Dogs have been accompanying man for over 15,000 years. Initially, they lived in symbiosis with us, then we began to treat them as utility animals – they helped in hunting or even transporting food. Nowadays, most dogs are so-called companion animals that become members of human families. No wonder that their guardians want them to remain in full strength as long as possible.
How long do dogs live? Big dogs vs small dogs
How old are dogs? Some of them live up to 20 years, while others rarely reach the age of 10. Most often, however, the vast majority of purebred dogs and mongrels live a dozen or so years. This border usually ends around 13 or 14 years old. Then the dog starts to feel the signs of old age, which in smaller dogs with good health may appear a few years later, around 16 or even 18 years of age. Much, however, depends on the mentioned breed and size, which always goes hand in hand with her.
Interestingly, it is the mongrels and smaller breeds that enjoy the largest number of years of potential life. Why is this happening? There is no clear scientific answer to this question. Many experts say, however, that this may be due to the fact that large dogs grow much faster and grow faster, which can affect their subsequent lack of immunity, as if their body gave maximum potential in the first months of life, then let it go a little bit.
The rapid rate of growth and development can also contribute to many genetic defects, and a large body weight is an obvious burden on the whole organism, which must work at high speed.
How long do popular dog breeds live?
The average life expectancy of purebred dogs is several years. The conducted research allows for a slightly more accurate estimation of how long representatives of particular races will live.
- German Shepherd – 11-13 years old
- Maltese – 15 – 20 years old
- Jack Russell terrier – 14 – 16 years old
- Golden Retriever – 12 – 14 years old
- Labrador – 11-13
- Great Dane – 8-10 years
- Doberman – 10 – 13 years old
- English Mastiff – 6 – 12 years old
- Bernese Mountain Dog – 7-9 years old
What determines how long dogs live?
You should also pay attention to the fact that how long dogs live, depends largely on their owners. How you care for your dog has a direct impact on his health. What counts here is, above all, a proven and responsible diet, but also regular visits to the vet and taking care of the dog’s physical condition, especially for breeds that require a lot of exercise.
Dogs also say the saying “you are what you eat”, so you should take care of high-quality food, based on ingredients adapted to the size or breed of the dog. Long walks, protecting the dog against such factors as too low or too high temperature, reacting to any behavior that deviates from the norm, taking care of the right dose of movement for the dog and limiting its stressful situations can also directly extend his life.