Nana~ 4 Posted September 4, 2006 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~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawg 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bettina 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nana~ 4 Posted September 4, 2006 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~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bettina 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nana~ 4 Posted September 4, 2006 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~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bettina 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bettina 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vinesqueen 2 Posted September 4, 2006 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! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mvpo8961 1 Posted September 4, 2006 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawg 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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! :girl_hug: Noone is that lucky. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gonnabethin 10 Posted September 4, 2006 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!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nana~ 4 Posted September 4, 2006 Thanks guys, I'll post family pics when the time comes Nana~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paladin 0 Posted September 4, 2006 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aaamom 0 Posted September 4, 2006 How about pugs? Anyone know how much longer we have????? He is so spoiled and taking over our house!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites