The lifespan of dogs. Average dog life expectancy by breed

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

A dog almost always becomes an almost full member of the family. And the owners in this case are always interested in the life expectancy of dogs. After all, losing a pet for whom you become the center of the universe is very painful. Today we’ll talk about how many animals live, and what the duration of their life depends on.

Choose a puppy

If you decide to have a dog in the house, then choose not a puppy, but a breeder. Remember that babies are funny and affectionate, but not everyone is able to boast of good he alth. But it depends on this factor how long the dog will be your most devoted friend.

The average life expectancy of dogs is formed in the womb. It is possible to extend the genetically incorporated age only for a short time, but to reduce it is as easy as shelling pears. And if the breeder does not follow the elementary rules for keeping animals, then no tricks of the owners of future puppies will help them live a long life.

Factors,able to influence the number of dog years

The average life expectancy of dogs is determined not only by the breed. Currently, pet Shariki and Bobby live an average of 12.8 years. Dogs are living much longer, and this is due to the improvement in the quality of medical care, as well as animal nutrition.

So, what affects the lifespan of dogs?

Miniature dogs live 1.5 times longer than large dogs. The explanation for this is quite simple: a large dog spends much more energy to maintain the physiological functions of the body. For example, a Great Dane's heart rate is faster than a small Chihuahua's.

The sex of the animal also affects the duration of life. Bitches live longer than males by a couple of years.

Castration or sterilization deprives a dog of certain joys, but significantly prolongs its life. Untreated animals often develop cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system.

Properly selected diet also plays a big role. High-quality feed with a balanced composition will add a couple of years of happy life to your pet.

A he althy lifestyle should not only lead a person. The dog is no exception in this regard. Long walks, good nutrition increase the life of your pet. Veterinary examinations will help prevent the development of many deadly diseases for an animal.

What is the life expectancy of a homeless mongrel?

Street dogs unfortunately don't dieliving to old age. Many factors contribute to this. And this, above all, is poor nutrition, since animals get food by rummaging through garbage containers.

A stray dog is outdoors all year round, regardless of the season, and this also does not add he alth to the dog.

Dogs leading a street lifestyle get sick very often. Especially many animals die as a result of infection with distemper. This is a dangerous disease that causes the death of many homeless animals. Pet dogs get a vaccination from him.

A stray dog is usually a purebred animal, or it would be more correct to say a mestizo, obtained from crossing different breeds. And the average number of years lived by a mestizo depends on the breed of his parents.

Life expectancy of different breeds of dogs

When choosing a future furry family member, you need to remember that appearance is not the most important thing. Pedigree dogs, having the appearance closest to natural anatomy, live longer than their outwardly non-standard relatives.

But there are exceptions to every rule. So, baby chuhuahuas are real centenarians. Their life expectancy reaches 15 years. Of course, it all depends on the owner and the conditions that he will create for the dog.

Akina Inu dog (the role of Hachiko was played by a dog of this particular breed) will please the owner from 10 to 14 years.

The miniature toy terriers that girls love to dress up and carry with them everywhere like a beautiful handbag can live up to 15 years. But atproper care and good heredity sometimes set records, living up to 25 years.

Purebred husky dogs, even at 14 years old, remain in excellent physical shape, and can live for a quarter of a century. But boxers have a rather short life - only 10 years.

Note to future owners

When choosing a dog, you should pay attention to breeds that are closest to the natural look. So, a flat muzzle, huge eyes or crooked paws will add unusualness to the animal, but shorten its life.

Life expectancy can also depend on such trifles as eye color. Dogs with beautiful blue eyes can be completely deaf, and during a walk the dog will not be able to hear a car approaching him. The result is death.

How to extend the life of your pet

The life expectancy of dogs depends primarily on the diet of the animal. It is necessary to feed the dog correctly, and for this it is necessary to take into account the weight, age, and also the rhythm of his life.

As for the feed itself (natural food and dry food), here you need to get advice from a veterinarian. If this is not possible, then we must remember that a sharp transition from one type of food to another is unacceptable.

Sweets, greasy and fried foods are completely prohibited for dogs.

Extending the life of dogs will help and long walks. After all, movement is life. In addition, the animal will always be in good shape.

For a dog, the family in which he lives,automatically becomes her flock. It is important that the animal does not feel like an outcast. Let your pet take part in your life: play with it, take it with you for a morning run, for rest. The psychological state of the animal also plays no less important role than good nutrition.

And, of course, a loving owner needs to monitor the he alth of his pet. The dog needs to be taken for preventive examinations at the veterinary clinic, vaccinations, etc.

Remember that representatives of large breeds by the age of 7–8 are already becoming real old men. But even at this age, they love you just as much as when they were puppies. So be careful with them as well.

In general, you just need to love an animal - and then it will live a long and happy life.