Dog Life Expectancy: How Long Do Large Breeds Live?

We all know that people live longer than their furry friends. And sometimes, owners wonder who long their pets will live, especially the large ones.

In this article, you’ll find out and learn more about the average dog life expectancy of large breeds.

Is it true that seven human years equals one dog year?

It is generally believed that a dog ages seven years to every one year of a human life. While this can be used as a general guideline, it is not strictly accurate. Dogs age more quickly in the puppy stage than they do later in life.

The dog life expectancy for small and large breeds are different. A nine-year-old small dog may still be quite active. However, a large breed dog is becoming a senior citizen.

Diet is important for your dog to have a long life

To lengthen dog life expectancy, it is important to feed your large breed dog a nutritional diet. You have to feed him food that is low in fat and served in moderate portions. And you must guard against allowing them to become overweight.

Just as it is with humans, many ailments and injuries are attributed to your dog being overweight. Don’t shorten your dogs lifespan by letting him get fat.

Overweight dogs may also suffer from joint problems and arthritis which, while not a direct threat to life, may lead to chronic pain, decreased activity and decreased quality of life. And in severe cases, euthanasia is the kindest option.

Spaying and neutering

According to research, longer dog life expectancy is also attributed to spraying and neutering. These reduce the dog’s urge to roam. Thus, reducing chance of accidents.

Furthermore, female dogs can die giving birth. And there is also a reduced risk of some cancers.

Average dog life expectancy for large breeds

Dog Breed	Dog Life Expectancy
Afghan Hound	11-13 Years
Airedale Terrier	10-12 Years
Akita	10-12 Years
Alaskan Malamute	12-15 Years
American Foxhound	10-12 Years
American Water Spaniel	12-15 Years
Anatolian Shepherd Dog	12-14 Years
Australian Sheppard	12-14 Years
Beauceron	10-12 Years
Belgian Malinois	12-14 Years
Belgian Shepherd	13-14 Years
Belgian Tervuren	10-12 Years
Bernese Mountain Dog	7-8 Years
Bloodhound	10-12 Years
Borzoi	10-12 Years
Bouvier des Flandres	10-12 Years
Boxer	12-14 Years
Briard	10-12 Years
Bulldog	8-12 Years
Bull Terrier	12-14 Years
Chesapeake Bay Retriever	10-13 Years
Chow	12-15 Years
Collie	12-15 Years
Coonhound	10-12 Years
Curly-Coated Retriever	12-14 Years
Dalmatian	12-14 Years
Deerhound	11-12 Years
Doberman Pinscher	10-13 Years
English Foxhound	10-13 Years
English Setter	10-12 Years
Flat-Coated Retriever	10-11 Years
German Shepherd	10-13 Years
German Shorthaired Pointer	10-12 Years
German Wirehaired Pointer	10-12 Years
Giant Schnauzer	12-15 Years
Golden Retriever	10-13 Years
Gordon Setter	10-12 Years
Great Dane	7-10 Years
Great Pyrenees	10-12 Years
Greyhound	10-14 Years
Ibizan Hound	10-13 Years
Irish Setter	12-14 Years
Irish Water Spaniel	10-12 Years
Irish Wolf Hound	6-8 Years
Komondor	10-12 Years
Labrador Retriever	10-15 Years
Newfoundland	8-12 Years
Mastiff American	10-12 Years
Mastiff English	10-12 Years
Newfoundland	8-11 Years
Old English Sheepdog	10-12 Years
Otterhound	10-11 Years
Plott	12-14 Years
Pitbull	12-14 Years
Pointer	12-15 Years
Poodle Standard	12-14 Years
Pyrenean Mountain Dog	9-12 Years
Rhodesian Ridgeback	9-12 Years
Rottweiler	9-12 Years
Saint Bernard	8-10 Years
Saluki	12-14 Years
Samoyed	12-15 Years
Shetland Sheepdog	12-15 Years
Siberian Husky	10-14 Years
Spinone Italiano	12-14 Years
Vizsla	10-14 Years
Weimaraner	10-13 Years