live 15-18 years;
- toy and miniature poodles – 13–16 years;
- dachshunds – 12–16 years old;
- Yorkshire terriers, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Jack Russell – 12–15 years.
The researchers also identified the dog breeds with the shortest life expectancy:
- St. Bernards, Caucasian Shepherds, Newfoundlands – 7–10 years;
- Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs – 6–9 years;
- bulldogs and pugs – on average 9–11 years.
At the same time, bulldogs and pugs, despite their modest size, belong to the risk group. It’s all about the specific structure of the muzzle.
“Dogs with a short muzzle – brachycephalics – can live up to 12 years, but compared to “long-muzzled” breeds, they get sick much more often. Due to the structure of their snout, they have problems with breathing, heart, skin and eyes. Therefore, they often die not from old age, but from disease.”
What else affects life expectancy
Breed and size are just “starting data”. But there are also factors that the owner can really influence, and quite significantly. To make your dog live longer, follow the recommendations of scientists.
Monitor your weight and nutrition. Obesity is one of the main enemies of longevity. Excess weight significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint and breathing problems. One European study reports that maintaining a normal weight can add 1-2 years or more to a dog’s life.
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Make friends with the vet. Regular examinations allow us to identify diseases at a stage when they can still be effectively treated. Many owners contact the clinic too late, which often costs their pets many years of life.
Keep your dog physically and mentally active. Walking, playing, training and learning stimulate the brain and cardiovascular system, slowing down the aging process. An active dog almost always lives longer than a passive one.
Pay attention to the origin of the dog when purchasing. Inbreeding increases the risk of congenital diseases and shortens life expectancy, American and European researchers have come to this conclusion. Therefore, it is important to take a responsible approach to choosing a breeder and check the puppy’s pedigree.
“The lifestyle and attitude of the owners towards the pet undoubtedly influence its life expectancy. My experience shows: a dog that is cared for, loved, fed properly and walked regularly almost always lives longer,” emphasizes Liliya Khakimova.
Interesting fact: The popular opinion that mongrels live longer than purebred dogs has not been confirmed. English studies have shown that There is no fundamental difference between purebred animals and mestizos.
The main thing to remember
On average, dogs live about 12 years. Small breeds live longer, large breeds live shorter. It is important that brachycephalic dogs often die earlier than the statistical average due to diseases associated with the structural features of the muzzle.
Weight, nutrition, movement and veterinary control directly affect life expectancy. If you want your dog to live a long and fulfilling life, treat him not just as a pet, but as a member of the family. Attention, care and responsibility prolong life more than the most successful genetics.
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