Longest Living Large Dog Breeds - Best Pups Spend Life With
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Are you looking for the longest living large dog breeds? People want their dogs to live as long as possible. We want to enjoy the company and companionship of our dog for as long as possible. However, for large dog lovers, the options seem to be limited.
Small dogs such as Shih Tzus and Beagles live longer, for an average of more than 14 years. The average of large dogs seems to be almost half that of small dogs.
Longest Living Large Dogs
If you are a lover of large dog breeds, there is no hope lost. Some large dogs live pretty long. Besides, there are practices you can initiate to extend the life span of your long-living large dog.
Okay, shall we get right into the longest living large dog breeds?
Alaskan Malamute
If you love a big, strong dog, an Alaskan Malamute will win your heart. They are usually 23-25 inches and can weigh anything between 74 and 90 pounds.
They are among the longest living large dog, with a life expectancy of 15 years. Some live even longer than 15 years. So, if you would love to enjoy your large dog for longer, this is it for you.
Besides, you will love that they are affectionate and playful, something not outstanding in large dogs. However, the Alaskan Malamute is not so good with small animals.
They are among the oldest sled dogs; for this reason, they need a lot of exercises. A walk for one hour a day is just enough. If they don't get plenty of exercises, they may start howling or even chewing on furniture in your house.
If you have no time for daily walks, you may want to consider another dog.
An Alaskan Malamute is a family dog. They suffer from separation anxiety. Therefore, do not live it alone for long hours.
American Alsatian
The American Alsatian is bred to resemble an extinct breed of a wolf. It is a good family dog, thanks to its loyalty, gentleness and friendliness even with the kids.
The American Alsatian lives for approximately 14 years.
If you are in search of a more laid back dog, this would be your best option. It mostly prefers to be around the house and not engage in exercises, unlike other bid dogs. However, it will alert you when there is a stranger around the house.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog originated from Australia and was used to herd cattle. They are usually between 17 and 19 inches, and they mostly weigh anything between 44 and 62 inches.
They are brilliant and with an independent streak. They respond well to training, especially if the training is challenging and exciting.
One thing is the Australian Cattle Dog is not so good with strangers. This is because they are mostly trained to herd by biting. You may want to be keener when you are having guests over.
Doberman
This large dog is one of the most intelligent dogs. They are often trained to guard a home or an individual, and they respond to the training amazingly.
The Doberman lives for around 13-14 years on average.
If you are considering getting a Doberman, you want to get it from reliable people who breed dogs. This is because they suffer some diseases, some of which are inherited from their parents. Their parents need to be screened to ensure they are free from common diseases that affect the Doberman, such as:
- Dilative cardiomyopathy
- Wobblers
- von Willebrand's
- hip dysplasia
Screening of the parent is just one way to ensure your Doberman has no health problems.
Standard Poodle
Many people don't consider the Standard Poodle as a large dog, but they can weigh up to 75 pounds. They may also grow up to 22 inches tall.
The Standard Poodle has a life expectancy of 14-15 years.
They are trainable and adorable. If you love some hairy dog that does not shed a lot of hair, you will love the poodles.
However, they are pretty shy. It would be best if you introduced them to your friends and kids while still young. This way, they won't be so timid when they meet people.
They may also not be suitable for a family with young and playful kids because they are pretty sensitive. If they get upset, they develop digestion problems.
Anatolian Shepherd
The list of the longest living large dog breeds would never be complete without featuring the Anatolian Shepherd. They can weigh up to anything between 88 pounds to 150 pounds.
It does not matter how much your dog weighs. They look bigger with their hair and thick necks.
A study in Britain reveals that they live up to around 11 years. However, many people who have owned this breed have reported it living up to around 14 years.
This is among the dog breeds that has been used for herding. They have been used widely in Africa to protect sheep from cheetahs.
However, before getting this dog, ensure the parent is screened for hip dysplasia to avoid health problems later.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is one of the loved longest living large dog breeds. Who does not love a happy and playful dog? It is one playful dog. Constant exercises will help it remain happy.
An average Giant Schnauzer weighs 50-90 pounds.
This dog breed is typically friendly and gentle with the family and children. However, it is not so good with strangers.
Schnauzers are, however, not so easy to train. They have a bold and courageous personality and will, therefore, not take new orders easily. Their lifespan is within the 10-12 years range. Not as long as the counterparts on this list, but certainly longer than the average of a large dog.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are not giant dogs. It is often grouped among medium-sized family pets. However, some of them go over 70 pounds. Besides, their large coattails and their fur make them look larger than they are.
Chows have an average lifespan of 12 years to 15 years.
