There is a general understanding that larger dogs have shorter lifespans. Why is this? There are several factors that come into play. Some dogs die in just a few years but others can reach two decades. What Affects Dogs’ Lifespans?Įven though all our domestic dogs belong to a single species, they have a remarkably variable lifespan. Studies have shown that inbreeding (breeding dogs that are genetically related) is associated with shorter lifespans. This is why it is so important to do your research before you buy a pup. If you can get an individual dog that does not have inherited conditions, they could live much longer than the average figure. Many breeds have genetic defects that are passed down through the generations and lower the average life expectancy of the breed. Human Dog Breeding PracticesĪnother reason that dogs don’t live very long is connected to dog breeding practices. Sadly, that also means that they die sooner too. They get teeth, can live independently, and start reproducing a lot quicker than we do. Everything about dog development is therefore speeded up. In ancient times, wild dogs would have faced more evolutionary pressure than early humans (who had very few predators) and so we lived longer. However, a small mammal like a mouse lives a very hazardous life and is very likely to be killed so it makes sense to have a fast turnover. Larger animals, like elephants, are less likely to be hunted by predators and so one generation can last for a long time. It could be predators, competition for food, or lack of water. These are the hazards in the environment that threaten an animal’s survival. The real answer is probably to do with evolutionary pressures. Parrots are quite small and have a very fast heart rate but they can live into their eighties and beyond. However, there are so many exceptions to this rule that it cannot be the whole explanation. They simply run out of energy sooner and die. The theory is that smaller animals have a higher metabolic rate as indicated by a faster heart rate. We are bigger than dogs, so you would expect us to live longer. So, elephants live for 70 years but fruit flies live for just 24 hours. On the whole, we see that larger species live longer than smaller ones.
When we ask this question, what we actually mean is why don’t dogs live as long as we want them to, which is at least as long as us! The answer is quite complex and there are many factors that decide how long a particular species will live. There are no guarantees here, but anything is worth a try when it comes to our four-legged friends, right? Why Don’t Dogs Live Long?
So, why don’t dogs live long? And just as importantly, what can we do to increase the life expectancy of our own dogs? Let’s take a closer look at this and come up with some practical steps that you can take to increase the chances of your dog having a long and happy life. Humans have been grieving the loss of dogs for thousands of years. However, the sad fact is that we will, at some stage, have to say goodbye to our much-loved companion.
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