What dog can live 20 years?

With pure bred dogs there is an average life expectancy, however with cross breeds it is virtually impossible to estimate unless you know the breeds involved. If you have a cross, why not find out the breeds involved? Not only will this give you an idea of life expectancy, it will give you a wealth of information such as possible genetic diseases breeds are predisposed towards, possible behaviour concerns and so much more. Just give the good folks at Muttmix a shout — they are always willing to help! www.muttmix.co.za

How Long Will My Dog Live & Which Factors

Influence Longevity

www.caninejournal.com
(A really great website — do visit, more than worth the time)

Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones… most of the time. Think about it. A human lives longer than a cat, which lives longer than a rat, which lives longer than a fly. But why isn’t this true when it comes to animals within their species? A person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. This is because of increased health risks for the person who weighs 300 pounds. When it comes to the life expectancy of dogs though, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different and their lifespans reflect this. But, beyond size, is there an average age of a dog based on breed or other factors? Yes. Let us explore this subject further.

What Determines a Dog’s Lifespan?

Want to know how you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canine’s lifespan.

A dog with a proper, nutritious diet can live longer than one without, so always purchase the best you can afford. In addition, taking your furry friend to annual wellness exams at the veterinarian and getting its booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.

Basic Care

Prevention — Ensuring that your dogs receives preventatives such as heartworm, flea and tick prevention on a regular basis.

Dental — Teeth problems can really affect health if not attended too. According to the AKC, In the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association , Dr. Urfer reported when comparing two dogs with all other factors being equal, that he found annual dental cleanings conducted by a veterinarian reducing risk of death by almost 20 percent.

Regular Physical
Just as with humans, regular, appropriate exercise keeps the muscles, tendons, joints, skeletal aspect in better health, especially activities such as walking. Regular, appropriate exercise will also assist in keeping weight in check. A dog that seldom gets out is a lot more likely to be stressed and frustrated which can affect health and lead to various behaviour concerns.

is just as important and physical stimulation and dogs thrive on it. Simple things such as allowing scenting on walks, games like hide and seek or scent exercises in the garden, getting food out of a stuffed chew toy, dog puzzles etc, will go a long way to provide mental stimulation and alleviate and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation not only assists with longevity, it also helps to provide a happy and stress-free life for them.

Inbreeding vs Cross Breeding

Inbreeding can reduce the lifespan of canines. Cross breed dogs have a longer lifespan in comparison. Inbred dogs have a risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, “mutts” who have at least two breeds and commonly more, tend to have the least health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.

Spaying and neutering a puppy at a young age can positively affect a dog’s lifespan. Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs. Especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast and testicles. Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not completely accurate but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies in your life and this will also be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.

Life Expectancy — various sizes
As per the AKC, here are the estimated lifespans:

Lifespans for certain small dog breeds:-

Chihuahua (15-17 years)
Chinese Crested (15-17 years)
Smooth and Wire Fox Terrier (13-15 years)
English Toy Spaniel (13-15 years)
Pomeranian (14-16 years)
Rat Terrier (13-15 years)
Russell Terrier (12-14 years)
Lakeland Terrier (12-14 years)
Manchester Terrier (12-14 years)
Yorkshire Terrier (12-15 years)

Australian Shepherd (12-15 years)
Chinese Shar-Pei (12-14 years)
Cocker Spaniel (13-15 years)
Poodle (12-15 years)
Whippet (12-15 years)
Puli (10-15 years)
Welsh Springer Spaniel (13-15 years)
Bulldog (10-12 years)
Boxer (10-12 years)
Chow Chow (11-13 years)
Curly-Coated Retriever (11-13 years)
French Bulldog (11-13 years)

Great Dane (8-10 years)
Bernese Mountain Dog (7-10 years)
Irish Wolfhound (8-10 years)
Newfoundland (10-12 years)
Giant Schnauzer (10-12 years)
Dogue de Bordeaux (9-11 years)
Rottweiler (10-12 years)
St. Bernard (10-12 years)
Scottish Deerhound (10-12 years)
Flat-Coated Retriever (10-12 years)
Akita (11-15 years)
Anatolian Shepherd (11-13 years)
Irish Setter (12-14 years)
Belgian Malinois (14-16 years)

What Is the Longest Living Dog Breed?

Chihuahuas are normally referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. The oldest Chihuahua on record2, Megabyte, died at the age of 20 years and 265 days.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs living past 20 years old. In fact, the longest living dog recorded is an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey who lived 29 years and 5 months.

At 30 years old, meet the world’s oldest-ever dog, Bobi

They waited until Bobi was old enough to open his eyes for the first time — which usually occurs between 10 and 14 days old — before telling their parents about him. They knew by then their parents would no longer be willing to kill the puppy.

Story continues below advertisement

“I confess that when they found out that we already knew, they screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason!” Leonel said.

From that moment on, Bobi was a member of the Costa family.

Leonel has several theories to potentially explain why Bobi has lived so long. Apart from his rocky start in life, Bobi grew up in a peaceful, rural area, a considerable distance from any nearby cities.

Trending Now

Alberta declares state of emergency as wildfires rage

Alberta is on fire: The wildfire situation today and where to find evacuation orders and alerts

Bobi has always been allowed to roam free and has never been chained or leashed. He also eats unseasoned “human food” and drinks a litre of water every day.

0:25 Dog who survived historic B.C. flood finds forever home

Dog who survived historic B.C. flood finds forever home

Winnipeg’s most popular dog names and breeds

Blind performer celebrates guide dogs in Calgary show
Previous Video
Next Video
Story continues below advertisement

Though Guinness claims Bobi is “less adventurous” in his old age, he can often be found sunbathing with his four cat friends in the yard.

Walking has become difficult for Bobi in recent years and his eyesight has lessened, but he is otherwise healthy, especially considering his advanced age.

Before Bobi, an Australian cattle dog named Bluey held the record for the oldest dog to ever live. Bluey, born in 1910, was 29 years and five months at the time of his death in 1939.