We often think of the lifespan of our pets with the utmost sadness. Dogs do not get to live very long but we still hold onto the little time we have with them knowing very well that for us, pet lovers, we do not have forever with them.
Summary:
How Long Do Dogs Live?
- The average lifespan of dogs is 13 years.
- The Bernese mountain dog has the shortest lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
- Chihuahuas, being the smallest breeds, have a long lifespan of up to 17 years.
What Is the Average Lifespan of A Dog?
On average, a dog’s lifespan is estimated to be 13 years.
This varies from breed to breed. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. The average life expectancy of a small dog weighing less than twenty pounds is approximately 13 years while a medium dog of between twenty to eighty-nine pounds is estimated to live up to 11 years.
A large dog weighing over ninety pounds can live for 8 years. Besides the size and weight of the dog, there are other significant determining factors as to a dog’s life expectancy. These are:
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Appropriate veterinary and healthcare
- Environmental factors
- Mental stimulation and emotional connection
- Stress free living
Because each breed has a different life expectancy, we will delve into the different lifespans of the following breeds:
Bernese Mountain dogs
The Bernese Mountain dog is estimated to live for 6 to 8 years.
This breed has the shortest life span which can be attributed to the small gene pool they are bred wit. Moreover, this breed is prone to health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilation, congenital cataracts and have a higher risk of cancers. [1]
Wiener Dogs
These dogs are also referred to as dachshunds. This is the traditional German term used to refer to them. In modern German, they are referred to as dackel or teckel. Because of their long and sausage-like shape they are commonly referred to as weiner dogs or sausage dogs.
Wiener dogs are estimated to live up to 12 to 15 years.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian cattle dog lives for a period of 13 to 15 years on average.
This breed is also called Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler and is related to Australia’s famous wild dog, the dingo. They are known for their intelligence and strength which is why they are good herder dogs.
Good healthcare of this breed requires that the dog owner indulges the dog in regular exercise so as to keep them mentally and physically fit.
Boxer Dog
The average life span of a boxer is 10 to 12 years.
This breed is considered to be a medium-large breed. This breed should be given special attention and care once it hits 6 years as at this age they are considered senior dogs. [2]
Maltese Dogs
The average life span of Maltese dogs is 12 to 15 years.
This is considered a pretty good lifespan compared to other breeds. The main contributing factor to this is their size. Moreover, this breed is not predisposed to the fatal common health issues suffered by other breeds.
Pit bulls
Pit bulls can live for 12 to 15 years.
This breed is considered a medium to large size breed hence the long lifespan. While most people believe that this breed is aggressive, mean and angry, this notion is misplaced and untrue. With the correct socialization and training this breed can make a very loving and loyal pet.
Mixed Breed Dogs
Mixed breed dogs are sometimes referred to as mongrels or mutts. Their size and weight ranges from very small to big depending on the particular breeds mixed. This breed is generally healthier than purebred dogs as they draw from a broader gene pool. While pure breeds live up to 10 years, the average lifespan of a mixed breed is 14 years. [7]
Hound Dogs
Hound dogs are estimated to live for 10 to 13 years. This type of dog is known for great stamina and acute scenting powers which is why they were mainly used for hunting.
Today, the hound dog is largely kept as a pet especially by farmers and ranch owners. This dog can be a very useful and easy pet to keep as it is very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and general care.
Husky Dogs
Huskies live up to 12 to 15 years.
This a medium to large size breed. There are many types of huskies but the original husky is the Siberian husky which were once bred as sled dogs. They are very friendly and outgoing dogs. Because of their extensive needs for activity and stimulation, husky dogs are not ideal for first-time pet owners.
Wolf Dogs
This is a medium-sized hybrid of a wolf and domestic dog.
Dogs and wolves have a similar evolutionary past and as share many physical and behavioural traits.
Wolves are naturally social and thrive best in packs hence a wold dog as a pet will innately demand a lot of attention and thus a pet owner ought to meet the social and behavioural needs of the dog in order to prevent hardship for both the pet and its owner. Wolf dogs live for 12 to 14 years.
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Yorkie
The average lifespan of a Yorkie is 13 to 15 years. The yorkie, commonly known as the Yorkshire terrier is one of the smallest dogs. As the name suggests, this breed originated in Yorkshire, England.
They are energetic and very playful and it is advised that pet parents keep two of these dogs because they exhibit separation anxiety when left alone.
Beagle
This breed is a small size dog which resembles the larger foxhound and whose life expectancy is between 12 to 15 years.
While beagles are exceptionally friendly and great with kids, they can be quite difficult to train due to their ‘stubborn’ nature.
These dogs are normally very independent spirited and as a result require a lot of patience to train. They are also very energetic and loud dogs, therefore not very ideal for apartments.
How To Prolong Your Dog’s Live
The life of dogs can be prolonged by ensuring that as the pet parent you:
- Provide the dog with a healthy and natural canine diet and regular vet visits at least once every three to six months.
- Adherence to the vaccination and deworming schedule is paramount. Infections such as parvovirus may result from incomplete vaccination.
- Protect your dogs from trauma. The leading causes of death in dogs is trauma caused by dropping or accidents especially in puppies,
Watch this video to learn more on how to care for your dog.
While death is inevitable, general good healthcare is vital in prolonging the time we have with our furry friends.
As Walter Scott said, “I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?”
