Dogs
Have you ever heard of 'Bluey', the Australian cattle dog, which has been claimed to be the longest-living dog (29 years) till date. Another dog, named 'Bramble' lived to the age of 27 years. These claims are not verified or recorded, but the longest lifespan of a dog, according to records, is 24 years. Contrary to these figures, at present, the average lifespan of dogs, belonging to any breed or of undetermined descent, is assumed to be between 10 to 12 years. But a dog's life expectancy is dependent on various factors, the prominent one being its breed. Other than that, dog care, its size, gender, whether neutered or not, its diet and health, play an active role in determining the lifespan.
Lifespan of Various Dog Breeds
The breed of a dog is the most important factor, which is taken into account for calculating its lifespan. It may range from six to seven years in Irish wolfhound to a lifespan of 14 to 15 years, in miniature Dachshunds, miniature Poodles, Pomeranians and Tibetan terriers. The following list will give you the average life expectancy of some of the popular dog breeds.
Even if there is an average lifespan for every breed of dog, some dogs may exceed the average lifespan for that particular breed and some others may fall short.
Factors Affecting Dog's Life Expectancy
Apart from the breed many factors like the size of the dog, its diet, its genetic makeup, health problems if any and breeding, can affect the average lifespan. It has been observed that dogs with large sizes live for a shorter lifespan, as compared to small-sized dogs. It is also believed that female dogs outlive their male counterparts by an average time span of around one and a half years, especially the spayed ones. In general, spaying or neutering, if done at a very young age, may positively affect the life expectancy of dogs. According to some studies, these procedures may prove beneficial for reducing the risk of some types of cancer in dogs, especially those affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. Another factor which can affect the life expectancy of dogs is inbreeding. Inbred dogs have shorter lifespan when compared to the cross-breeds. Extensive inbreeding may result in dogs that carry genes for illnesses, which are common to that particular breed. Above all, proper dog care is very much important as far as its lifespan is concerned. A proper and nutritious diet and exercise, along with the necessary health care can make your dog a healthy one with a good lifespan.
Whatever may be the dog's life expectancy, all you have to do is to take care of your dog in a proper way. Consult the veterinarian if you have any doubts regarding the physical condition and overall health of your dog. Provide your dog with a nutritious diet and make sure that it gets adequate daily exercise. All these measures can make your dog healthy and increase its lifespan.
- 12 Animals With The Longest Lifespan In The World
12 Animals with the Longest Lifespan in the World Methuselah was the oldest man who ever live on Earth. According to the Bible he was 969 years old when he died. Well, how about the longest-living animals to date? Check this out. Jeanne Calment...
- Miniature Dogs
These dogs breeds are very popular due to their tiny size. There are many types of these dogs that are well suited for families with a small backyard or those who live in apartments. These dogs are also very sweet and friendly and can be easily handled...
- Best House Dogs
The very fact that you are reading this article means that you are giving the breed and the kind of dog to get for your home, a serious thought. You want the decision to be absolutely correct and for that, you need information about the kinds of...
- Dog Years To Human Years
"He looked at me with those tawny eyes, And knew instantly, the truth from the lies. He had the wisdom of 25 seers combined, After all, one year of his life was almost 15 years of mine." No prizes for guessing what I'm talking about. Yes,...
- Types Of Small House Dogs
Many people love to have a pet dog around the house. They are great stress busters and makes one smile. But, with constraint of place, one thinks twice before bringing home a pet dog. Families or single people with small apartments can opt for small...
Dogs
Dog's Life Expectancy
Have you ever heard of 'Bluey', the Australian cattle dog, which has been claimed to be the longest-living dog (29 years) till date. Another dog, named 'Bramble' lived to the age of 27 years. These claims are not verified or recorded, but the longest lifespan of a dog, according to records, is 24 years. Contrary to these figures, at present, the average lifespan of dogs, belonging to any breed or of undetermined descent, is assumed to be between 10 to 12 years. But a dog's life expectancy is dependent on various factors, the prominent one being its breed. Other than that, dog care, its size, gender, whether neutered or not, its diet and health, play an active role in determining the lifespan.
Lifespan of Various Dog Breeds
The breed of a dog is the most important factor, which is taken into account for calculating its lifespan. It may range from six to seven years in Irish wolfhound to a lifespan of 14 to 15 years, in miniature Dachshunds, miniature Poodles, Pomeranians and Tibetan terriers. The following list will give you the average life expectancy of some of the popular dog breeds.
| Name of the Breed | Life Expectancy |
| Irish Wolfhound, Bulldog | 6 to 7 years |
| Bernese Mountain Dog, Bullmastiff, Great Dane | 7 to 9 years |
| Doberman Pinscher, Rottweilers, Flat-Coated Retriever, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Scottish Deerhound | 9 to 10 years |
| Boxer, English Toy Spaniel, German Shepherd, Norfolk Terrier, Weimaraner | 10 to 12 years |
| American Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Bichon Frise, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Maltese, Pugs, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier | 12 to 14 years |
| Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Beagle, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Poodle (Miniature), Poodle (Toy), Miniature Dachshund, Pomeranian, Tibetan Terrier, Collie (Rough), Bearded Collie | 14 to 15+ years |
Even if there is an average lifespan for every breed of dog, some dogs may exceed the average lifespan for that particular breed and some others may fall short.
Factors Affecting Dog's Life Expectancy
Apart from the breed many factors like the size of the dog, its diet, its genetic makeup, health problems if any and breeding, can affect the average lifespan. It has been observed that dogs with large sizes live for a shorter lifespan, as compared to small-sized dogs. It is also believed that female dogs outlive their male counterparts by an average time span of around one and a half years, especially the spayed ones. In general, spaying or neutering, if done at a very young age, may positively affect the life expectancy of dogs. According to some studies, these procedures may prove beneficial for reducing the risk of some types of cancer in dogs, especially those affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. Another factor which can affect the life expectancy of dogs is inbreeding. Inbred dogs have shorter lifespan when compared to the cross-breeds. Extensive inbreeding may result in dogs that carry genes for illnesses, which are common to that particular breed. Above all, proper dog care is very much important as far as its lifespan is concerned. A proper and nutritious diet and exercise, along with the necessary health care can make your dog a healthy one with a good lifespan.
Whatever may be the dog's life expectancy, all you have to do is to take care of your dog in a proper way. Consult the veterinarian if you have any doubts regarding the physical condition and overall health of your dog. Provide your dog with a nutritious diet and make sure that it gets adequate daily exercise. All these measures can make your dog healthy and increase its lifespan.
- 12 Animals With The Longest Lifespan In The World
12 Animals with the Longest Lifespan in the World Methuselah was the oldest man who ever live on Earth. According to the Bible he was 969 years old when he died. Well, how about the longest-living animals to date? Check this out. Jeanne Calment...
- Miniature Dogs
These dogs breeds are very popular due to their tiny size. There are many types of these dogs that are well suited for families with a small backyard or those who live in apartments. These dogs are also very sweet and friendly and can be easily handled...
- Best House Dogs
The very fact that you are reading this article means that you are giving the breed and the kind of dog to get for your home, a serious thought. You want the decision to be absolutely correct and for that, you need information about the kinds of...
- Dog Years To Human Years
"He looked at me with those tawny eyes, And knew instantly, the truth from the lies. He had the wisdom of 25 seers combined, After all, one year of his life was almost 15 years of mine." No prizes for guessing what I'm talking about. Yes,...
- Types Of Small House Dogs
Many people love to have a pet dog around the house. They are great stress busters and makes one smile. But, with constraint of place, one thinks twice before bringing home a pet dog. Families or single people with small apartments can opt for small...