In biological terms, the age of a dog is not the same as that of humans. The pet senses the passage of time much faster. While people only reach biological maturity in adolescence, depending on their size, a dog can be considered an adult from 8 to 24 months of age. Read on and learn a little more about how long a dog lives.
The life expectancy of dogs
You may have heard that one year of canine age is equivalent to seven human years. However, the calculation is not that simplistic. To determine the life expectancy of a dog, it is necessary to take into account several factors, such as breed, quality of food, vaccination schedule, physical exercise, and social interaction.
A small dog usually lives longer than a large dog. But what you really want to know is how long a dog lives, don’t you?
After all, how long can a dog live?
The average lifespan of large dogs usually varies from 7 to 10 years. Typically, medium-sized ones live from 10 to 13 years, while smaller ones can live up to 18 years or more.
It is necessary to consider that these are the average life expectations of a dog in an ideal scenario, living healthy and happy with the owners. However, to our sadness, this is not always the case.
The life expectancy of this beloved pet can be shortened, mainly because of congenital diseases, trauma, cancer and other health issues.
What can shorten the life expectancy of dogs?
Science is still trying to understand why cancer is among the main causes of death in dogs. There are several factors related to this process, such as cellular aging. On the other hand, being run over by vehicles, falls and fights with other dogs are the most frequent causes of trauma.
Therefore, it does not hurt to reinforce some alerts, such as always keeping the dog on a leash when leaving the house, being careful when opening doors and garages so the naughty doesn’t run away and keeping an eye on puppies with adult dogs.
If you take a good look at everything we’ve said so far, you’ll realize that you can help your dog live longer. Animal care significantly increases its quality of life.
If you are attentive to the basic checklist of care that involves vaccination, deworming, quality food, follow-up with the veterinarian, castration, and check-ups among others, your four-legged love tends to live much longer.
Knowing the life expectancy of each race
Curious to know how many years each breed of dog lives on average? Let’s tell! Before that, let’s start talking about a great national passion among people: the mixed breed dog (SRD), that is, the dear mutt popular throughout.
After all, how long does a stray dog live? Contrary to what many think, he is not more resistant than a purebred dog and needs equal care.
In addition to congenital diseases, due to crossbreeding and having lived on the streets, many are subject to other risk factors that can reduce life expectancy.
Remember what we said about trauma from being run over and fighting? Add to that a lack of quality food and veterinary care, infectious diseases, and poor sanitation. The result is an average lifespan of just two years.
So if you’re considering adopting a dog to join your family, consider an SDR to minimize this sad reality. Always remember that, whether it’s a caramel mutt or a purebred dog, every animal needs love and care.
The average lifespan of popular breeds
Now, to satisfy your curiosity, we have listed the average lifespan of the most popular breeds. Check if your legged child’s breed is here:
- Shih-Tzu: from 10 to 15 years old;
- Yorkshire Terrier: 12 to 14 years old;
- Poodle: 18 years old;
- Lhasa apso: 12 to 15 years old;
- French Bulldog: from 10 to 12 years old;
- Boxer: from 10 to 12 years old;
- Chow Chow: from 11 to 13 years old;
- Pinscher: from 12 to 15 years old;
- Australian Shepherd: 12 to 15 years old;
- Golden Retriever: from 10 to 13 years old;
- German Spitz: from 17 to 18 years old;
- Cocker Spaniel: from 13 to 15 years old;
- Akita: from 11 to 15 years old;
- Maltese: 15 years.
Always remember that these numbers are average expectations and are influenced by many factors. The advancement of studies on genetic improvements, functioning of the organism, nutrition and evolution of veterinary medicine contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of pets and, consequently, the increase in life expectancy.
So if your four-legged companion is approaching these numbers, don’t be sad. That doesn’t mean he’ll be out of the family anytime soon.
