How long big dogs live

From birth to their first birthday, they increase fold in weight. In that same time frame, wolves increase fold, poodles fold and humans only threefold. Research in the last decade has suggested that larger individual animals die younger because this sort of accelerated growth comes with increased free-radical activity.

A new study published last month focused only on dogs and likewise concludes that big dogs die young because they age quickly. Larger dogs are more prone to health issues like developmental disorders, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal diseases, and tumors—all of which are also linked to their accelerated growth and appear to be the nasty side effects of selective breeding for large size over a short relative to the millennia other animals have had to evolve by natural selection period of time.

There are some notable exceptions, of course, like the relatively small African grey parrot, which can live 50 to 60 years. Even among small animals — birds, for instance — the observation rings true; large birds tend to have longer lifespans than smaller ones. A cockatoo can live up to 80 years, while sparrows generally live for about three. But dogs are different. The larger the dog, the shorter their life expectancy.

A large dog like a Saint Bernard will have a lifespan of between five to eight years, while smaller breeds can generally live as long as 12 to 15 years. A mouse, however, reproduces every few months.

Keeping your dog on a leash when out of your yard can help prevent some trauma-related injuries, and it is always a good idea to supervise young puppies around other animals and children.

Congenital and inherited abnormalities are not always detectable or predictable. Selecting a responsible breeder and employing responsible breeding practices in your kennel are the best ways to avoid purchasing or producing a dog with a fatal congenital disease. Infectious diseases are no longer the concern they were prior to vaccines, but they still claim canine victims every year.

Approximately 34 percent of adult dogs in the U. This is alarming because research suggests that obese dogs live 2 years less than dogs at a healthy weight. Obesity puts stress on the musculoskeletal system, leading to osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease, and increases their risk of developing diabetes and pancreatitis.

Obesity is also associated with cardiac and respiratory conditions such as airway dysfunction and tracheal collapse.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces the risk of his developing weight-related diseases, improves his quality of life, and gives him a chance to live out his full life expectancy. Predicting the lifespan of your dog is tricky. While it is relatively safe to assume that a small breed dog will outlive a giant breed dog, there are many factors outside of our control that affect the longevity of our pets.

This can be frustrating, but luckily there are some things we can do to improve the lifespans of our canine companions. The best way to help your dog live out his or her life to the fullest is to consult with your veterinarian. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration.

Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Back To Health. How Long Do Dogs Live?