Being a dog parent is a matter of pride and involves so much fun. Spending time with these cute four-legged beasts is a true treat. But, there is a heartbreaking aspect of owning a dog, and that’s their short lifespan.
The average lifespan of a dog is between 7 to 16 years, depending on its size and various other factors. Usually, a giant dog breed’s lifespan is shorter as compared to smaller-sized dogs. Regardless, large dogs are a favorite of many people.
Although death is inevitable, and you should be prepared to say a painful yet sweet goodbye to your furry buddy, it helps to have a long-living breed.
Large Dogs Breed Than Have A Longer Life Span
So if you like large dog breeds and still want your pet to live long, this list of longest living large dog breeds is for you. So keep reading!
Below are 20 large dog breeds with a relatively long lifespan and are excellent as pets.
1. Australian Shepherd
Bred initially during the early 1800s, Australian Shepard is a Herding dog famous also as a household dog. The English introduced this breed in Australia when they settled along with their livestock. And when they relocated later to America, it went with them to America. Thus this species got the name the Australian Shepherd.
Australian Shepherd has an expected lifespan of around 15 years, with the oldest known dog of this breed having lived 30 years. This makes them ideal as a companion who will be with you for more than a decade.
It is a lively breed that keeps the owner busy and demands attention. They are incredibly agile and have a fluent gait. This allows them to do whatever maneuver they want, making them ideal for dog shows and competitions.
They are hard to train if not done at a very young age. Even though they live to be old, they retain their stamina due to their heritage and can be prone to depression if not given enough exercise to keep them busy.
2. New Guinea Singing Dog
New Guinea singing dog is one of the rarest found breeds of dogs. This breed was not bred separately. It originated naturally, making it almost impossible to categorize them as just breeds of dogs and not a unique species as such.
With a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, the New Guinea singing dog is one of the longest living dogs ever. Due to a knack for dangerous things, they tend to be more vulnerable as they age, i.e., when they are older than their expected age.
New Guinea singing dogs are a wild living breed, domesticated to be partners of humans much later after their discovery. This breed is mostly known for its unique vocalization that sets them apart from other species. Another feature that adds to the speculation is that it’s a new species instead of a dog breed.
3. Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
Commonly called “Cattle Dog,” Australian Cattle Dog was bred for herding purposes in Australia. Even though they do have black, white, and brown fur, their distribution differs in dogs. It gives them an appearance of having either bright red or stunning blue color, thus, attributing the name “Blue Heeler” or “Red Heeler,” depending on their appearance.
Twelve to fifteen years is the expected life span of an Australian cattle dog, even though there have been records of this breed surviving easily to the age of 20.
They are an intelligent species, giving them the odds of survival even in extreme situations. They are very alert and, at times, can be used as guard dogs, but rarely do they seem to get along with too many people, making it hard to have them as pets in a fairly big family. But if you have a small family and can take the time to put them into rigorous exercises, these will make excellent pets.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Bred originally to hunt Foxes, Jack Russel Terriers are one of the most popular dog species. They are an extremely energetic breed that is hard to keep in check. They are amazingly loyal and will stay devoted to you no matter what!
They also require constant and consistent training and exercise to keep their enthusiasm intact.
They have a life expectancy of 16 years, are intelligent, and adapt to demanding situations excellently. And to make them feel at home, you just need to keep them occupied mentally and physically and shower them with love, and that’s enough to earn you a friend in them.
5. Scottish Collie
Originally bred for herding purposes, this Scottish breed is known for its long, double-coated fur. They are multi-purpose dogs used for hunting and herding in some parts.
They get along pretty well with children, making them ideal as pets for houses with kids. Moreover, they have the energy and enthusiasm to keep the kids occupied for a long time.
They get along with people of all ages and are effortless to train. They are intelligent but require someone to keep them in control as they are not as independent as some of the other breeds on this list. The average life span of a Scottish Colie is sixteen years.
Some health concerns may arise as they age, so a regular visit to a veterinarian can always help. But they are not as high maintenance as the other collies, as they require a minimum amount of exercise and grooming to remain healthy.
6. Doberman
Doberman is one of the most well-known protection breeds of dogs. Tough physique to support their purpose, a Doberman stands 28 inches tall at shoulder level.
They are adorable and can be friends with anyone in the family, even children, as they are gentle and caring. The breed is also known for hunting by locating the game through sound.
They have a life expectancy of around 13 years, and some have even made it to their early 20s in full health. If you take care of Doberman properly, giving them enough exercise and mental challenges to keep them engaged and active, they live longer than expected.
