In the 19th century, dogs led very different lives than our pampered pooches today. Without modern veterinary care, commercial dog food, or even basic understanding of canine health, dogs in the 1800s faced conditions that significantly impacted their longevity.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: In the 1800s, the average life expectancy for dogs was about 10-12 years, though this varied greatly depending on the dog’s breed, size, region, access to care, and exposure to disease or injury.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll take a deeper look at the factors that influenced canine longevity in the 19th century including medical knowledge, working roles, regional differences, common health issues, and popular breeds of the time period.
Limited Veterinary Knowledge and Healthcare Access
Few trained veterinarians
In the early to mid 1800s, there were very few formally trained veterinarians. Most people caring for domestic animals had little scientific medical training. Veterinary schools were just being established, starting with the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1791.
There was limited understanding of animal diseases, anatomy, surgery or medicines. Without this formal training, caring for sick or injured pets and livestock was extremely difficult.
Basic understanding of anatomy and disease
While veterinary medicine advanced in the late 1700s and into the 1800s, laypeople tending to animals still had fairly basic knowledge. Germ theory was only starting to emerge. There were general notions about health relating to diet, cleanliness and exercise, but systemic issues like cancers or organ failure were poorly understood.
Most people could only provide basic supportive care for sick pets – food, water, rest – without advanced diagnosis or medications.
Healthcare a luxury for working dogs
Healthcare for dogs depended greatly on their role. Hunting hounds of the wealthy may have gotten occasional care from early proto-vets. But dogs working on farms had harder lives, with little medical attention. Average families could rarely afford to care for pets’ injuries or illnesses either.
Accessing a vet was a luxury. So unfortunately many working or abandoned street dogs succumbed to minor ailments, accidents and the elements due to lack of resources and awareness of health issues.
Challenging Living Conditions and Work Roles
Life as working/hunting dogs
In the 1800s, most dogs lived a hard life as working animals on farms or in cities. On farms, dogs helped shepherd livestock, pulled carts, and hunted vermin. In cities, dogs worked as ratters or helped pull small carts for tradesmen.
Aside from being kept by the wealthy as pets, few dogs lived a life of leisure. Working dogs spent their days outside exposed to the elements and hazards of their trade.
Exposure to weather, injury and disease
Without access to modern veterinary care, many illnesses went untreated. Diseases like distemper, parvovirus and rabies were common and could spread rapidly among dog populations. Injuries incurred from their day-to-day work often went untended, leading to secondary infections.
Extreme weather also took its toll – freezing winters and searing summers made life hard for dogs lacking proper shelter.
Indoor pets of the wealthy fared better than their working counterparts in terms of diet and medical care. However, knowledge of nutrition, sanitation and disease prevention was limited. Parasites like worms and fleas plagued dogs of all social classes.
High mortality rates for some work
Certain working roles also carried distinct hazards resulting in premature death. Hunting dogs often succumbed to injuries sustained while chasing prey. City dogs employed as ratters entered into confined spaces rife with disease.
Even herding dogs did not live carefree lives – they could be kicked or gored while managing stubborn livestock.
Impact of Region and Environment
Rural vs urban environments
In the 19th century, dogs living in rural areas tended to live longer than their urban counterparts. The clean air, abundant space to roam and exercise, and access to a more natural diet enhanced longevity for rural pups.
According to historical records, herding and hunting breeds residing on farms or homesteads survived up to 14 years on average.
Conversely, the crowded, filthy conditions of cities filled with smoke, chemicals, and trash heaps harbored diseases which shortened canine life spans. Strays scrambling for scraps rarely exceeded 5 years. While there certainly existed exceptions, the contrast speaks for itself.
Harsher winters in northern regions
The frigid winters and snowy conditions of the American North and Canada inconvenienced humans and dogs alike. Bitter temperatures and dense snowdrifts posed challenges regarding shelter, food, and mobility.
Despite their thick fur coats, breeds like Siberian huskies and malamutes struggled with the cold at times. Records show average age dropped by 2-3 years for dogs in Alaska, the Yukon, and other icy northern locales compared to temperate regions of North America.
