7 Longest Living Large Dog Breeds: Unfortunately, the lifespan of dogs is not a lifetime, and you’ll be forced to give your beloved pet goodbye at some point. Large dogs have the widest range of lives; some last just 6 – or 7 years. On average, the longest-lived large breeds of dogs regularly surpass this mark considerably.

In order to be able to keep your pet as long as you can, some prospective owners seek out breeds with lengthy lives. However, this isn’t always easy for dog owners who enjoy large breeds since the majority of the longest-lived breeds are quite small.

For instance, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Beagles typically reach or surpass 15 years old. On the other hand, those with Irish Wolfhound and Bernese Mountain dog lifespan are around 7 years, on average.

However, that doesn’t mean people who love big or massive canines won’t be able to find a long-lived dog breed to add to their family. There are many breeds that get quite large and last for a long period of time.

Longest Living Large Dog Breeds

 Large dog breeds generally have shorter lives than smaller breeds; nonetheless, the seven breeds below are all very big and generally have a lifespan of 10 or more years.

1. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan malamute is a powerful animal built to last and is ready to face any challenge that comes its way. The only exception is guard dogs; malamutes are adamant about having friends they’ve yet to meet.

The breed was originally developed to use sleds for hunting and dragging. They require regular physical activity to stop them from developing destructive behavior.

Malamutes could be the finest example of a large breed of dog. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, and the majority of them live 12 to 15 years.

2. Standard Poodle

While few people consider the poodle as a large dog, Poodles of the standard breed can attain 75 pounds and are up to 22 inches on the shoulders. They are loving, intelligent, and powerful. Poodles with a standard breed have fantastic personalities, making them a favorite to anyone they meet.

Poodles are among the oldest living large dogs we have listed. They can range from 14-to 15 years old. They are among the most suitable breeds for new owners. However, you should be sure to assert your power (in positive, loving manners and never to treat your dog harshly) to ensure that your dog recognizes its place in the pecking order of your family.

3. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers weigh between 50 and 90-pound juggernauts that require lots of activity and stimulation to stay content. While they’re generally loving to family members, they are also cautious of strangers. This, in combination with their brave personality, can make them very effective when it comes to guarding dog duties.

Giant schnauzers may not live as long as the larger dogs on this list; however, they typically reach between 10 and 12 years of age when properly taken care of. Though they’re smart dogs, they are also difficult for novice dog owners to train due to their bold and independent personalities.

4. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are in the middle of the “large” dog category; however, some of the largest breeds weigh approximately 80 pounds.

Averaging between 12 and 14 years on average, Belgian Malinois tend to be very close to their families. However, they can pose training difficulties for owners who are not experienced due to their combination of intelligence and sensitivity.

If you are considering adding the Belgian Malinois to your household, ensure to introduce him to people early and make sure you are prepared to take him all over the world. The majority of members of this breed are afraid of being left alone at home.

5. Chow Chow

Chows aren’t massive dogs. Some would likely consider them medium-sized rather than huge. Some reach more than 70 pounds, and, thanks to their long coats, they appear larger than they actually are.

Chows can live between 12 and 15 years old on average and aren’t afflicted by many illnesses. Chows are a lot of independent dogs and can be difficult to train. However, certain owners enjoy their low-maintenance lifestyles.

6. Curly Coated Retriever

If you’re looking for a lab dog with a long life span, the curly-coated retriever might be your best breed. While some curly-coated retrievers do not hit the age of ten, most live for twelve years or more.

They can weigh up to 100 (although some are smaller than this). These canines with curly hair enjoy running, jumping, and playing. They require large yards and plenty of exercises in order to stay fit and healthy. As with other lab dogs, they are at home with their family members and are friendly to strangers.

7. Mixed Breed Dogs

Due to the huge gene pool from which they arise with a variety of genetic traits, hybrid breeds live extremely long lives. That is uncommon among owners of hybrid breed dogs. But you won’t be able to know the length of time your hybrid breed is likely to last unless you have a good understanding of their parents.

The best option for those looking for a long-lasting, large mixed breed is to pick one created by breeds with longevity that is long. The lifespan of mixed breed dogs is for between 10 and 17 years.

How to Maximize a Large Dog Breed’s Lifespan

Whatever kind of dog you have, you’ll surely wish for your pet to live the longest existence possible. It’s impossible to avoid or stop all medical issues, but you can do a number of things to boost your dog’s odds of living an extended, healthy, and joyful life.

The most significant actions you can take include:

  1. Feed Your Dog an Appropriate Diet: A well-balanced, high-quality big-breed dog diet is vital to keeping your dog healthy. In addition, it can help to prevent nutrition deficiencies and ensure that your dog’s system functions correctly.

Make sure you provide your dog with the appropriate amounts of nutrition and maintain its weight within the range that your vet suggests since obesity could reduce the lifespan of any pet.

  2. Make sure you are in close contact with your Veterinarian

Regular visits to your Veterinarian are crucial to prevent illnesses when they develop and let you address problems earlier, rather than waiting for them to worsen. Make sure you get all the vaccinations your Veterinarian recommends, and you get your pet neutered or spayed.

Furthermore, since traumas and accidents can cause death for the most healthy dogs, it is essential to keep your Veterinarian’s contact details on hand in the event that your dog needs urgent care.

  3. Find Your Dog at a Trustworthy Breeder

One of the most effective methods to ensure that your pet’s an extended life span is to select a dog that comes from well-bred breeding stocks. Large breeds are prone to congenital disorders that can reduce their lives or decrease their lifespan; however reputable breeders make huge steps to avoid breeding pets with problems like these.

   4. Get Your Dog Plenty of Exercises

A regular exercise routine is just as vital for your dog’s health as it’s for you. Exercise can keep your dog healthy and help ensure that your dog’s lungs and heart keep healthy and have numerous mood-boosting effects.

It’s recommended to alter your dog’s workout schedule regularly so that all muscles are working and providing mental stimulation.

We’d like to discuss your experiences with large breeds with long lives. Have you ever owned an animal that lived more than what is typical for this breed? What was your reason? Did you implement an unusual workout program? Did you feed it a special diet?

Let us know about your longest-living large dog story in the comments section below.