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'.
![[Jack Russell Terriers (pictured) weren't considered old until 14.1 years, while mixed breeds were 'old' at 13.2 years]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/13/12/93118429-14189665-image-a-35_1734091846721.jpg)
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.
![[Labrador Retrievers (pictured) were classed as old at 12.1 years, other breeds at 12.3 years, and cocker spaniels at 11.7 years]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/13/12/93118435-14189665-image-a-36_1734091876276.jpg)
'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.
