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Every owner dreams of having his four-legged friend live with him as long as possible, and at the same time enjoying health and good condition for years. No wonder – dogs are members of our families, our best friends who are always next to us. It is difficult for us to imagine everyday life without their company, so we take care of them as best we can.
This concern is a very important, if not the most important, factor determining the lifespan of our pets. A well-groomed, well-fed, stress-free dog, whose handler will provide the right dose of activity and professional veterinary care, has a better chance for his dog’s retirement to be peaceful and long-lasting – of course to the undoubted delight of the owner.
Although a dog’s lifespan is dependent on many factors including diet, size (in large dogs the aging progresses faster), lifestyle and overall health, the breed of dog is also important.
In this article we have collected 10 breeds, whose representatives most often live to old years alongside their caretakers. Check which dogs have their secret ways of longevity!
1. CHIHUAHUA
A healthy spirit in a small body! Representatives of this breed, popular all over the world, confirm the theory of the exceptional longevity of small dogs. Short and long-haired Chihuahuas adapt perfectly to the conditions in which they live and are extremely resistant to genetic diseases.
It is worth mentioning, however, that their fame also has a dark side. Unprofessional, non-affiliated breeders try to obtain dogs with extremely exaggerated appearance features (e.g. as small as possible, with larger ears and a shorter muzzle), contributing to producing less resistant litters. Chihuahua with a correct body weight and model height is a dog that can survive in good health for up to 20 years! The average life expectancy is around 16-18 years.
2. JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
Don’t be confused by the small size of this dog imp! Jack Russell terriers are fierce, brave and full of inexhaustible energy – after all, we are dealing with hunting dogs, once bred for work. The rush for outdoor activity has been preserved in the representatives of this breed to this day, which makes their owners face the challenge of providing the dogs with the right dose of exercise and proper socialization. that this small, characterful doggy can accompany families for many years. It is important to meet his tracking and movement needs, and bear in mind that this breed is not free from certain medical conditions such as allergies and neurological diseases. A properly cared for Jack Russell terrier lives for about 12-16 years.
Want a closer look at the character and history of the Jack Russell Terrier? Check out our article!
3. BOX
Few people know that this canine dandy has hunting roots and was originally used as a hunting water dog. Today it is a companion dog, characterized by exceptional intelligence, empathy and the ability to learn. This interesting mix of features means that more and more people choose a poodle as a member of their family, rightly recognizing that it does not deserve the label of a stylized, proud dog.
Poodles’ lifespan is also often influencing this decision. Contemporary kennels focus on this trait of the breed, trying to eliminate the health problems of these wonderful dogs. However, the genetic predisposition to certain diseases (such as vision and joint problems, diabetes) can still be passed on to other individuals. Despite this, the life expectancy of dogs of this breed is approx. 17-18 years for a miniature poodle, approx. 15 years for a medium-sized poodle and approx. 12-15 years for a large poodle.
4. LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO
The appearance and character of a lamb, combined with hunting aspirations to sniff and dig holes – these are the features that make the lagotto romagnolo an increasingly popular breed. The longevity of these cute dogs is also important. ! Above all, however, it should be mentioned that this is an exceptionally healthy, enduring and strong breed, with little genetic disease. He lives for about 12-15 years. In care, it is worth paying special attention to cleaning the ears, eye area and hair.
You can find out more about the lagotto romagnolo in the text that is entirely dedicated to this breed!
5. AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD (AUSSIE)
Eh, shepherd’s life! Own herd to herd, fresh air and a lot of traffic. The Australian Shepherd is an exceptionally hardy and resistant dog, the longevity of which results from physical predispositions and quite high resistance to genetic diseases. In order to keep him in good condition (mentally and physically) and to enjoy the company of a healthy dog for years, however, there are some important points to pay attention to.
Aussie feels much better in the company of her guardian and her family. If left alone for long hours, it can damage objects, and be prone to flee and disobedience. The movement this sheepdog needs is definitely more than a short walk around the block – the breed’s predisposition to live long won’t do much good if the owner ignores her needs.
