Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
A big dog takes up extra room on your couch and in your heart, but their size doesn’t equate to a longer lifespan. Large dogs have a significantly shorter lifespan than small-breed dogs, making it important to closely monitor their health needs.
Not sure if you have a large breed? We’ll explain what large breeds are and how long they live. We’ll also talk about common health concerns that can shorten a large breed’s lifespan, and talk about a special supplement scientifically proven to support a dog’s healthy life.
Large breed dogs weigh between 50 and 100 pounds when fully grown. These dogs include breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. Large breeds even have a special subcategory of extra-large breeds, which is designated for dogs that weigh over 100 pounds when fully grown.
Large breeds aren’t classified solely by weight. They also share some of the same characteristics, like:
Don’t let the shorter lifespan discourage you. These dogs still live long, happy lives. With proper care, they could very well exceed their lifespan.
Not all big dogs are destined for a short life. Some large breeds outlive their peers. In fact, the longest living dog (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) was a large breed. The following large breed dogs are known for enjoying long, happy lives.
These hard-working dogs were bred for endurance and heartiness, and their life expectancy shows it. The number one longest-living, large breed dog, these dogs routinely live between 10 and 14 years, with some outliving the 14-year mark.
Malamutes are known for hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism, but regular exercise and routine veterinary care can help reduce your dog’s risk of these issues going untreated.
Friendly and energetic, the loyal Labrador Retriever has a life expectancy between 10 and 12 years. These dogs won’t know they’re old when they are, still running, playing, and enjoying life well into their senior years.
Labs may have issues maintaining a healthy weight, which can make them more susceptible to joint problems. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your lab routinely screened for cancer.
The Standard Poodle has a lifespan between 11 and 14 years. Poodles are intelligent and athletic, not to mention hypoallergenic, making them a designer dog that is perfect for selective pet owners. Poodles are susceptible to Addison’s Disease, an illness affecting the adrenal glands, and bloat, a fatal disease for dogs.
Also known as the Belgian Shepherd, this dog has a lifespan between 12 and 14 years. This is another working breed, bred for endurance and heartiness. With proper care, these dogs remain active and agile into adulthood. Watch out for hip and elbow dysplasia, which is problematic for this breed.
Sweet and good-natured, the Golden Retriever is a loyal and loving breed that works well for individuals and families. This breed lives between 10 and 12 years of age, and is fiercely loyal to its family. Golden Retrievers may suffer from cancer and heart conditions, so routine veterinary care is important to screen for these conditions.
Your dog’s genetics are important in terms of longevity, but other aspects of your dog’s health contribute to their ability to live a long and healthy life.
You can’t turn your gentle giant into a tiny Chihuahua, but you can take steps to protect your dog’s health so the years they do have are healthy and happy.
Large dogs have different nutritional needs from small dogs. The type of food you give your dog needs to include all the nutrients they need to thrive. If your dog needs a weight-loss formula, their veterinarian can prescribe one that will still give your dog the nutrients it needs in a less caloric format.
Large dogs suffer from joint issues more than small dogs, likely due to their size. Large dogs are prone to arthritis and joint pain at seemingly early ages. Protect your dog’s joints by walking and exercising them regularly. Most large dogs need at least an hour of exercise each day, but you can break it up into smaller walks and activities as needed.
Routine exams and bloodwork help screen for cancers and heart conditions. It’s also a good idea to check in and make sure your dog is at a healthy weight to protect their joints. Finally, vaccinations can keep your dog healthy, especially if they are boarded or are around other dogs.
Excessive jumping can place undue wear and tear on your dog’s joints. Training your dog not to jump on and off furniture can help support their backs and joints. Instead, try adding a stool or a ramp in front of a couch that your dog is allowed to lie on.
There’s no better way to support your dog’s health than by starting with their cells, the very foundations of their health. Longevity15 is a science-backed dog supplement that contains C15:0, a fatty acid that helps support your dog’s cells, enhances cardiovascular function, helps support glucose handling, encourages healthy liver function, and promotes strong, healthy red blood cells.
Giving your dog Longevity15 once per day supports your efforts to keep your dog strong, healthy, and sharp.
Medium breeds (20-50lbs) sit right around the average of 11 to 13 years. Large breeds (50-90lbs) will sit on the lower end of average, at nine to 11 years. Giant breeds (>90lbs) have the shortest life expectancy of seven to nine years
In general, cats and small-breed dogs are considered senior at 11 years of age, medium dogs at 9 years, and large and giant breeds as early as 6 years. However, the actual senior age for any individual cat or dog is also influenced by their breed, genetics, and medical history.
Small breeds are considered senior dogs when they turn 10 to 12 years old. Medium breeds are considered senior dogs when they hit eight to nine years old. Large and giant breeds are considered senior dogs at around six to seven years old.
Your large dog makes a big impression. Make sure they can keep turning heads for years to come by supporting their dietary and exercise needs, getting routine veterinary care, and offering Longevity15 each day.
It’s the smart way pet owners support their dog’s longevity.
Sources:
Guinness World Records posthumously strips Bobi of his title of ‘oldest dog ever | NPR.org
21 Longest-Living Dog Breeds | PetMD
Addison’s disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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