How Long Do Dogs Live? Fascinating Facts About Canine Life Expectancy

How old can dogs get? Many dog owners are concerned about this question. Dogs have a significantly shorter life expectancy than humans. The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 to 16 years depending on breed and circumstances.

The oldest dog on the planet was (probably) an old bitch. The Kelpie lady Maggie became 30, a biblically old age for dogs with fur noses. She spent almost a third human life by Brian McLaren’s side, before she fell asleep in the dog basket of 2016. It is rare to find a dog with such advanced age.

How many dog years is one human year?

In the past, it was widely accepted that one dog year equaled seven human years. Dogs would then have a life span of approximately 14 years. This cannot be said in general because it is dependent on the age of a dog. A dog, like a person, will always feel as old as they are. Some four-legged buddies are more agile and fit when they reach double digits in age than their congeners who may be seven or eight.

The breed of dog determines the life expectancy.

Breed is one of the factors that can affect a dog’s life expectancy. The average life expectancy of small dog breeds is longer than that of large dog breeds. The average life expectancy of medium breeds is longer than that of large dogs, but not as long as the small dog. Great Danes, for example, aren’t fully mature until two years of age. However they start to age at six or seven. The maximum life expectancy of these dogs is 11 years.

Around seven or eight, medium-sized dogs like Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels begin to age. Theoretically, small four-legged breeds like Shih Tzu or Dachshunds can live up to 20 years. However, they are not considered seniors until the age of ten. Small and medium-sized dog breeds are more rapid in their growth and reach full size between one and one and half years.

Tips to help dogs live longer

The average life expectancy for dogs is a guideline only. It depends on many factors, including the dog’s circumstances and how old it becomes. A healthy diet for dogs can improve and prolong their life. To live a happy, long life, dogs also need lots of exercise, activity, and love.

You should take your dog to the vet regularly when the first signs of ageing begin to appear. Senior dogs, for instance, will have gray hairs on their muzzles and seem tired and slower in general. Hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell can all gradually decline. With a little patience and love you can give an old dog a happy retirement.