On a average how long does a catch dog last?

well that comes back to that saying I don't agree with "catch dogs are a dime dozen". I guess to some folks that could be true. However our foundation catch dog, was put down this past year at 11 years old. How many hogs did he catch in his lifetime? just say ALOT, hundreds not counting anything the rough curs could handle. His sons and daughters are gettinhg up there in age and in numbers also, and his Grandpups have the tally's also. Sometimes some dogs have a techniques that help keep them safer, some have handlers that help them be set up for the best possible scenarios, and then sometimes there are just freak accidents that will end them early than neccessary.
I don't think you put an average age or shelf life on a catch dog when there are so many variables, some people use RCD, some turn loose hundreds of yards away, and some wait until the oppertunity is at its best, so I don't think you can compare one guys/gals answer to the next.
I personally am very picky about what I want in my catch dog, nowhere near what everybody is looking for, so when I have the "right one" I am going to do everything I can to assure that dog is with me for many years, as I count on that dog as a "partner" and I don't like trading out my partner.
You may not like the idea of hanging a high price on a dog, but it costs me the same to maintain and feed a disposable dog as it does one that will work to my standards for 6-7 years, and I don't have to keep starting over wich in my mind is a hassle.
I think of like this, you want to drive a ford focus or lexus, both are gonna get you from point A to point B, both might brake down in two years but which one will be a more enjoyable/comfortable ride? you know they don't cost the same.