How long do dogs live?

Nana~ · 09-03-2006, 09:32 PM

We are looking into getting our first four legged family member
What I dont know is dog life length? I know it's differ. for small and large dogs but I dont know how?
Thanks
Nana~

dawg · 09-03-2006, 09:36 PM

Smaller tend to live longer.

Bigguns tend to be.... bigger.

I'd look more at temperament and living space rather than being too concerned with life expectancy :)

We had a Golden Retriever and for me - thats all I would really want again. He only lasted 9 years (hip displasia got him).

Bettina · 09-03-2006, 09:44 PM

Hmmm ...It all depends on what type of dog you are getting. I have had Beagles all of my married life--they were included in the marriage certificate...lol. They usually live about 15 yrs. I also have a Jack Russell..she will live forever, she is spoiled and babied..lol. I do know that mutts live longer than pure breed dogs. Larger dogs tend to have back problems. Labs live about 10-15 , unless they get struck by a car...ugh mine did..she was lab/retriever mix...omg she was wonderful..i still miss her and its been over 20 yrs. I am with Dawg on the temperment issue. Do you have children? how many and how old are they? Large dogs require room to roam and run.

Here is a site for you:

http://www.petfinder.com/

Best wishes to you --I have three kids, three dogs, and two cats...they all love each other (well the pets do..lol) which is really odd.

Nana~ · 09-03-2006, 09:44 PM

Well I'm asking because we are looking to adopt a Doberman, he is 8 years old.
I just wanted to know about how long he had.
We want him regardless :)
Nana~

Bettina · 09-03-2006, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawg

Smaller tend to live longer.

Bigguns tend to be.... bigger.

I'd look more at temperament and living space rather than being too concerned with life expectancy :)

We had a Golden Retriever and for me - thats all I would really want again. He only lasted 9 years (hip displasia got him).

*****psssst****** glad to see you are still here!!!!!!

Nana~ · 09-03-2006, 09:47 PM

Heya! I use petfinder :)
Im looking at the Austin Doberman rescue center.
I do have kids Girl 12- And Boy 9
The dog would be a family member- Would live inside~
Nana~

Bettina · 09-03-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana~

Well I'm asking because we are looking to adopt a Doberman, he is 8 years old.
I just wanted to know about how long he had.
We want him regardless :)
Nana~

awww Doberman's --gotta love em! The Jack Russell I have, I adopted from a rescue.....I will never get another puppy again!! My future dogs will all be adopted. I swear they seem "grateful". She was 2 when i got her she is 6 now.....best dog ever! she is a couch potato though..lol, I swear she can read my mind, she just jumped up on the couch next to me as if to see what I am typing...lol!

Bettina · 09-03-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana~

Heya! I use petfinder :)
Im looking at the Austin Doberman rescue center.
I do have kids Girl 12- And Boy 9
The dog would be a family member- Would live inside~
Nana~

Perfect ages to get a dog....and the dog is gonna love them! I am so excited for you...goosebumps over here!

vinesqueen · 09-03-2006, 09:52 PM

very small dog and very bigs one have shorter life expectancies. Mid-sized dogs seem to statistically live the longest. (based on the charts in our Vet's office.

Nana~ just make sure your new dog has a job. They need jobs. It's critical that they have a purpose, otherwise they are not balanced. I'd get a book on dog psychology. Cesar someone has a very good one. He also has a show on ... the national geographic channel. My sister has the dish so we watch it when we visit.

Dogs need jobs. Cats need staff.

Congrats on your new family member!

Mvpo8961 · 09-03-2006, 09:55 PM

Nana

http://www.petfinder.com/

Check out this website they have lots of good info.

I have to tell you I have a pomeranian that was a puppy mill rescue. She was caged for three years and only out to breed and whelp. She was heart worm positive and sustained an eye injury that we eventually had to have that eye removed.

But my GOSH she is my most specialist baby and I love her beyond description by words.

She was one of 40 dogs rescued. I have never regretted bringing her home.

Good luck with a new furbaby.

Myra

dawg · 09-03-2006, 09:59 PM

Dobies are good, I wouldn't expect any more than 14. Good food, exercise and activities will give best chance of a long life.

Good luck with the doggie :)

We've talked about getting another dog but, after the last guy I just can't conceive of a replacement.

Bettina - Me? Gone? HA! :D Noone is that lucky.

gonnabethin · 09-03-2006, 10:02 PM

We have had only large dogs and they have ranged from 12-16years. We have had 2 labs and a dalmation, now have 1 lab 7yrs and 2 pointers 3 & 1yr old. My MIL/FIL had only had small dogs and they have had similar life ranges. The mixed breeds in our experience have had healthier and better life ranges. With the purebreeds come some genetic breeding problems- like addisons, hip problems, seizures- yeah unfortunately we have dealt with all of those!!
Hope that helps. Its the best move besides LAP-BAND^® that you will make.

Rescue is the way to go !! Bettina is right they do seem grateful!!

Nana~ · 09-03-2006, 10:06 PM

Thanks guys, I'll post family pics when the time comes :)
Nana~

**Jack** · 09-03-2006, 10:13 PM

we've had three Dobies over the past 34 years....

Oldest made it 14 1/2.....the last made it 11.....

They CAN be the sweetest dog in the universe....I've never started with one that old....they are smart, stubborn, loyal, a great companion....

We had the tail docked only on one....the rest were 'natural'....

paladin · 09-03-2006, 10:22 PM

Best of luck Nana. You are doing a great thing. Dogs are pack animals and like vines said, it's good for them to have a job to do. It's important for them to know their place in your pack.

We had a German Shepherd that lived 14 yrs and my wife, 3Loves, had a Poodle that lived 17.5 yrs. Some of it depends on their environment and family history of health problems. If the dobie was well taken care of and was a purebred, chances are you have many years left to love and enjoy your new baby.

In addition to the site mentioned, here's some you may want to check out.

http://www.akc.org

http://www.infodog.com/newtodogs.htm

http://www.petrix.com/dognames/

Wish you the best and can't wait to see pictures.