For many puppy owners, the thought of your dog getting old is enough to bring a tear to your eye.
But a new study suggests that some breeds reach old age much quicker than others.
Researchers from the University of Liverpool have pinpointed the exact age that six common breeds are considered by vets to be in ‘old age’.
On average, vets say that dogs should be described as ‘old’ at age 12.5.
However, smaller breeds tend to age more slowly, with some pooches only reaching old age at 14.1.
In contrast, larger breeds are considered old much earlier, with some breeds classed as ‘old’ at age 12.1.
‘This study allowed us for the first time to examine when vets start noting that dogs are now in a stage of their life where they consider them to be “elderly” or “senior”,’ said Carri Westgarth, who led the research.
So, how does your dog stack up?
For many puppy owners, the thought of your dog getting old is enough to bring a tear to your eye. But a new study suggests that some breeds reach old age much quicker than others (stock image)
Jack Russell Terriers (pictured) weren’t considered old until 14.1 years, while mixed breeds were ‘old’ at 13.2 years
Previous research has shown that the UK dog population is living longer.
In fact, older dogs are estimated to account for 30 to 40 per cent of all patients seen in veterinary practice.
Despite this, until now, scientists have been unable to pinpoint exactly when it is that vets consider dogs ‘old’.
‘Understanding the characteristics of healthy ageing and differentiating this from adverse effects of age-associated diseases could improve the management of dogs in the senior and geriatric stages of life,’ the team wrote in their study, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
In their new study, the team analysed the veterinary records of 832 elderly dogs across six popular breeds.
Their analysis revealed that, across all 832 dogs, the average age that vets considered them old was 12.5.
Jack Russell Terriers weren’t considered old until 14.1 years, while mixed breeds were ‘old’ at 13.2 years.
‘This older age of Jack Russells is consistent with findings of age at euthanasia in dogs, as well as a previous study in which Jack Russell terriers were shown to have longer life expectancy at 12.7 years,’ the researchers explained.
Labrador Retrievers (pictured) were classed as old at 12.1 years, other breeds at 12.3 years, and cocker spaniels at 11.7 years
Border Collies were considered old at 12.7 years, followed by springer spaniels at 12.5 years.
Labrador Retrievers, meanwhile, were classed as old at 12.1 years, other breeds at 12.3 years, and cocker spaniels at 11.7 years.
The study also identified the top five health concerns affecting old-age dogs.
Weight-related issues including overweight, underweight, and weight loss topped the list, affecting 35 per cent of dogs.
Musculoskeletal problems were next, affecting a third (33 per cent) of the dogs studied.
These problems include stiffness and mobility challenges.
Thirty-one per cent of old-age dogs were impacted by dental conditions.
Meanwhile, 28 per cent of those studied experienced some kind of skin-related problem, such as lumps, infections, or hair loss.
Finally, 22 per cent of dogs experienced digestive issues in old-age, including vomiting and diarrhoea.
Overall, the researchers say the findings highlight that the rate at which dogs age is not ‘one-size-fits-all.’
‘Whilst veterinarians are often all too aware of the changing health and welfare challenges associated with caring for an old aged dog, definitions for old age are varied and even arbitrary,’ they added.
