10 Longest Living Large Dog Breeds

Bigger dogs are generally known to have shorter lifespans. Additionally, they often experience more severe age-related health issues. Don’t let that keep you from getting a large dog.

Some breeds enjoy longer lives than others, even despite their size. This article will list out some of the longest-living large dog breeds for your reference!

Top 10 Longest-Living Large Dog Breeds

1) Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is one of the most eye-catching dog breeds because of its uniquely regal appearance. They tend to be self-willed and somewhat aloof to people and other animals. However, they have an average life expectancy of 12 to 18 years.

2) Belgian Shepherd

All four variants of the Belgian Shepherd generally live long lives. The Belgian Malinois has an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, while the Belgian Sheepdog and Belgian Tervuren typically live between 12 and 14 years.

The Belgian Laekenois has the shortest life expectancy among the four, but these dogs still live up to 10 to 12 years old.

3) Pointer

The Pointer is an athletic dog that has an average lifespan of 12 to 17 years. They are known to have an excellent work drive but are also very affectionate with family.

The German Longhaired Pointer is similarly sweet-natured and is especially good with young children. Their average life expectancy, however, is shorter at 12 to 14 years old.

4) Azawakh

For a large dog, the Azawakh has an impressive life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is a sighthound from Central Arica that is best known for its speed and agility.

The Sloughi (its North African counterpart) has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years while the Saluki (a similar sighthound from the Middle East) can live between 10 and 17 years old. 

5) Chinook

Chinooks are expected to live between 12 and 15 years long. It is a working breed that is best known for its devotion to its family. These dogs socialize well with small children and other pets.

They are also even-tempered and easily trained. Despite excellent traits, the Chinook is a rare breed. This is perhaps because the AKC only recognized it as a breed in 2013 and has not yet had enough time to become widely known.

6) Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers also typically live between 12 and 15 years old. Before they began working as military K9s and police dogs, Giant Schnauzers drove cattle and provided protection to merchants and farmers.

Today, they are also known as loving and loyal companions with a vigilant nature that makes them well suited for guarding.

7) Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is an incredibly sociable sporting dog that also lives anywhere from 12 to 15 years old. It is remarkably affectionate and friendly not only with people and children but animals as well. It is also very playful and open to the company of strangers.

The Irish Red & White Setter has similar traits and enjoys an average life expectancy of 11 to 15 years.

8) Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is another large dog that typically lives between 12 and 15 years old. They are known to be very companionable and eager to please.

Additionally, they are patient and gentle with young children and tolerate the presence of other animals very well. At home, they are happy to switch off and relax. But, they are also highly driven when it’s time to work.

9) Rafeiro do Alentejo

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is still registered under the AKC Foundation Stock Service. This means the club recognizes it as a pure breed but is still giving its fanciers time to develop its breed standards.

Nevertheless, these are well-loved dogs that live between 12 and 14 years old. They are calm, confident, and loving but also have a highly protective nature.

10) Wetterhoun

The Wetterhoun was only accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2019, so its standard characteristics are not yet well defined.

Even so, it is known as an excellent hunting dog specializing in otters. It is good-natured, even-tempered, and incredibly loyal. These dogs have an average life expectancy of 13 years.

Key Factors To Help Any Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life

No matter the breed, how you care for your dog has a direct impact on how long they will live. Of course, keeping them safe and preventing accidents is one of your most important responsibilities as a pet parent.

Here are several other factors that will enable your dog to live a long and happy life:

Diet

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight throughout their lifetime is critical to their overall health. Additionally, whether you choose dry kibble or wet dog food, it’s essential that you provide the nutrition they need according to their life stage and health condition.

Environment

Ample shelter and a safe environment will help lengthen your dog’s lifespan. Keep them away from potentially hazardous objects and chemicals. Also, keep them confined or fenced in so they can’t go outside while unsupervised.

Well-being

Your dog’s overall well-being impacts not only the length but also the quality of their life. This involves making sure they get ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Additionally, this includes making sure that they are well-adjusted and socialized dogs and helping them manage stress.

Hygiene

Proper grooming doesn’t just enable you to fully enjoy your pet, but it is essential to your dog’s health and longevity. Keep their coat and ears clean and make sure their nails are trimmed to the right length at all times.

Additionally, frequent tooth-brushing and occasional scaling will play a big part in lengthening your dog’s life.

According to a study published by the Journal of American Animal Hospital Association in 2019, dental hygiene may be one of the most important factors that contribute to a dog’s lifespan.

Neutering

Spaying and neutering pets are usually done to prevent reproduction. However, according to a study led by researchers from the University of Georgia, sterilized dogs actually live longer than intact ones.

On average, dogs that have gone through a gonadectomy live longer by as much as 1 year and 6 months. Such procedures also eliminate the risk for certain cancers (ex., testicular, uterine, and ovarian cancer).

Vet Care

Regular veterinary check-ups will help you catch and address health issues before they progress. Additionally, keeping on top of vaccinations and parasite prevention will minimize your dog’s risk for severe illness.

Top Reasons Why Larger Dogs Tend To Live Shorter Lives

According to a study published by The American Naturalist in 2013, their growth rate is the primary reason why larger dogs tend to live shorter lives. Having to grow into a large full-sized body means they grow faster from puppyhood than smaller breeds do.

Because of this accelerated growth, larger dogs are more likely to suffer from severe age-related health conditions earlier in their lives. Additionally, faster aging makes them more prone to abnormal cell growth, which is linked to cancer.

What Is The Record For The Oldest Dog To Ever Live?

A female dog named Bluey holds the Guinness World Record for the Oldest Dog Ever. She was an Australian Cattle Dog who lived for 29 years and 5 months before being put to sleep, presumably due to health complications that come with old age.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized breed with a typical life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. It is rare to find authenticated records of any breed living well beyond 20 years old.

Final Thoughts

Knowing average life expectancies can help you decide what breed of dog to get. Of course, we all want dogs that will live long and happy lives. So, knowing average lifespans can help you decide what breed to get.

But, always keep in mind that longer doesn’t always mean more meaningful. No matter how long or short your dog’s life might be, it is always how you spend your time and cultivate your companionship that matters most.