Why little dogs live SO MUCH longer

If you're a dog owner (or dog lover!), you know different dog breeds have different average lifespans. Great Danes live somewhere between 6-8 years on average, whereas Chihuahua’s live 16-18 years! This wild difference in lifespan corresponds very closely with the dog breed size. And it's our fault.

[EpicManaphyDude]

i think chihuahuas squeeze the last 5 out of pure anger and spite

[paulapalais]

I have a large dog and he is over 16 now. Feeling blessed

[Megan-ntdm]

I want to see more dogs like my good boy, Jake: a 60 lb lab that lived for 17 1/2 years. But he came from a breeder who was actively working on breeding healthier labs, and kind of ignoring the "traditional" breed standards. He had one health scare pre-15, but it turned out to be nothing

[reddcube]

My neighbor’s small “Pure breed” dog lasted 12 years and had serious joint issues. My “mix breed” is over 17 and still walking around no problem.

[Rhukzy]

Bigger humans also live shorter lives. And not big as fat, but height. A tall person lives average 5 years shorter than a “normal” person, and small people lives 5 years longer.

[RBuckminsterFuller]

Apparently wolves live like 15 years even in the wild so we seem to have done them dirty by domesticating them.

[Sam_I_Am]

The reason why so many large dogs die younger is because of the pressure on their organs and bones, it causes difficulties with arthritis, lower activity rate the older they are, and it can be generally uncomfortable for them. Just like how a 7ft 5in person is predisposed to organ failure and bone issues, it's the same with dogs. That being said, this only really starts showing up around age 3 for large dogs like Newfies, Mastiffs, Great Danes, etc. The heavier/larger the dog, the more pain and problems they can have. It's not a GUARENTEE, but just look for it and make sure that your pup isn't in pain. If you notice low energy, problems eating, more sleep and these don't go away for several days (log it btw), please contact a vet and get their professional opinion, I'm just a highschool student in an animal science program. Also, if you have a dog, you better give it pets for me 🔫

[PatGilliland]

Lost our chihuahua last year at over 17. It's like losing a child after so many years.

[trollya]

My doberman mix lived to 17+, she was 72 pounds and even seven years later, I still get up periodically to let her in from the yard.😢

[kaptainkaos]

My Little Princess Sadie, a PomPoo, will be 17 in a few months. Yes her hearing is mostly gone, vision is impaired but oh my Gosh try to lay on her favorite blanket and she acts like a puppy again. She can’t get up in our tall bed easily anymore so we made stairs for her. I hope she lives for a long time to come because we’ll miss her so much.

[jeb.x]

Imagine if there were a race of people that's 3 ft. tall and lived for 160 years on average

[Rachel-xghs]

I have a mutt that weighs about 50 pounds (so medium size dog). She’s most likely a mix between chow and spitz, but it’s hard to say. She’s almost 16, and in excellent health. She’s my little black bear. She’s highly intelligent and communicates well. She’s also a master hunter (not anymore, but in her prime she rid the yard of all vermin with ease, even birds). She’s survived two heart worm treatments and been no worse for wear. Seriously, this dog is a beast. That’s why I recommend everyone adopt from a shelter. Don’t waste hundreds or thousands of dollars on some kind of doodle (even though those dogs deserve love too). You never know what you’ll find in a rescue. I truly believe I got the best dog out there, and she was probably born by accident to stray parents on the street. Can’t imagine life without her.

[dinkyberries]

Cant believe that gentle giant's lifetime is way lower but this little devil spawn outruns all

[addyifs]

Idk why but im obsessed with your voice lmaooo. I love it

[Muslim_Student]

What I've learned from the comment section is.
Don't be too tall
Don't be too short
Don't be obese
Don't be underweight
Basically, the longest life span is in the middle ground.

Keep balance in life in all matters, and you might live longer.
Unfortunately, I don't want to live till my 90s because old age seems painful.

[RobCabreraCh]

My dream is being the dog dad of basically Clifford. I want him to live at least 50 years, and I want to ride him to battle.

[ananyajayaram]

I love your account. You inspire me so much as a woman and have rekindled my love for science.

[TheLiamster]

My aunties Yorkshire Terrier lived to 19 years old and he was older than me.

[donaldblevins]

My dog died may 2nd....a few days ago. We are hurting.... we've had him since 2007. He was a mix of a corgi and jack russell terrier

[FloridaManMatty]

My last three Great Danes all lived past 12. The oldest was almost 14 when she passed. Every one I’ve ever had made it past 10. The real “trick” with Danes and most other giant breeds is to keep their weight under control. As long as they don’t go down from gastric torsion, their biggest issues come from joint pain and injury due to being too heavy.