A lot of pet owners love the Chow Chow because it does not suffer from many health problems. The are much healthier comparing to other breeds and pretty much low maintenance.
However, they are pretty difficult to train. It would be best if you started when they are young, mainly because they do not like anyone telling them what to do. Let them understand that you are the pack leader from an earlier age. They can also be aggressive towards other dogs and people.
Chows love to exercise. Make sure they spend a few hours per day walking or running around the yard. They will not love the apartment lifestyle.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois live up to an average of 12 years old, and if you are lucky, they could live as long as 14 years old.
They are excellent companions to the family and children. However, it would be best if you raised the dog with the children.
They are very energetic and love mental stimulation. Therefore, be prepared for a lot of exercises and walks. It is even better if you have a big yard. If they lack exercise and mental stimulation, they become destructive.
They are good guard dogs and have been used as police dogs and assistant dogs.
Mixed Dog Breeds
Many mixed dog breeds tend to live long. They have high life expectancies, thanks to a large gene pool from their parents.
You can not know the average lifespan of your mixed breed unless you dig deeper into the parents. Research from different breeders before settling for a mixed dog breed. Also, checking with different breeders may help you estimate the average weight and height range your dog will grow to.
However, make sure you search for a hybrid whose parents are long living large dog breeds. You could be fortunate enough to end up with one of the longest living large dog breeds because mixed breeds have a lifespan of between 10 and 17.
How to Maximize a Large Dog Breeds Lifespan
Getting the longest living large dog breeds is not enough. Take care good care of it to maximize its lifespan.
You can take care of your dogs to help minimize health problems that may cut short their life.
Here are some of the ways you need to take care of your large dog breeds.
Feed your Dog an Appropriate Diet
The longest lifespans always have something to do with a good diet. A high quality balanced diet will keep your dogs healthy all through their lifetime. A balanced diet will prevent deficiencies and will ensure your dog's body functions properly.
But it's not just about a balanced diet. Make sure you give your dog the right amount of food too. Keep it within what your veterinarian recommends to avoid obesity, which may shorten dogs' lifespans.
Work Closely with a Vet
Regularly accompany your large dog breed to the vet. The vet will diagnose problems before they get out of hand and also prevent the occurrence of diseases.
Get all the vaccines your vet recommends, and also ensure your dog is spayed or neutered. Besides, have your vet's contact information close because accidents can occur anytime.
Obtain Your Dog from a Reliable Breeder
Getting your dream breed can turn out to be chaotic later if you don't get it from a reputable breeder. One crucial tip to ensure your dogs live as long as possible is getting one that descends from healthy breeding stock.
One thing you should know is large dog breeds tend to suffer from Congenital conditions.
A reliable breeder will breed dogs without such problems.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercises
A lot of family pet owners believe that only small dogs need plenty of exercise. The big dogs need the exercises too. Some of them will be problematic if they don't get enough exercise.
Exercises will benefit your dog in the following ways:
- Keeping obesity at bay
- Keeping your dog
- Keeping the lungs and heart healthy
- Uplifting your dog's mood
Ensure the exercise focus on different muscle groups
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer than Large Dogs?
A number of theories explain why large dog breeds have short lifespans than small dog breeds.
Some explain that they put much strain on their muscles due to their size, making them weaker more quickly. Also, they tend to grow pretty fast than their small counterparts. The small breeds grow and age slowly; they, therefore, live for a long time.
FAQ
What Large Dog Breed Lives the Longest?
The Alaskan Malamute has a longer average than all the other big dogs. If you are lucky, your Alaskan Malamute can live slightly over 16 years old.
What is the Life Span of a Large Dog?
Big dogs have an average lifespan of 8-12 years. However, with one of these longest living large dog breeds, you can have your dog for double the average lifespan.
Can a Dog Live For 20 Years?
Dogs don't usually live to 20 years. However, there is a history of dogs that have lived all the way to close to 30 years. The oldest documented dog to live the longest was an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey that lived to 29 years.
The Second oldest dog is a Beagle called Butch that lived 28 years.
It is possible, but very less likely for your dog to live for 20 years.
Final Thoughts on Longest Living Large Dog Breeds
From the list above, you can find some longest living large dog breeds for your family. You may not be as lucky to have your dog live as long as Bluey and Butch, but you can certainly get one that will live almost double the average lifespan of large dogs.
Getting the longest living large dog breeds is not enough. Take good care of your dog, as I have shown you above, and you will have a long life together.
And the most important - if you own a dog, shower it with your love and it will help your dog to live longer. At least this is our strong believe. We love our dogs and treat it like the most wanted children and family members!