7. Alaskan Malamute
Bred initially in America, this Alaskan Malamute is known for its strength and agility. It was once meant to pull sleds, even though it is most famous as household pets nowadays. This breed is amiable and gets along with people of all ages, making it a popular pet choice.
Their endurance and stamina that promises to survive a tough working day make them well-liked in working classes too. They are a double-coated breed, shedding heavily on seasons, making it hard to keep a clean house while having them.
They have an average life span of around 12 years. An Alaskan malamute is a friend for life. Intelligent and firm, they are highly trainable and adapt to any task you can throw at them, even in later life stages. They hardly show any symptoms of tiredness and keep doing what they do with pleasure and happiness.
8. American Alsatian
American Alsatian is a companion dog, having a life span of 13 years. This breed is good with people of all ages. Plus, their intellect keeps them aware of the dangers and makes them suitable as guard dogs.
Developed in California in the late 1970s, American Alsatian came into existence in a process to revive the long-extinct “Dire Wolf .” They are intelligent and carry the deadly appearance of their ancestor.
They are easy to train and respond well to motivation and minor corrections. Even though it is a large dog, it prefers to stay inside.
Alsatians are extremely sensitive, making them prone to depression if left alone for too long. They also do not require that much exercise and monitoring as they are a breed with low activity levels. But you need to keep engaging with them to keep them entertained.
9. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherd is a native dog breed of Turkey, bred originally for herding. They are an independent breed that is hard to train and contain in a small atmosphere. They are violent to anyone who they consider a threat to their flock. But it is easy to make friends with the breed at a younger age.
Since it is hard to socialize with it in later stages, they do not get along well with the newborns in a family. They are another intelligent breed, having been selected to be part of multiple secret training programs by the U.S Government in the early 1930s.
They have a relatively long lifespan of 13 years and are extremely possessive, so you have can have them as your protectors for a long time.
10. Belgian Malinois
If you want a breed that is just as exotic and big as German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds or Malinois might just be your paw-mate. And, much like our chunky German boys, these dogs too live for around 12-15 years if proper care and nourishment are given.
The Malinois is a pure shepherd breed that originated in Belgium. It became even more popular during the late 19th century. These canines are extremely smart and agile and have been chiefly deployed for patrolling, herding livestock, and guarding cattle. They form slow but long-lasting bonds with human beings due to their keen observant nature.
Owing to their longer life span, they take more time than usual for training. They start maturing by three, although it frequently takes them months to grow. Malinois are generally friendly with children, if they are trained properly. Moreover, they can also act as cute, protective mamma bears for your little ones.
11. Irish Setter
Irish Setters can live two to three years more compared to English Setters. Yes, these big, long-legged dogs have a life span of 12-15 years, which they spend roaming out and about.
However, they take a long time to mature intellectually and may act like puppies for the first 2-to to three years and sometimes longer.
As mentioned earlier, Irish Setters are wanderers at her. They would do anything to go out, enjoy running about, and playing.
If you, too, have this habit of staying out, going on longer strolls, and need a fantastic, fun, and energetic companion, get Irish Setters. They also make excellent pets for those living with kids and other pets. Once trained, these dogs are the friendliest ever.
12. Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Tervuren is a breed known for its loyalty. The bond that it shares with its pet parent is so deep that it almost becomes the entire reason for their being a friend to their human for some time. The Belgian Tervuren is a vigilante type of breed that remains self engaged throughout their life and has an average life span of 14 years.
Bred initially as herd dogs in Belgium, this breed has expanded its territory, including police dogs, pets, guard dogs, and protection dogs. They are also popular as pets as they get along well with their human family.
They are alert all the time and respond more quickly to threats than an average guard dog. They require heavy training before becoming a pet as they have incredibly high energy levels and are hard to contain.
13. Curly Coated Retriever
Curly Coated Retriever was bred originally for hunting purposes, mainly in northern England. This is one of the first identified retrievers, dating back to the late 1800s. They are intelligent and are highly responsive to commands, making them easy to be trained for various purposes.
They have all the energy that a typical retriever possesses, but along with that comes a gentle nature that makes them ideal as pets and companions for people of all ages.
They have a lifespan of 14 years, but along with this long span comes a more extended period of immaturity that this breed is known for. Even though it might be a couple of years old, their tendency to act in a puppyish manner makes them an ideal friend for a family with a kid.
14. Shiba Inu
There might not be anyone in this modern world who isn’t aware of Shiba Inu, the famous Dodge meme dog. They were bred originally as hunting dogs, used to flush out and track game for some distance.
