How Old is My Dog Really?

by James McMillian

How Old is My Dog Really? Have you ever wondered how old your dog really is? Many people believe that their dogs is seven times his "human age". However, dogs age and mature differently than humans do.The calculations used to compare canine years with human years evolve with research that is more scientific. At one time, it was believed that one year of a canine's life was equivalent to seven years in a human. Later, one year was equal to five years. Neither theory is correct based on many variables and considerations. The common belief that our dog is seven times his age in years does become true, eventually. As dogs become older than three years, they age at seven times their age in years. More about the dog life phases and characteristics: The childhood of a puppy is shorter compared to people. Pups are born with a full set of teeth but permanent teeth begin to appear at around 5 months of age. The pup displays excessive chewing behavior as the new teeth erupt. The young dog requires more food at this time as their bodies grow, develop and to compensate for high energy levels. Males and females are sexually mature at the age of one and are physically mature at the age of 2. The longest living dog is recorded to be 27 years of age while the average dog's life tends to last 12 years. Life expectancy is not the same for all dogs and many factors are considered. Smaller breeds live longer than their larger counterparts. Certain breeds are more prone to health problems like arthritis, tumors, organ and structural defects. Doberman Pinschers are comparable in size to Boxers but outlive them by about 5 years. Lifestyle effects longevity. Working dogs require more physical activity or become depressed and anxiety ridden which contributes to health problems. Dogs that become overweight due to lack of exercise develop health issues. An animal aged 8 or 9 who is expected to have the physical stamina of a dog aged 2 or 3 will experience tissue, bone injuries, and develop arthritis. Over breeding within a family line or breeding an unhealthy animal will result in genetic defects that effect longevity. Animals that are neutered are less likely to develop cancer later in life and rhe risk of cancer decreases the sooner the dog is neutered. This is true regardless of whether the animal is male or female. Proper medical care including vaccinations and treatment for illness or injury affects life expectancy. Whether the animal is properly fed, housed and exercised will all determine longevity. Mature dogs have less food and exercise requirements than an adult dog, as they generally are less rambunctious and calmer. A vet will consider the condition of a dog's teeth and physical structure when determining health age. An animal that appears to be 5 or 6 years old may be older or younger due to their living conditions. The aged dog will have gray or white hair on their faces. They experience vision and hearing loss and the heart and kidneys will start to decline. Physical capability diminishes and temperament may change.

James McMillian is a long time dog lover and pet enthusiast. He currently writes for Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find dog car seats and pet fences .
Source:www.isnare.com

Beagle Dog Breeds

by Queenie1

Originally the breed was used to track foxes and rabbits because of their great scent. They were used to hunt in packs.

Beagles are a smaller scent hounds and there are two kinds; the one is 13" from the shoulder down and weighs 18 lbs while the other kind is about 15" from the shoulder down weighing 30 lbs. They are a sturdy, high-energy dog with a short low maintenance coat that sheds.

The Beagles strong scent will distract him so he may ignore you at times. The Beagle will need constant training when you get him. The Beagles nose rules their brains but they are a very smart, intelligent, affectionate dog.

Beagles are not a good dog for apartment living because of their howling and barking. The Beagle is good with children handling him so he makes a good family pet and he is also good with strangers as well as other dogs.

The dog is easily distracted if he smells a scent so he will do better in a fenced in yard and when you walk him it's best to keep him on a leash so it doesn't run away. Daily exercise is important for this active dog. The owner of the Beagle needs to have time to train this curious dog.

The Dachshund Breed Dog

by Queenie1

This breed anciently was used to track badgers but was later bred smaller to hunt foxes and rabbits. The Dachshund has an excellent sense of smell and will fight with it's prey if the prey is difficult. There are 2 types of Dachshunds the standard which stands 9" from shoulder down and weighs 12-24 lbs or the miniature stands 5-6" from the shoulder down and weighs less than 12 lbs. Both types of Dachshunds have one of these 3 coats:

The wire haired coat which sheds is a rougher texture that is medium length.

The long haired coat which sheds but the coat is a silky, shiny medium length coat which needs a couple of brushing a week.

The smooth coat which also sheds but is short and shiny and requires little care.

Both Dachshund sizes have long backs with bodies close to the ground.


The Dachshund dog is a spirited, playful dog with great scenting abilities.

The wire hair coated Dachshund is more active and stubborn then the other 2 coated types.

The long hair coated Dachshund is shyer and shy of strangers.

The smooth hair coated Dachshund are friendly, bold and very alert. They feel the cold so you will need to provide them with a sweater on colder days.

Apartment living is okay for this breed dog but he will need daily exercise. They also are good little watchdogs and can bark loudly. The owner of this breed needs to be firm, consistent and patient with the dog. Children are okay with this breed if they aren't rough with them.