Dog Life Cycle
Dogs are the most popular and widespread domesticated animals in the world. The average dog life cycle is 10-15 years. These mammals have been living equidistant lives with humans as hunting companions for about 12,000 years. Some scientists consider that dogs and wolves share common ancestors. However, evolution has led dogs and wolves to progress in their own separate ways. Recent studies show that modern dogs are not directly descended from the wolves that were initially domesticated, hence we can conclude that dogs have non-canine ancestors.
Due to their powerful sense of smell and taste, dogs make excellent hunting partners. Over time, humans certified these traits and bred new generations based on essential requirements and desires. Dogs are domesticated mammals connected to the Canidae family and Carnivora order. They are subspecies of Canis lupus, which is also known as the gray wolf. Dogs are also associated with foxes and jackals. Through domestication, dogs have given rise to nearly 400 breeds.
The dog life cycle is something we should consider. Dogs are living creatures much like humans, and their life stages are something we should be aware of. They are born from their parents, nurtured until an appropriate age, mature, explore the world, and eventually pass away. They share experiences with their owners and fellow dogs, hence it’s necessary to learn appropriate skills. But there’s much more.
Here are some fundamental stages of dog life cycle, and what they require during these different stages:
Stages of Dog Life Cycle
Stage 1: Puppyhood
This is the first stage of life that every dog experiences. It starts immediately after birth and lasts for the first 6-15 months. During the initial weeks of life, puppies cannot see, hear, or regulate their body temperature. They depend totally on their mother for survival. After about 3-4 weeks of life, puppies start to develop their senses and become more active.
They begin to move around a little. It’s crucial for puppies to stay with their mother and siblings during the first 2 months after birth until they learn to adapt to the new environment. Once weaning comes into play, typically after the first few weeks of life, the breeder dog starts socializing with the puppies. This helps them adjust to new people apart from their family, which aids in adjusting with their new master.
Stage 2: Adolescence
Dogs reach adolescence between 6 to 9 months of age, and it continues until they’re about 1 to 2 years old. Large and giant breed dogs mature more slowly compared to small and medium-sized breeds during the initial years of life. Consequently, it takes a bit more time for larger breeds to reach adolescence and remain in it for longer.
Adolescence is primarily a dog’s turbulent teenage phase. During this time, dogs will extend sexual matureness. Some dogs may also exhibit behavior related to dominance during this stage. This is primarily due to an increase in their hormone levels, especially if you plan to keep your dog intact until adulthood.
Stage 3: Adulthood
Comparatively, managing dogs during their adulthood is easier than during their adolescent stage. Trained dogs typically obey commands. They enjoy spending time and going for walks. Sexual behaviors are also under control, and dogs are less energetic during this period. In most breeds, adulthood begins around 20 months (about 1 and a half years) of dog life cycle.
During this stage, your dog is essentially a young adult. However, they are still quite youthful, so you won’t experience age-related medical conditions just yet. Young adult dogs are generally fast and active. However, they are not experiencing the turbulent teenage phase anymore.
Stage 4: Middle Age
Most dogs reach their middle age, technically between 5 and 7 years of age, by the midpoint of their lives. This is usually pursued until the dog is about 8 to 10 years old. Unfortunately, large and giant breed dogs experience this life stage much earlier compared to small and medium-sized breeds. The smaller your dog, the longer their youth will last.
During this stage, most dogs are still quite active. However, they may start to slow down a bit during this stage, especially if you have a large breed. Your dog may start to experience age-related medical conditions during this time.
Stage 5: Senior Dog
This stage of a dog’s life is like the senior stage in humans. It typically begins after a dog has completed 8 to 10 years of life. Dogs easily tire from physical activity. They are often found sleeping, and dental issues become prevalent. When dogs enter this stage of dog life cycle, urinary incontinence becomes one of the important issues to deal with. While the average dog life cycle ranges from 8-15 years, some dogs can live over 20 years if properly sustained and free from serious illnesses.
Conclusion
Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, growing alongside humans but maintaining their own unique traits. Dog life cycle, from puppyhood to seniority, corresponds to our own in many ways, highlighting the importance of recognizing and caring for them at every stage. As we look after our dogs and share our lives with them, it’s essential to recognize their various needs and provide them with the love, care, and attention they live with. Through this mutual friendship, dogs enhance our lives in many ways, making them truly unique members of our families.