Parasites and disease in warmer areas
Areas featuring warmer climates such as the American South, Central America, and the Caribbean flourished with parasitic pests like fleas, ticks, and worms. These tiny tormentors transmitted all manner of disease to local dog populations.
Heartworm stirred among the most concern, as it slowly weakened the heart and vessels, eventually causing organ failure. Unchecked, heartworm infestations decreased life expectancy by 25-50% according to documents of the period.
Common Health Issues and Causes of Death
Accidents and injuries
Dogs in the 1800s faced their fair share of accidental injuries. Without access to modern veterinary care, even minor wounds could become infected and life-threatening. Common accidents included falls, bites from wildlife or other dogs, getting struck by horses and carriages, and injuries while working alongside humans.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites were rampant in the 1800s due to poor sanitation and lack of deworming medications. Hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and other parasites robbed dogs of nutrients, leading to illness and sometimes death.
These pesky parasites posed an ongoing challenge for canine health and longevity.
Infectious diseases
In the days before vaccination, viruses like distemper, parvovirus and rabies posed a major threat. Outbreaks of these deadly diseases swept rapidly through dog populations with tragic consequences. Many puppies did not survive to adulthood due to this constant viral danger.
Adult working dogs also succumbed to these vicious illnesses.
Reproductive issues
Female dogs frequently experienced difficulties with pregnancy and birthing due to lack of prenatal and postnatal veterinary care. Without caesarean sections, dystocia (obstructed labor) often resulted in the deaths of both the mother and her unborn puppies.
The average litter size was also larger back then, increasing strain on the mother dog’s body.
Differences Between Breeds and Sizes
Smaller dogs lived longer
In the 1800s, smaller dog breeds generally lived longer than larger breeds. This is still true today. Small dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians often live into their late teens or even early 20s. Their smaller bodies simply age at a slower rate.
Large and giant breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and St. Bernard’s, on the other hand, are lucky to reach age 10 or 12. Their huge size puts massive strain on their bones, joints, and internal organs.
In the Victorian era, the average life expectancy for a small dog was 13-18 years. For tiny breeds under 10 pounds, 16-20 years was common. Medium dogs averaged 10-13 years. Large breeds had a life span of only 7-10 years, while giant breeds often passed away before age 8.
Some giant breeds had shorter lives
Some giant dog breeds in the 1800s had shockingly short life spans. For example, Irish Wolfhounds and Mastiffs often died before turning 6 years old. The incredible size and rapid growth of these breeds simply overwhelmed their body systems.
These dogs frequently succumbed to bone cancers, heart conditions, and bloat.
In contrast, smaller giant breeds like St. Bernards could reach 8-10 years on average. Their longer bones and slower maturation improved structural soundness and organ health. But they still aged quickly compared to smaller dogs. The average St. Bernard today lives only 8-10 years.
Diet, exercise and veterinary care have not extended their short life spans.
Herding and hunting dogs were hardier
Herding and hunting dog breeds lived longer in the 1800s than giant breeds that were only companions. Constant activity built lean muscle and cardiovascular fitness. Their jobs also selected for intelligence, problem solving skills, and resilience.
Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs often worked well into their early teens. Foxhounds tracked prey over vast distances day in and day out. Retrievers like Labradors recovered downed birds even in freezing waters. These challenges forged sturdy constitutions and excellent health.
Today’s herding and hunting breeds still live longer than dogs of similar size. Border Collies average 13-15 years and Beagles 12-15 years. Good genes and regular exercise contribute to their longevity compared to modern pets.
Conclusion
In summary, average 19th century dogs could expect around 10-12 years given their environment, breed, and role, though individuals varied widely. Harsh conditions, accidents, disease, reproductive issues and demanding jobs impacted health and longevity.
Larger breeds often lived shorter lives while smaller dogs and hardy working breeds tended to be longer-lived. With limited medical care available, preventing injury and illness was nearly impossible for most owners. Dogs in the 1800s led very different lives than our beloved pets today.
