Is 8 old?

[angelbow20]

This year for Delilah's annual checkup(last month), they referred to her as a senior pet-seven and older by their guidelines. I was surprised they said it and I almost broke into tears thinking my baby is a senior. She doesn't act like a senior but she has some gray hair between her eyes now.

I read in a book that Chihuahuas are the longest living breed dog... I understand that doesnt go for every dog but in general and in studies they were suposed to be anyway.

[luvofallhorses]

8 is old for a big dog, I have an 8 year old (she'll be 9 in April) (she's a rottie/lab mix) but I don't consider 8 old for a small dog.

[angelbow20]

8 is old for a big dog, I have an 8 year old (she'll be 9 in April) (she's a rottie/lab mix) but I don't consider 8 old for a small dog.

Yeah we have a small dog who is 10 if im correct and she acts like a 3 yr old dog would, she even had her liver and kidneys all checked at the vets and they came out really good, My guess she is going to be living another good 10 yrs atleast but sandy on the other hand is starting to wear down more and doesnt like to be bothered as much although she has her good days when she is up jumping and playing.

[luvofallhorses]

I also have a 10 year old black lab mix, he is waring down a little, too and already is getting cateracts in his one eye. but he will play like a puppy!
so will Jenny!

[angelbow20]

I also have a 10 year old black lab mix, he is waring down a little, too and already is getting cateracts in his one eye. but he will play like a puppy!
so will Jenny!

Yeah it makes me smile when they play and act young... It doesnt make me feel nearly as bad knowing she still has alittle bit of puppy in her.

[Glacier]

I think it varies wildly by dog. I have an 11 year old who is still my main leader. She has probably run 500km this winter. She's not quite as fast as she used to be, but she's still amazing in harness. I have a five year old who acts older!

Franklin has had a grey muzzle since he was three. He looks ancient and acts like a puppy!

[critter crazy]

It all depends on the dog. yeah, Larger breeds tend not to have a long lifespan, but I have seen some ancient large dogs. A friend of ours has a 14yr old lab.