Many believe that the most loyal friends and faithful guards are precisely the mutts. But for most dog lovers, factors such as the pedigree, compliance with standards, and external data remain important. But if there is no money to buy a purebred puppy, then for security purposes the outbred dog will be no worse. These dogs also have well-developed guard instincts and affection for the owner, and they live relatively longer.
Communication with a dog is not only joy and entertainment, it is, above all, the responsibility and obligation of its owner. A thoroughbred dog or not, first of all it is a living creature, friend, family member. However, do not forget that animals live much less than humans. For mongrels, comfortable living conditions, quality food and the love of the owner are vital. Then she will be able to live even up to the age of 20.
Street longevity
A constant presence on the street affects the life of the dog, including its duration. The mongrels have more chances than the purebred dog that she will lead her life on a chain. And even though such dogs are excellent guards, life on a leash does not contribute to longevity. Under such conditions, the dog's life span is 8-12 years.
For proper development the animal needs exercise. Being in a limited space, it is difficult to maintain muscle tone. The content in the aviary is better than on the circuit, but depends on its size. The owners, feeling their guilt before the dog, try to feed her more tightly. As a result, obesity and premature death of the pet.
The mongrels living on the street adapt to their living conditions. In winter, the undercoat thickens, and the cold is not terrible for them. In the summer heat, he also protects the dog from overheating. For a comfortable stay the dog on a leash should provide him:
- doghouse corresponding to the size of the dog;
- rational nutrition;
- constant access to water;
- annual vaccination;
- moderate physical activity.
Dogs whose habitat is a street, for the most part, have strong immunity. But the owner, in turn, should not let the animal’s life on its own and create comfortable conditions for him.
How many years live at home?
Some mongrels are lucky, and they live in an apartment or private house as full members of the family. They walk on time, buy expensive balanced food and take them to the veterinarian for a routine examination. With such care, the dog is able to survive on average about 15 years, or even longer.
The yard dog eventually becomes a universal family favorite. Animals are easy to learn and intuitively feel the owner. Indoors, they quickly remember their place, the main thing is that it should be away from heaters and noisy appliances.
Outbred dogs are affectionate and sociable, get along well with children. Small pets can live to a very respectable canine age - 18-20 years. Large individuals live 5 years less.
What factors affect the lifespan?
The life expectancy of mutts depends on many reasons. A pet will live a maximum period, if from puppy age to take care of such factors.
- The quality of food. Everything is clear with the purchased food - it is selected according to the age and weight of the animal. And to prepare a full-fledged home-made food for the dog, you need to use meat and dairy products, vegetables, cereals. Lack of certain nutrients can have a significant effect on life expectancy.
- Conditions of detention. If the mongrel lives on the street, but does not freeze in the winter and feels comfortable in the summer, she will delight the owners for a long time.
- The size of the animal. Large dogs usually live less, and they often have cancer. The difficulty is that at an early age it is difficult for mongrels to determine what size an adult will be if you have not seen the puppy's parents.
- The psychological background. Stress has a huge and negative effect on the life span of an animal. A dog, thoroughbred or not, needs communication, love and contact with the owner. Physical punishment is absolutely unacceptable.
How to extend the life of an animal?
Regular visits to the veterinary clinic, timely vaccination and disease prevention will help to increase the pet's lifespan. Even if it was not possible to prevent the disease, modern methods of treatment can minimize the consequences. Maintaining the physical shape of the animal is also not in last place. A dog living on a leash should be walked at least once every 2 days. Movement is a vital necessity for her.
Sterilizing a dog helps not only to prevent unwanted offspring, but also avoids many diseases of the genitourinary tract. The owner has the right to decide exactly when to carry out the operation. This can be done before puberty - after reaching 6 months of age or an adult animal.
The main factor extending life, of course, remains sincere love, care and kindness. Mongrels unconsciously feel the attitude of the owners and always reciprocate.
On the pros and cons of mongrels, see the next video.
