Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Ever gazed into your pup’s eyes and wondered how many years they have left? If so, you are not alone. For owners of medium-sized dog breeds, you’re in the sweet spot. These medium-sized dogs enjoy a nice balance between the longer lifespans of smaller dog breeds and the big personalities and playfulness of large breeds.
But, how long will they live, and what can you do to support your dog’s ability to age healthfully? You’ve come to the right spot for these answers.
Let’s talk about your medium-sized dog and how to help them live the longest, healthiest life possible.
Dog breeds are usually categorized by size. Sizes include toy, small, medium, large, and extra large (or giant). Medium-sized dog breeds usually weigh between 25 and 50 pounds when they are fully grown.
Medium-sized dogs include cocker spaniels, border collies, bulldogs, basset hounds, and many more. These breeds are known for being energetic, sturdy, and overall good fits for families and individuals.
A well-cared-for medium-sized dog can live between 10 and 15 years or longer. This is just a median life expectancy. Genetics, lifestyle, breed, and health conditions can all stretch or shrink that number. Some breeds are prone to certain health risks that can reduce their lifespan, while others have fewer health risks and enjoy an overall better shot at hitting that 10-to-15-year mark.
Every dog is different, but several common factors play a role in how long your dog will live. While you cannot change your dog’s genetic makeup, you can ensure they are properly cared for, and that goes a long way in terms of your dog’s lifespan.
Your dog’s DNA, like yours, plays a role in their longevity. Breeds that have historically been strong, working dogs (like the Australian Shepherd) tend to enjoy slightly longer lives than breeds that are built purely for aesthetics and showing.
The breed of dog you choose makes a difference when it comes to a longer life. On average, the smaller the dog, the longer the lifespan.
Dogs that are spayed and neutered live longer than dogs that are not. Dogs that are fixed are less susceptible to certain types of cancers and are also less prone to engage in dangerous behavior. Many animal shelters offer spaying and neutering services at a discount, allowing all pet owners the opportunity to make this decision for their pets.
Dogs that are happy, well-loved, and get plenty of exercise live longer than dogs that are neglected. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated, feeding them high-quality food, and ensuring they get preventive care from their veterinarian can add years to your dog’s life. In addition, forming a close, trustworthy bond with your dog can help them live a happier life as senior animals.
Knowing what kinds of problems could harm your dog is just as important as ensuring you are giving them proper care.
Some health conditions pop up more in medium-sized dogs than in small dogs or large dogs. If you have these on your radar, you can stay a step ahead in your dog’s care.
While these health concerns can be serious, these breeds are known for their resilience. Some even tend to outlive their expected lifespans, giving their owners more years of tail wags.
Whether you are looking for a new pet to love or already own a medium-breed dog and want to know how long they’ll be around, we’ve got the scoop on several medium breeds known for their ability to beat the odds and outlive their peers.
The longest-living medium-breed dog is the Australian cattle dog. In fact, the world record for oldest living dog goes to an Aussie cattle dog named Bluey who lived to be 29 years and five months old. These dogs are built tough, energetic, and expected to live between 15 and 19 years.
If you were looking for a classic, fun-loving family dog, the beagle will not disappoint. Get a beagle when your kids are born, and they can theoretically help you see them off to college. Beagles have a lifespan of between 15 and 18 years, which means your dog can grow up right with your children.
If smarts is a quality you want in a dog, the border collie is your go-to. These dogs, known as the Einsteins of the dog world, are sharp and energetic. Their mental acuity is likely a key component of their ability to live long (and prosper). Border collies have a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years.
No matter which breed you have, there are steps to take to give your dog the best chance of reaching their expected lifespan.
You play a major role in your dog’s ability to live a longer life. By taking care of your dog’s health, you can stack the odds in their favor and help them live healthfully into their senior years.
Taking care of your dog and giving them Longevity15 once daily is a smart way to support your furry friends and give them the best chance of living the longest life possible.
Medium-sized dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Medium-sized dog lifespans and diseases of concern vary from breed to breed.
Medium-sized dogs live an average of 14 years. Overall, purebreds live an average of nearly 10 years. The difference may be because dogs bred to meet standards sometimes pass along genetic problems.
For most dogs, reaching 10 years old is a typical lifespan, but it’s not considered particularly long. The average lifespan for dogs ranges from 10 to 13 years, with smaller breeds generally living longer than larger breeds.
You can’t change your dog’s DNA, but you can support it with healthy kibble, exercise, veterinary care, and Longevity15. Your medium-breed dog has the opportunity to live for over 10 years. That’s a decade of belly rubs, tail wags, and games of fetch to enjoy.
Sources:
How Long Do Dogs Live | PetMd.com
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs? | American Kennel Club.org
Why and when you should spay or neuter your pet | Humane World for Animals
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
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