They are a fiery-natured breed, like a chihuahua. Plus, they are tough to train and contain in small spaces and require freedom to a great extent if they are in their element.
They are friendly but, at the same time, loves personal space and won’t hesitate to be aggressive to make the distinction clear.
Inus have a life expectancy of 15 years, and they get more active and engaging throughout their life. Some dogs of this breed have even lived up to 20. It can be possible if they are taken care of despite their naughty attitude.
15. Golden Retriever
Retriever is the most popular of all dog breeds. They are the regular contestants in almost all the pet shows worldwide, and they are known for their naming character, that is, the thick golden coat that covers them.
They are extremely intelligent and highly trainable. They are loving and affectionate to their friends, making them suitable as therapy dogs too. They are active and challenging to keep in check when excited.
Golden retrievers have an average lifespan of 12 years, but most times, they even make it up to 18, and in rare cases up to even late 20s. They require constant attention and are very sensitive, and require as much companionship as we can give them.
16. Afghan Hounds
As the name suggests, this breed hails from Afghan and is constantly present in pageant shows. It is one of the oldest dog breeds to have been identified, with its roots being traced back to the pre-Christian era.
Even though they are a gorgeous breed known for their looks, they can also be true to their name. Hound and sighthound can be valuable assets in hunting games.
They are brave and aggressive when threatened, making them ideal hunting dogs. Besides being friendly and intelligent, they are also amusing to children.
Having a relatively large expectancy of 14 years, Afghan Hounds remain active almost throughout their lives and need constant exercise and mental challenges to keep them occupied and ready for anything.
17. Giant Schnauzer
Bred, originally a working dog, Giant Schnauzers are extremely hard and easy to train. They are also intelligent and adapt to changes quickly. They are suited for any job, starting from driving cattle to being a guard dog.
They are even part of dog sports and such events as they are easy to train to do a different function. Their excellent sense of smell is even used for search and rescue purposes, and their loving nature makes them suitable for even therapy dogs. They are as lovely as energetic and make an easy companion to anyone who wants a friend.
Having a life expectancy of 15 years, the Giant Schnauzers are a delight to have as pets. They do have a thick double coat, which requires constant attention. But other than that, maintaining them takes way much less attention than it does other high-maintenance breeds.
18. Collie
Aa Rough Collie is also one of the most giant four-legged pets with a life span of ten to fourteen years. Collies are shepherd dogs once found in Irish and Welsh areas and are now one of the most sought-after big pets all over.
To date, Collies are still regarded as working dogs, even though they are rarely employed for herding nowadays. Like other herding dogs, these dogs are hyperactive and loves training hard.
They need to channel their energy into exercise and require a firm hand while teaching. Collies are also very well mannered and can be said to be proper English Gentlemen. They are intelligent, quick to learn, and once familiarised with the owner.
They would do anything to please trainers.
Apart from being watchful and fun-loving, these dogs also understand emotions and are very sensitive. They feel your pain and can get emotional, much like a kid. They also get frightened pretty soon if you leave them in an alien environment.
19. English Pointer
English Pointers are long-legged dogs known to live longer than the usual crossbreeds. They are soft, lean, single-coated beings with agility and a kind heart. Their 12 years of life span is filled with adventure and adorable quirkiness, as this breed is always up for some fun.
Pointers are the best family pets as they are affectionate, loyal, and well-mannered. They are ideal for people who love living outside and hitting the road more often. This breed has no mean bone inside them and loves all the other pets, humans, etc.
You can say these are socialite versions of pawed animals.
Pointers do all sorts of naughty, fun activities to get attention and indicate that they are bored and need something to do.
They will require a lot of attention and outdoor activities while growing up, but they are generally a pretty well-mannered and accepting breed. Once left alone, they have this ability to seek their amusement, which typically involves chewing up some of your inanimate things.
20. Poodle
Poodles have a lot of energy to be expended and are known to live for 12 to 20 years. They grow quickly and have fabulous furs in white, creme, and tan shades. And, guess what, they rarely shed their hair.
Like all other French things, Poodles are exquisite and a bit high maintenance. They need constant interaction even when you are taking them outside. They will be happy if you engage with them rather than simply strolling by their side when you are outdoors.
You also have to maintain their diet and take them out regularly. They are hyperactive and need constant training. That is precisely why you see them training, swimming, or blowing their steam off almost all the time.
If you invest in all these outdoor activities with these exquisite creatures, their life span increases, and they remain hale and hearty.
Conclusion
These giant dog breeds with significantly long lifespans are just what you need if you’re a lover of big dogs and want one to be with you for a long time. So take your pick and get yourself a pet right away!
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.