How to Determine a Dog's Lifespan

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Consider your dog's breed. Some breeds simply live longer than others. The average toy poodle will likely live to be at least 14 years old before it dies, but the Bernese mountain dog isn't likely to live much past 7 years old.
Step 2:
Consider that dog lifespan starts with looking at the breed and goes from there. If you have a labrador retriever, the average lifespan is 11 years; for a German shepherd--11 years; a beagle--13 years; a dachshund--12 years; a boxer--10 years; a chihuahua--15 years; a rottweiler--9 years; a cocker spaniel--12 years.
Step 3:
Look at the size of your dog. Smaller pooches live longer typically than do larger dogs. This is believed to be because small dogs' bodies don't need to work as hard as those of larger canines. Another theory is that large dogs are more likely to be overweight.
Step 4:
Look at how fit your dog is. The more fit your dog is, the longer its lifespan will likely be. Keep your dog in shape to help it live longer.
Step 5:
Consider your dog's nutrition. If your dog's daily diet contains the nutrients it needs delivered in high-quality food, it stands a better chance of living a long life than a dog whose diet is table scraps.
Step 6:
Watch your dog's dental health. The dog who gets good dental care has a better chance of living a longer life than a dog whose teeth are in bad condition.

Resources

Dog lifespan by breed

More Puppy Pages

How to Choose a Dog Breed

Instructions Step 1: Look around your dwelling. Determine what size of full grown dog can you accommodate comfortably. Plan on whether it's large wagging her tail destroying your prized collection or a small dog that gets lost in your rooms. Step 2...

Instructions Things You’ll Need: A computer, or a book on dog breeds Access to a dog park, if possible References from people with dogs A big heart How to Pick a Dog Breed Step 1: 1. Decide if you want to go purebred, mutt or pound. You can get...

How to Decide Whether to Get a Cocker Spaniel

Instructions Step 1: Choose a Cocker Spaniel if you are looking for a family pet. The Cocker Spaniel does well in a family environment, generally like children and tolerate other pets. It was originally bred as a bird dog and makes good hunting...

Instructions Step 1: Find a store or company that sells pet crates. Pet supply, hardware and department stores, and wholesale pet supply companies all carry crates. Wholesale pet supply companies often have the largest selection and the best prices. You...

We use many different breeds as dog guides. The majority of dogs that we use are Labrador Retrievers. You've seen Mambo, who's a Yellow Lab. We have Black Labradors, and they really have proven themselves, world wide for many, many years as being...