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iheartteacups
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Do little dogs live longer than bigger dogs? Here at iheartteacups, we are often asked that question. People are very concerned with their iheartteacup’s puppies life span
and health risks.
The answer to the looming question is, yes! Smaller dogs do live longer than bigger
dogs. Although nobody knows for sure,
the most accepted reason for this is that smaller dogs have less weight to carry,
less blood to pump, and less stress on their joints.
Bigger dogs tend to have many more health problems
than smaller dogs, and they have an overall shorter life expectancy rate. Great Danes and Bull Mastiffs have about half
the life expectancy rate as smaller breeds, like terriers.
Although teacups are more fragile in many respects,
they are actually the more efficient size of dog. It’s true that they can be more fragile and
they do require more supervision so they don’t hurt themselves, but as far as
their life span is concerned, they have the advantage.
Their organs and major systems function at a higher
rate. They are smaller, more compact,
and more efficient. Just as smaller
people in the world often live longer, so do dogs. Mixed breeds like Morkies, Maltipoos,
Yorkipoo, Shorkie that are under 20 pounds tend to have the longest life
span.
Many studies have shown that certain genetic health
problems that show up from breed to breed are greatly reduced when the dna is
mixed with another breed of dog. It
makes for a healthier immune system, and also hides those harmful traits that
are passed on and reinforced. There is
nothing wrong with getting a pure bred dog.
Most people want one because they love the physical
features and the personality traits that are passed on through intelligent
breeding. One disadvantage of this is it
passes on genetic health problems too.
No matter what breed you get, from the smallest
teacup to the largest mountain dog, there are always unique health risks that
follow each pure breed. However, this
doesn’t have as much to do with the life expectancy of your dog as his size
does. Genetic health risks are found in
each breed, and it usually pertains to hip, knee, joint, breathing, and spine
problems.
Also, some skin conditions are found more
frequently in some breeds than in others. The best thing to do is to know your dogs breed, and learn as much as
you can about their common health risks, and keep your eye on them. If you sense your dog is in pain or having
trouble walking or breathing, tell your vet and set up an appointment.
