I ask this as Cassie is slowing down a bit. She will be 10 years old this month. Most of my dogs only lived until eleven or twelve. Cancer took them. Jake we had until just past fourteen. He injured himself when he was twelve and I really don't remember him aging until the accident. I'm curious as to other dog owners experience with their aged dogs. When do you class a dog as old? By the way Cassie may be slowing down a wee bit, but she is most certainly not old. She still has her moments.
Well, I remember my vet telling me to my surprise that my previous Lab was in the geriatric phase at 9. He was still very sprightly, so that assessment wasn't based on his behaviour, just the fact that 9 is apparently considered, er, 'very mature'. He lived till 14 and was really very active up till 13. I think dogs vary a lot. Some are 'old' much earlier than others while some have great energy and mobility into double figures. I'd go by their behaviour more than a number.
we were told Scooby was 10 when we got him (last October), then 8 was the next guess...he's not grey at all, and he behaves like a youngster when we're out for a walk, but he's slow & arthritic in the house - it maybe his hips/elbows?, and tires a heck of a lot after 2 miles...but boy! He has a zest for life. I'd say he's an senior, but I hope he has many years left.
