Why do dogs have such short life expectancies?

Hoober

Diamond Member
Feb 9, 2001
4,425
65
91
RIP, bud --

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preslove

Lifer
Sep 10, 2003
16,754
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91
They can start breeding in under 2 years. That means they can produce a lot of pups in ~10 years.

rip
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,589
986
126
Sorry to hear that bro. My heart goes out to you.

Even though you know it going in and expect it will happen at some point it's still never easy to lose a family member like that.
 

CptObvious

Platinum Member
Mar 5, 2004
2,501
7
81
Sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my dog last week who was nearing 16 years old. Even though I was expecting it in the back of my mind, it came unexpectedly because he was still relatively healthy up until he passed. I never had a pet for that long and it really feels like I lost an old friend.
 
Nov 29, 2006
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I grew up anti-dog but now that we have one thanks to my wife i cannot imagine her not im my life. Ive lost cats before but i dont think it will hit me as when our dog passes. They really are the animal equavilant of a child.
 

Sluggo

Lifer
Jun 12, 2000
15,488
5
81
I hate these threads, always brings up bad memories. :(

Sorry for your loss, it's always a difficult time.
 

Hoober

Diamond Member
Feb 9, 2001
4,425
65
91
He lived a good life. Over 13 years old. Just surprising how hard it is coming to the realization he's gone.
 

Anonemous

Diamond Member
May 19, 2003
7,361
1
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RIP

It depends on the dog breed and size. Smaller dogs tend to live longer (up to 20+ years) while larger dogs live shorter (8-10+ years).

Pure breeds also don't live as long as mixed ones due to genetic problems from the inbreeding.
 

AMD64Blondie

Golden Member
Apr 20, 2013
1,808
168
106
Sorry for your loss.

Back in 2005 or so,we lost our 6-year-old yellow Lab,Sunshine..to bone cancer.
(We-meaning my mom,dad,and me.)

I was there with the vet when they put her down.

I cried nonstop for 3 days.(yes,even at work.didn't care who saw me,as the emotional pain was too much.)

Your dog looks eerily like Sunshine did.
 

TeeJay1952

Golden Member
May 28, 2004
1,532
191
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It is the lesson of life. It starts with the flowers dying every year, then you notice dogs and cats from your youth going down that road. As you age you see your Aunts and Uncles going on to the next thing. Then your Contemporaries begin to go and you think about how short life is. Once your mate goes, you know that your time is written in sand.