Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
How long do dogs live? When it comes to figuring out how old your furry friend is, the old method of calculating “dog years” just doesn’t cut it anymore. Recent studies have shown that a dog’s lifespan can vary a lot depending on its breed, size, and other factors that we’re still trying to understand.
So, if you’ve ever wondered, here’s a simple way to estimate it and some tips to help your pup live a long, happy life.
Average Dog Lifespan
Well, it depends. On average, dogs live between 10 to 13 years in dog years, but it can vary based on the type of dog. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes because of humans. So, a little Chihuahua might live longer than a big Great Dane. But, if you’re wondering about how long do dogs live in human years, that’s a bit different.
Usually, smaller dogs live longer than bigger ones. Scientists aren’t sure why this happens. Normally, smaller animals live shorter lives than bigger ones. But one reason could be that bigger dogs might find it harder to deal with health problems as they get older.
Things like not being able to control when they go to the bathroom or having trouble moving around might be harder for big dogs. Sometimes, these issues can lead to putting a dog to sleep. Different-sized dogs also tend to get different kinds of sicknesses.
Well, it’s not just about how they’re treated, but also about their genes. If a dog comes from a purebred family, it might have some health problems because its parents were quite similar. But if it’s a mix of different types of dogs, it might be healthier and live longer.
Some dogs are bred for specific jobs or looks, but this can sometimes lead to them having health issues. For instance, dogs with squished faces like English Bulldogs can have a hard time breathing and might get too hot easily, which can make them sick.
What is the lifespan of small dogs?
Well, it depends on their size. Smaller dogs usually live the longest, around 10 to 15 years. But as they get older, they might have some health problems.
These can include issues with their liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands, as well as problems with their hearts. Small dogs also often have dental problems, which can make their other health issues worse.
- Chihuahua: 12-20 years
- Pomeranian: 12-16 years
- Yorkshire Terrier: 12-16 years
- Parson Russell Terrier: 12-14 years
What is the average lifespan of medium-sized dogs?
Well, medium-sized dogs usually live around 10 to 13 years, which is about average for most dogs. However, some medium-sized dogs can live much longer. For instance, the oldest dog on record was a Rafeiro do Alentejo named Bobi who lived to be a remarkable 31 years old.
Different breeds of medium-sized dogs can have different lifespans and health concerns. Bulldogs, with their short noses, often have health problems, while Australian Shepherds, known for their hard work, tend to have fewer genetic issues and can live to be 15 years or even older.
- French Bulldog: 10-12 years
- Cocker Spaniel: 12-15 years
- Bulldog: 8-10 years
- Boxer: 10-12 years
What is the typical lifespan of big dogs?
Well, for big dogs, it’s a bit shorter than for medium-sized ones, usually around 9 to 12 years. But remember, this can vary a lot depending on the type of dog.
When dogs are bigger, they tend to have more problems with arthritis, which can be really hard to deal with. They’re also more likely to get certain types of cancer. Some well-liked breeds like Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs are especially at risk for cancer.
- Golden Retriever: 10-12 years
- Rottweiler: 9-11 years
- Belgian Malinois: 10-14 years
- Bernese Mountain Dog: 7-10 years
What is the typical lifespan of enormous dogs?
Well, it depends. On average, dogs live between 10 to 13 years in dog years, but it can vary based on the type of dog. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes because of humans. So, a little Chihuahua might live longer than a big Great Dane. But, if you’re wondering about in human years, that’s a bit different.
Even when they’re just 6 years old, big dogs like Great Danes are already considered seniors because their joints wear out faster due to their size. Also, these huge dogs are much more likely to get bone cancers and diseases that affect their nerves compared to smaller dogs.
- Great Dane: 7-10 years
- Irish Wolfhound: 6-8 years
- Newfoundland: 8-10 years
- Saint Bernard: 8-10 years
Ways to increase your dog’s lifespan.
Conduct thorough research.
If you’re wondering about it’s important to know that the lifespan of a dog can vary a lot depending on its breed. So, if you have a specific breed in mind, it’s really crucial to do some research. Find a breeder who cares a lot about the health of their dogs.
Good breeders will check for common diseases in their dogs before breeding them. They might even do some genetic testing to make sure the puppies are healthy. Knowing about the lifespan and health problems of your puppy’s family can help you choose the right dog for you.
When it comes to mixed-breed dogs, they might have a longer lifespan than some purebred ones. Designer breeds like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles were initially bred for better health but can now have their own issues due to overbreeding. It’s important for breeders of these dogs to meet the same standards.
Dogs from shelters, often mixed breeds, may have fewer health problems compared to designer breeds. However, they can still develop breed-specific illnesses. Pet owners can consider DNA testing their shelter dogs to anticipate potential health issues. Understanding your dog’s background can help you prepare for any health challenges they may face.
Follow Your veterinarian’s advice.
