Dog Lifespan: How Long Do Dogs Live in Human Years

Many families have pet dogs and treat their furry friends as part of their household. For those living with their beloved pups and want to know how long they could keep you company, the answer may depend on various factors like breed and size.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

There are different claims about the dogs' lifespan, with many claiming they can live around 10-17 years. Meanwhile, some get to spend two decades with their four-legged friends.

When it comes to calculating a dog's lifespan, one should consider their size, breed and current age. Small breeds tend to live longer than bigger ones. However, the cause for this remains unknown since normally, smaller mammal species tend to have shorter lifespans than the larger ones.

According to a study by Banfield Pet Hospital, the average life expectancy of dogs is 11 years. Small breeds or those that weigh below 20 pounds can reach up to 16 years, medium breeds (20-50 pounds) can survive between 11 to 13 years, large breeds (50-90 pounds) can last up to 9-11 years, while giant breeds have the shortest life expectancy of only 7 - 9 years.

If you are unaware of your dog's breed or it is a mixed breed, you can rely on the generalization that smaller dogs typically live longer. Some of the breeds with the longest lifespan include Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles, Jack Russell Terriers, Shih Tzus, Malteses, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Shiba Inus, and Australian Cattle Dogs. Chihuahuas can live up to 20 years.

Dog lifespan is also greatly influenced by genetics. For instance, purebred dogs are more likely to develop certain hereditary disorders because other dogs with comparable genes breed them. Dogs of mixed breeds are less prone to contract certain illnesses, which probably accounts for some of their longer lifespans.

Additionally, some breeds are intentionally designed to exhibit characteristics that, regrettably, may result in shorter lifespans. For instance, because of their short tracheas, brachycephalic dogs-like the English Bulldog-are more likely to die from respiratory complications and heatstroke.

Other factors have a significant impact on dogs' lifespan too like food, exercise, mental stimulation, and daily routine. Pet owners should actively work on keeping their dogs happy and healthy to make the most of their time together.

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Dog Lifespan in Human Years

It's generally accepted that "dog years" are human years times seven. Thus, a 1-year-old puppy is like a 7-year-old child and a 10-year-old pooch is equivalent to a 70-year-old senior citizen.

However, according to researchers from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the actual calculation isn't that simple. Instead, the first year of a dog's life is equal to 15 human years. The second year of their life is about nine human years. The subsequent dog year is reportedly equal to about five human years. Others consider the subsequent dog year equivalent to four years, like this chart.

While pet owners can't control their dog's size or breed, they can do something to extend their beloved's lifespan. It's recommended to invest in their diet, dental hygiene and health by making regular visits to the veterinarian. Pet owners should also take the time to play with their dogs or walk with them in the parks because when dogs are active, they are happy.