Smaller dogs live longer than larger breeds

Heloise

Dear Heloise: We are in the market for a new, furry family member of the canine variety, and we were wondering, do smaller breeds of dogs typically live longer than larger breeds?

There’s a lot that goes into determining the life expectancy of a dog, so it’s difficult to say with certainty which breeds or sizes of dogs will live the longest.

Researchers at the university level are studying human aging by looking at dogs. They agree: Larger breeds can live shorter lives than smaller breeds. They’ve not yet been able to figure out why, because in general large animals tend to live longer than more compact critters.

Lots of factors go into choosing which dog is right for your family. Regardless of the life expectancy of your dog, though, make sure each day is filled with love, laughter and life!

Hi, Heloise: A fun spring/ summer activity? Bubble blowing! And it’s made easier by using a dedicated fly swatter. It has tons of tiny holes and makes lots of magical bubbles!

Dear Heloise: When I need a few slices of lemon or cucumber, I slice the end and set it aside. I make the slices and return the end piece (like a hat), securing it with a toothpick. This keeps the cut end fairly fresh and ready for the next use.

Dear Heloise: “Boutique” (cube-shaped) boxes of facial tissues cost more, with fewer tissues per box. I refill these boxes using tissues from economical flat-pack tissue boxes.

I open one side of the boutique box and a rectangular box of tissues. I remove 100 tissues, bend the stack in the middle with the pop-up side on top, and insert the stack into the boutique box. They will pop up properly! email

Hi, Heloise: My family and I travel frequently, especially in California, where hotel rooms have signs asking us to conserve water/laundry costs by reusing our towels.

I’m all for it, but why don’t these same hotels provide more towel hooks?

Dear Heloise: You can use a travel toothbrush holder to organize eyeliner pencils and brushes in a makeup bag. No more dried-up eyeliners because the cap fell off!

Dear Heloise: The current trend seems to be “keep walking.” I’ve read that sitting all day is the new “smoking” — in other words, it shortens your life. We need to get up and start walking more. In fact, on average we need to take between 8,000 and 10,000 steps per day to stay active. Not only is walking easy to do, it’s the least expensive exercise, helps improve muscle tone and also improves balance. Walking helps with weight loss and reduces stress. Let’s get started walking! Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 782795000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.