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A DOGS
LIFESPAN
You take that cute bundle
home and you want it to live for ever. Unfortunately it won't - nothing does. I
keep reading that my own breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has a short
lifespan and often wonder how this sort of misinformation got started. I think
it may be based on the assumption made by some that little dogs are supposed to
live longer than big dogs but in reality this is not how it works.
Life expectancy is based on averages. Actually the
average lifespan of any dog whether purebred or of indetermine descent
is between 10 to 12 years of age. However individual breeds may have shorter or
longer average lifespans depending upon their breed. For example an
Irish Wolfhound has a lifespan that is on average between 6 and 7 years of age
whereas a toy poodle or Lhasa Apso is going to have an average lifespan of 12
to 15 years of age. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an average life
expectancy of between 10 and 12 years. And then certain individual dogs may
exceed their breed's average life expectancy and others will fall short. This
will usually be determined by many factors such as how the dog is cared for and
the genetic makeup of the dog, whether it develops any health problems along
the way and so on. Just like in humans.
While each dog will be
different there are certain stages that a dog will go through as they grow
older. By recognizing these stages it will become easier to understand how your
dog is aging and any special requirements to keep them as healthy and fit as
possible.
For a dog that lives to the average of about 10 years:
0
- 2 years of age is the growth stage. This the period of time when the dog does
its developing, both physically and mentally. While nutrition is important
throughout the dog's life, this is going to be the stage when it is going to
have the most affect in laying a foundation for a healthy life. They should not
be allowed to become fat as this will affect them later in life. Dogs in this
age range should be given moderate exercise only. Hard exercise at this stage
of a dog's life particularly those that might be inclined to bone disease, such
as hip dysplasia, puts undue strain on the joints and ligaments possibly
causing damage later in life. This is also the stage when dogs learn their
social skills, so training and socialization is very important now.
2
- 5 years of age can be considered the young adult stage. This is the period of
life when the dog has finished its growing and is active and healthy. Its diet
should be of a maintenance type.
5 - 8 years of age is the
equivalent to middle age. The dog begins to slow down and minor health concerns
may start to crop up such as mild arthritis or heart murmurs. At this stage
diet should be watched as some dogs have a tendency to become overweight. A low
calorie diet may be considered. They may have to be encouraged to exercise to
keep fit.
8 plus is basically old age. As the dog ages through this period
health problems, such as coronary disease, start to become an issue, with the
dog requiring more veterinary care and medications. The dog will start to go
grey and have a tendency to sleep more often. It will have more problems moving
about, quite often be noticeably stiff when getting up. Hearing and eye sight
can become diminished. More care to keep them warm and dry is required. Often
dogs as they start getting to the end stage will need to be encouraged to eat.
Of the most importance is the quality of life that a dog has
through its lifetime. Eventually YOU will have to decide when the time has come
to allow the dog a dignified end to hopefully what has been years of pleasure
for you. Too many dogs are forced to endure pain and suffering due to ill
health towards the end of their life because of their owner's inability to face
the hard decision of what is right for the dog. Few dogs go gently in their
sleep and forcing them to suffer for our needs is not right.
Remember that our dogs are with us for only a short span
compared to our lifetime and we should consider every day precious. And when
the end of their life is near and the quality of life is no longer there,
consider their needs over ours and allow them to go in dignity and with the
minimum of pain. It is the most important act we can perform for our years of
friendship.
Popular breeds average
life expectancy
| American Cocker
Spaniel |
10 - 12 years |
| Beagle |
11 - 13 years |
| Bichon Frise |
10 - 13 years |
| Border Collie |
12 - 14 years |
| Boxer |
9 - 11 years |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
|
10 - 12 years |
| Chihuahua |
13 - 15 years |
| Collie (Rough) |
9 - 11 years |
| Doberman
Pinscher |
8 - 10 years |
| English Springer Spaniel
|
10 - 12 years |
| German Shepherd
|
10 - 12 years |
| Golden Retriever
|
10 - 13 years |
| Great Dane |
7 - 10 years |
| Irish Wolfhound
|
6 - 7 years |
| Jack Russell Terrier
|
13 - 15 years |
| Labrador Retriever
|
10 - 12 years |
| Lhasa Apso |
12 - 15 years |
| Maltese |
11 - 13 years |
| Miniature Schnauzer
|
12 - 14 years |
| Poodle (Miniature)
|
12 - 15 years |
| Poodle (Standard)
|
10 - 12 years |
| Poodle (Toy) |
12 - 15 years |
| Pugs |
10 - 12 years |
| Rottweillers |
8 - 10 years |
| Shetland Sheepdog
|
10 - 12 years |
| Shih Tzu |
10 - 12 years |
| West Highland White Terrier
|
10 - 12 years |
| Yorkshire Terrier
|
11 - 13 years |
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All articles and information
on this site is copyrighted by Rhiannon Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and
Creature Comforts Inn. Redistribution on any other website is only
permitted via a link to this site.
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