The Oldest Dogs In The World

Is a "dog year" equal to seven "human years"? What is the oldest dog on record? The answers might surprise you!

Determining the age of a dog in "human years"can be calculated using three different methods.  The first is that one human year equals seven dog years. However, this dog year calculation fails to use dog size and dog breed in its calculation.

The second dog aging profile is that the first two years of a dog's life equals 10 1/2 years, with subsequent years equaling 4 human years. This method is more accurate than the first but it still doesn't consider dog size and breed.

The third dog aging profile uses dog size/dog breed calculators which classify the dogs as small, medium and large. Dog size/dog breed calculators are the most accurate method of calculating a dog's age.

There is no formula for dog to human age conversion that is agreed upon scientifically but the following method is the best for gaining a rough approximation of dog years. The human equivalent of a one year old dog is between 10 and 15 years. The second year of a dog's life is between 3 to 8 dog years and subsequent years are equal to 4 to 5 dog years.

What are common characteristics of the oldest dogs?
According to a study by the British Veterinary Association, females usually have a longer lifespan than males, with neutered females living the longest. Neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of some causes of early death, for example pyometra in bitches, and testicular cancer in males.
As far as diet is concerned there is disagreement whether a pure vegetarian diet is better than a mixed or meat only diet. There are confirmed cases of "vegetarian" and non-vegetarian dogs living 26 years or more.

What dog breeds live longest?
The oldest dog breeds are usually small dogs such as the Bedlington Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Poodle, Whippet. They have an average lifespan of 14 years.

The next oldest dogs by average are the Beagle, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, English Springer Spaniel, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Pekingese, Random-bred/Mongrel, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Wire Fox Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, with an average life of 13 years.

Dogs with the shortest average lifespan include the Bulldog and Irish Wolfhound (6 years), Bernese Mountain Dog (7 years) followed by Bullmastiff, Great Dane (8 years old).

The oldest dog on record was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, who died at 29 in 1939. In the 2000s, at least two other of the oldest dogs were still living at 27 or 28 years old.



source: wikipedia.com, guinness book of world records
image: aboutpedigreedogs.com

The Great Dog Breed - Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers are one of many various dog breeds.This dog breed is special because they are hunting dogs and they also have webbed paws.

One reason why labrador retrievers are a popular dog breed is because they are great with kids. The three most popular types of labradors are the chocolate,yellow and black labs.

If you don't fall in love with these adorable labradors then you might want to try a different type of dog.

Watering Systems Are A Dog's Best Friend

All dogs need to have an endless supply of clean drinking water to keep them happy, healthy and hydrated. This sounds easier than it looks. All difference types of dogs, at one time or another, have knocked their water over and nobody is around to see it. There are times that your poor little pooch can go for the entire day you realizing that your pet has no water.

One of the best ways to make sure your dog is always properly hydrated is to provide them a drinking fountain. Pet drinking fountains work great for all different kinds of dogs, from the Poodle to the Labrador Retriever to all types of dogs in between.

The Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is one such fountain that provides a constant 5-inch stream of falling water, the innovative Platinum Pet Fountain makes drinking more attractive and fun for your pure breed or mutt, as well as more convenient for you. No longer will your pet have to slurp stagnant water from a traditional bowl. The simple, safe Platinum Pet Fountain holds 168 fluid ounces, keeping your pet out of your sinks and toilets. A replaceable charcoal filter removes bad tastes and odors. Snap the included clear plastic lid over the reservoir to prevent it from becoming accidentally detached.

Pet Fountains are so versatile they work great for all of your pets too!