With pure bred dogs there is an average life expectancy, however with cross breeds it is virtually impossible to estimate unless you know the breeds involved. If you have a cross, why not find out the breeds involved? Not only will this give you an idea of life expectancy, it will give you a wealth of information such as possible genetic diseases breeds are predisposed towards, possible behaviour concerns and so much more. Just give the good folks at Muttmix a shout - they are always willing to help! www.muttmix.co.za
How Long Will My Dog Live & Which Factors
Influence Longevity
www.caninejournal.com
(A really great website - do visit, more than worth the time)
Influence Longevity
www.caninejournal.com
(A really great website - do visit, more than worth the time)
Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones… most of the time. Think about it. A human lives longer than a cat, which lives longer than a rat, which lives longer than a fly. But why isn’t this true when it comes to animals within their species? A person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. This is because of increased health risks for the person who weighs 300 pounds. When it comes to the life expectancy of dogs though, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different and their lifespans reflect this. But, beyond size, is there an average age of a dog based on breed or other factors? Yes. Let us explore this subject further.
What Determines a Dog’s Lifespan?
Want to know how you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canine’s lifespan.
Nutrition
A dog with a proper, nutritious diet can live longer than one without, so always purchase the best you can afford. In addition, taking your furry friend to annual wellness exams at the veterinarian and getting its booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.
Basic Care
Prevention - Ensuring that your dogs receives preventatives such as heartworm, flea and tick prevention on a regular basis.
Dental - Teeth problems can really affect health if not attended too. According to the AKC, In the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, Dr. Urfer reported when comparing two dogs with all other factors being equal, that he found annual dental cleanings conducted by a veterinarian reducing risk of death by almost 20 percent.
Regular Physical
Just as with humans, regular, appropriate exercise keeps the muscles, tendons, joints, skeletal aspect in better health, especially activities such as walking. Regular, appropriate exercise will also assist in keeping weight in check. A dog that seldom gets out is a lot more likely to be stressed and frustrated which can affect health and lead to various behaviour concerns.
Mental stimulation
is just as important and physical stimulation and dogs thrive on it. Simple things such as allowing scenting on walks, games like hide and seek or scent exercises in the garden, getting food out of a stuffed chew toy, dog puzzles etc, will go a long way to provide mental stimulation and alleviate and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation not only assists with longevity, it also helps to provide a happy and stress-free life for them.
Inbreeding vs Cross Breeding
Inbreeding can reduce the lifespan of canines. Cross breed dogs have a longer lifespan in comparison. Inbred dogs have a risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, “mutts” who have at least two breeds and commonly more, tend to have the least health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.
Spayed/Neutered
Spaying and neutering a puppy at a young age can positively affect a dog’s lifespan. Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs. Especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not completely accurate but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies in your life and this will also be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.
What Determines a Dog’s Lifespan?
Want to know how you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canine’s lifespan.
Nutrition
A dog with a proper, nutritious diet can live longer than one without, so always purchase the best you can afford. In addition, taking your furry friend to annual wellness exams at the veterinarian and getting its booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.
Basic Care
Prevention - Ensuring that your dogs receives preventatives such as heartworm, flea and tick prevention on a regular basis.
Dental - Teeth problems can really affect health if not attended too. According to the AKC, In the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, Dr. Urfer reported when comparing two dogs with all other factors being equal, that he found annual dental cleanings conducted by a veterinarian reducing risk of death by almost 20 percent.
Regular Physical
Just as with humans, regular, appropriate exercise keeps the muscles, tendons, joints, skeletal aspect in better health, especially activities such as walking. Regular, appropriate exercise will also assist in keeping weight in check. A dog that seldom gets out is a lot more likely to be stressed and frustrated which can affect health and lead to various behaviour concerns.
Mental stimulation
is just as important and physical stimulation and dogs thrive on it. Simple things such as allowing scenting on walks, games like hide and seek or scent exercises in the garden, getting food out of a stuffed chew toy, dog puzzles etc, will go a long way to provide mental stimulation and alleviate and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation not only assists with longevity, it also helps to provide a happy and stress-free life for them.
Inbreeding vs Cross Breeding
Inbreeding can reduce the lifespan of canines. Cross breed dogs have a longer lifespan in comparison. Inbred dogs have a risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, “mutts” who have at least two breeds and commonly more, tend to have the least health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.
Spayed/Neutered
Spaying and neutering a puppy at a young age can positively affect a dog’s lifespan. Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs. Especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not completely accurate but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies in your life and this will also be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.
Life Expectancy - various sizes
As per the AKC, here are the estimated lifespans:
Lifespans for certain small dog breeds:-
The average lifespan for small dog breeds ranges from 10 to 15 years, with some breeds living as long as 18 years. In general, small dogs live longer than their larger counterparts, with the shortest living breeds still exceeding the average lifespan of most large breeds. This makes them a good choice for owners who want a long-lived companion.
Medium-sized dog breeds range from smaller companion breeds such as French Bulldogs, to larger, active working breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. The average lifespan for medium-sized dog breeds is 10 to 13 years, with some breeds living even longer. As with small dogs, exact age ranges for medium-sized dog breeds are hard to determine, but there are general lifespan guidelines for each breed.
Lifespans for certain large dog breeds:
The average lifespan for large dog breeds is 8 to 12 years. This includes large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, as well as giant breeds such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs. In general, giant breeds tend to live an average of 8 to 10 years, whereas large dog breeds live 10 to 12 years.
The average lifespan for small dog breeds ranges from 10 to 15 years, with some breeds living as long as 18 years. In general, small dogs live longer than their larger counterparts, with the shortest living breeds still exceeding the average lifespan of most large breeds. This makes them a good choice for owners who want a long-lived companion.
- Chihuahua (15-17 years)
- Chinese Crested (15-17 years)
- Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier (13-15 years)
- English Toy Spaniel (13-15 years)
- Pomeranian (14-16 years)
- Rat Terrier (13-15 years)
- Russell Terrier (12-14 years)
- Lakeland Terrier (12-14 years)
- Manchester Terrier (12-14 years)
- Yorkshire Terrier (12-15 years)
Medium-sized dog breeds range from smaller companion breeds such as French Bulldogs, to larger, active working breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. The average lifespan for medium-sized dog breeds is 10 to 13 years, with some breeds living even longer. As with small dogs, exact age ranges for medium-sized dog breeds are hard to determine, but there are general lifespan guidelines for each breed.
- Australian Shepherd (12-15 years)
- Chinese Shar-Pei (12-14 years)
- Cocker Spaniel (13-15 years)
- Poodle (12-15 years)
- Whippet (12-15 years)
- Puli (10-15 years)
- Welsh Springer Spaniel (13-15 years)
- Bulldog (10-12 years)
- Boxer (10-12 years)
- Chow Chow (11-13 years)
- Curly-Coated Retriever (11-13 years)
- French Bulldog (11-13 years)
Lifespans for certain large dog breeds:
The average lifespan for large dog breeds is 8 to 12 years. This includes large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, as well as giant breeds such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs. In general, giant breeds tend to live an average of 8 to 10 years, whereas large dog breeds live 10 to 12 years.
- Great Dane (8-10 years)
- Bernese Mountain Dog (7-10 years)
- Irish Wolfhound (8-10 years)
- Newfoundland (10-12 years)
- Giant Schnauzer (10-12 years)
- Dogue de Bordeaux (9-11 years)
- Rottweiler (10-12 years)
- St. Bernard (10-12 years)
- Scottish Deerhound (10-12 years)
- Flat-Coated Retriever (10-12 years)
- Akita (11-15 years)
- Anatolian Shepherd (11-13 years)
- Irish Setter (12-14 years)
- Belgian Malinois (14-16 years)
What Is the Longest Living Dog Breed?
Chihuahuas are normally referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. The oldest Chihuahua on record2, Megabyte, died at the age of 20 years and 265 days.
The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs living past 20 years old. In fact, the longest living dog recorded is an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who lived 29 years and 5 months.
Chihuahuas are normally referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. The oldest Chihuahua on record2, Megabyte, died at the age of 20 years and 265 days.
The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs living past 20 years old. In fact, the longest living dog recorded is an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who lived 29 years and 5 months.
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