Some people who I know have small dogs that had lived to be over 20 years old!
2006-08-11 03:56:21 · 28 answers · asked by ☮ ♥ :) 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, typically smaller dogs live longer. They tend to be more lean and their hearts have to work alot less. However, unfortunately if they become sick with a virus or disease they tend to deteriorate rapidly and have a harder time recovering.
2006-08-11 04:03:22 · answer #1 · answered by pirategurl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's true that small dogs live longer. But 20 is a little bit too much. The oldest dog was I think 25 or 20, and that was a beagle, a medium sized dog. Might've changed, I dunno. But small dogs usually live up to 16 years. Same with medium sized. Big dogs live 10-12 years. Working dogs sometimes live 7 years
2006-08-11 04:03:29 · answer #2 · answered by beagleowner2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true. There is a chart at my vet and the big dogs that weigh a lot more live an average of 12 years whereas little dogs like chihuahuas live an average of 15 years but they have been known to live as long as 16 or 17 years.
2006-08-11 04:42:17 · answer #3 · answered by tori32301 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives. Something about the endurance and growth pattern, I think. At any rate, it's true. I have one dog that is 20 years old and another that is 11 while my 2 big ones passed away at 9 and 12 years of age. Good question!!
2006-08-11 04:44:42 · answer #4 · answered by roritr2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's true and thats what I have heard.
I had a big dog, it was a mixed breed, and he lived to be 16 years old. I also have a small dog, minature dachsund,and he is about 4 yrs.
I want to be a vet!!But I'm a student for now.
2006-08-11 06:11:06 · answer #5 · answered by From First to Last's Emily. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but a lot of it has to do with careful maintenance which includes: excersize, a good premium diet, regular check-ups with your veterinarian (vaccines, heartworm medication, dewormer, etc.) and good genes. I have seen a lot of small pets be up to date on everything, yet neglect to have routine dental cleanings which is very important to prevent heart and other systemic problems. But on an average small dogs do live longer especially if it does not get mauled by a big dog.
2006-08-11 04:08:39 · answer #6 · answered by concerned vettech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is generally true. Smaller bodies have less strain put on their heart and joints. A large breed like a mastiff may only live 8 years while a chihuahua can live 15 or more.
2016-03-16 21:23:01 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the smaller the dog, the longer the life span. A toy breed can have a life span of 16-18 years, while a large breed (Mastiff, etc.) might have a life span of 7-8 years.
2006-08-11 04:08:39 · answer #8 · answered by sherirenee1954 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who knows...I tend to think that the Hines 57 Mixed breeds live the longest, no matter what their size. I had a big old lab, collie, mix. Actually both of his parents where a mix, and he lived to be 16. (He ate cat food most of his life, and was only taken to the vet one time in his life...to be neutered & a rabies shot)
One thing I hate about big dogs is...when they do die, it's a lot of work to dig a hole big enough to bury them properly. A rat terrier would be a much easier job...LOL
2006-08-11 04:21:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's true that small breeds have longer life spans than large and giant breeds.
2006-08-11 04:02:17 · answer #10 · answered by Free Bird 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