When it comes to “How Long Do Big Dogs Live,” it’s crucial to listen to your vet’s advice about keeping your dog healthy. This includes getting vaccinations and using preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworms to protect against diseases.
Regular check-ups are important too. Your vet might recommend tests to check for parasites in your dog’s intestines and blood each year. They may also suggest routine blood tests to check the health of your dog’s liver, kidneys, and bone marrow. Doing these tests when your dog is young and continuing them as they get older can help catch diseases early when they’re easier to treat. As dogs age, they might need more tests to check for age-related issues.
For certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, your vet might suggest regular imaging tests like X-rays and ultrasounds as they get older. This helps keep an eye out for specific types of cancer that they might be prone to.
Ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight is super important for your dog’s longevity. For example, a study on Labrador Retrievers showed that dogs who stayed at a good weight lived about two years longer than those who were overweight.
To keep your dog at a healthy weight, make sure to feed them the right amount of food at each meal. It’s also important to keep track of the treats and snacks they get, so you can adjust their food intake as needed. If you’re not sure whether your dog is at a healthy weight, your vet can help you figure it out.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
How Long do Dogs Live Indoors?
Dogs usually live between 10 to 13 years on average, but this can vary depending on the breed and size. Humans have played a big role in making dogs come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and looks.
How long do dogs live Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are usually healthy and can live a long time, usually between 10 to 16 years. But, like all purebred dogs, they might have some health issues. These could include breathing problems like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and Collapsing Trachea.
How Long do Dogs Live Pitbull?
The lifespan of Pitbulls typically ranges from 12 to 16 years.
How Long do Dogs Live in Dog Years?
In a dog’s second year, it ages about nine human years, and after that, each year is like four to five human years. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) calculates this based on dogs weighing between 21-50 lbs. So, medium-sized dogs, which typically live 10-12 years, will be like humans aged around 60 to 69 years old.
How Long do Dogs Live for?
Dogs usually live between 10 to 13 years on average, but this can vary depending on the breed and size.
How Long do Dogs Live in Human Years?
The AVMA calculates based on dogs weighing between 21-50 lbs. So, medium-sized dogs, living around 10-12 years, would be like humans aged 60 to 69 years old.
How Long do Dogs Live with Diabetes?
So, it’s hard to determine exactly how long your dog will live and how healthy they’ll be just based on a diabetes diagnosis. Veterinary studies show that after being diagnosed, dogs typically live somewhere between 17 to 30 months, but this can vary depending on the research you look at.
How Long do Dogs Live with Kidney Disease?
Sometimes, the kidneys are damaged too much before they’re found, and treatment doesn’t help. But if caught early and treated aggressively, many dogs can live normally for months or even years.
How Long do Dogs Live with Cancer?
Without treatment, dogs usually survive for two months or less. But with treatment, it depends on the stage of the cancer. Dogs with low-grade oral melanoma (stages 1 through 3) can live for over 18 months, while those with high-grade melanoma (stage 4) usually live for less than three months.
How Long do Dogs Live with Dementia?
The disease will get worse over time. But if CCD is caught early and treated well, the dog can live a full life with a normal lifespan for their breed. Unfortunately, severe cases of CCD often lead to a worse outcome, with affected dogs usually being euthanized about two years after CCD symptoms start.
How Long do Dogs live With Lymphoma?
Typically, with treatment, most patients survive for about 1 year. However, every dog is unique, and some may live even longer. Additional tests that reveal more about the location or type of lymphoma can also help predict how things will go.
How Long do Dogs Live in the Wild?
Wild dogs typically live up to 12 years, but most only make it to 5–7 years. They can be found in different places like grazing land, outskirts of towns, rural-residential areas, or forests and woodlands, as long as there’s food, water, and shelter nearby.
How Long do Dogs live with Congestive Heart Failure?
Mitral regurgitation (MR) from myxomatous degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is the most common heart issue and cause of heart failure in dogs. Once dogs have congestive heart failure (CHF), most pass away within 6 to 14 months after showing signs.
Average Lifespan of a Dog by Weight?
Medium-sized breeds, weighing between 20-50lbs, usually live around 11-13 years. Larger breeds, ranging from 50-90lbs, typically live for 9-11 years. Giant breeds, exceeding 90lbs, generally have a shorter life expectancy, around 7-9 years.
How accurate are dog life expectancy calculators in predicting a pet’s lifespan?
A dog life expectancy calculator estimates how long a dog is likely to live based on factors such as breed, size, age, and health condition. These calculators provide an approximation of a dog’s lifespan to help owners understand their pet’s expected longevity.
Can a Dog Live 20 Years?
Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles, and Lhasa Apsos are breeds known to live longer, with an average lifespan of up to 20 years.
What Factors influence the Maximum Lifespan of a Dog?
Bobi, a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo, holds the title of the “oldest dog ever” at 30 years old. Smaller breeds, known for longer lifespans, can often live into their late teens or early 20s. Conversely, larger breeds like Great Danes and Newfoundlands usually live around 7-10 years.
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