How to help your dog live longer according to science ( part 1 )

Having a loyal and loving dog by your side is something that most dog owners wish they could have forever. Unfortunately, dogs have a shorter lifespan than humans. But there are actually scientifically proven ways to help your dog live longer. A new study shows that you have more control over your dog's lifespan than you previously thought. So how can you maximize your time together? Let's take a look at the research and make sure Fido has many more years to spend by your side.

Life expectancy in dogs

Research shows that a dog's lifespan is primarily influenced by two factors: breed and size. Small dogs on average live longer than medium and large breeds of dogs. To be more specific:

Small dogs live on average between 14 and 16 years.
Medium breeds such as Golden Retrievers usually live between the ages of 10 and 12.
Large or giant breeds, such as Saint Bernard or Grand Danois, have a lifespan of about 7-10 years.
At the same time, mixed breed dogs such as Cavachons and Labradoodles tend to have a longer lifespan than breed dogs. But the difference in life expectancy between these two types of dogs decreases if the mixed dog is also of large breed. But unlike what many dog owners believe, a dog's lifespan is not just determined by its size and breed.

According to a 2023 study, conducted by researchers from Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Washington, and the Texas A&M Schools of Medicine, factors such as the household's total income, the dog owner's age, affect, time spent with children in the household and the dog's social network affect the dog's health and longevity to a great extent. The team drew their conclusions from a detailed survey of over 21,000 dog owners. Interestingly, the researchers found that the importance of social networks for the health of a dog and longevity was five times stronger than the importance of the other factors.