How long do dogs live? Dog lifespan – what does it depend on?

Every pet owner wonders how long dogs live – but not everyone knows that they can actually influence it! Find out the average lifespan of dogs and what directly affects their longevity – including your own pet.

How long do small, medium, and large dogs live?

The size of a dog has a big impact on its lifespan. Why? Experts don’t fully agree on this. According to some studies, large dogs have significantly more strain on their hearts, which causes it to weaken faster. Another theory suggests that small breeds are more active, which improves overall fitness and extends life. In fact, the aging process is much faster in large breeds – the first gray hairs can appear even in dogs as young as 8 years old. In small breeds, it may not appear until around 12 years of age.

Statistics seem to confirm this. How long does a Maltese live? On average, about 17 years. And a Labrador? Usually shorter – around 12 years. Hunting dogs are different – their lifespan also depends on risk factors, such as participating in hunts, which can significantly shorten the average. How about terriers, like the Jack Russell Terrier? These active, small dogs usually live around 14 years.

How long does a mixed-breed dog live?

Among non-purebred dogs, we can distinguish hybrids, mongrels, and mixed breeds. Hybrids are usually mixes of two specific breeds created intentionally. The lifespan of such non-purebred dogs mainly depends on the breeds involved. Each breed has its characteristic life expectancy.

It’s different with mixed breeds. How long do dogs live that are random mixes of several breeds? It’s hard to give a precise number. You can only estimate based on similarity to known breeds and size. The actual age they reach becomes clear only over time.

And how long do mongrels live? Again, it’s difficult to determine in advance. Besides genetics and size, the quality of the dog’s life and any hidden health issues, unknown to the owner, play a huge role.

Dog lifespan – what does it depend on?

Now you know the average lifespan of dogs and what influences the longest life expectancy. For all dogs, but especially mongrels, lifespan depends on various factors, such as:

• predisposition to diseases,
• neglect during puppyhood,
• malnutrition during growth,
• obesity at any stage of life – it can shorten a dog’s life by 2–3 years,
• type of diet,
• physical activity,
• fulfillment of behavioral needs,
• preventive healthcare and regular check-ups, which allow early detection of health problems,
• regular hygiene routines,
• responsible care, such as not letting the dog roam unsupervised.

It’s very important to care for a dog’s condition even during routine treatments or temporary health issues. Puppies and senior dogs are especially vulnerable to vitamin deficiencies, and any course of antibiotics affects the absorption of essential vitamins. Therefore, sometimes giving animal supplements is necessary. The MultivitControl paste in a tube-syringe is a simple way to replenish deficiencies and strengthen immunity, which is especially important for animals during sensitive periods of their lives.

Knowing the lifespan of different dog breeds – including mongrels – helps you better appreciate the time spent with your pet. A dog’s lifespan depends on many factors, some of which you can influence. Taking care of them allows you to enjoy the company of your four-legged friend for as long as possible.

Read in a separate post on our blog: How long do cats live.