Life expectancy of large dogs?

Question

I have a 6 year old, pit/mastif that is 83 pounds. I've heard that larger breeds do not tend to live very long lives. Is this true?

Answer 1

There are a lot of factors that come into play with the dog's life expectancy. The food your feed your dog, vet check ups & health issues, exercise, time you spend with the dog, etc. No one can take a look @ your dog and say right off the bat that your dog will live up to this age. Most dogs have an average/general life expectancy; however, it's ot 100% completely true.

The general rule is that larger dogs live longer than smaller dogs, which I think is complete BS, because my boyfriend has a boxer and he's still alive and doing well and he's almost 14 years old. While my poodle mix dog lived until she was 13 years old (perhaps 12) and passed away recently. So there are a lot of factors tha come into play.

If you take really good care of your dog, feed him good quality food, exercise him on the regular basis, willing to go the extra mile and pay for extra vet visits for their "old age" stuff, then your dog might live into their late teens who knows. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I had a sweet heart Golden retriever she was with us 13 1/2 years. Had 2 German Shepard's 13 and 12 years. Small Pomeranian 14. Chiwawa 18... My record shows larger dogs live shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. I have a Jug [Pug mix with a Jack Russel 17 lbs.] whos now 11 and a pitbull/boxer who is 8 and I expect her to live longer as she is small, about 45 lbs. I also believe in food /weight being a factor for their health and longevity.

Answer 3

Any Vet. will tell you 8 to 10 years is the average for large dogs but I have seen some that are over 130 lbs. live to 16 but this is rare. I think God has played a curle joke on us when mans best friend only lives a short time when some birds and turtles can live to over 100 years.

Answer 4

I 3 pit bulls and a wheaten terrier.....My wheaten terrier is 12 or 11 and he weighs about 50 lbs . They live pretty long if you take them to get their teeth cleaned yearly, keep corn and soy out of their diet, ultra holistic foods are great, take them to the vet reguarly and do everything that the vet tells you. The dog whisperer said that he once knew a dog that was 23 years old because they followed these rules and some more. I would recommend searching the dog whisperer or searching how to make your dog live longer.

Answer 5

In general, larger breeds live shorter lives. Pits are medium dogs, and many live 11-14 years. Mastiffs are VERY large, and live 7-10 years. Genetically, your dog can lean either way.

Answer 6

larger breeds do tend to have shorter life expectancys. Alot of it is how you care for the animal. I just had a rot die and he was 16 years old, that is unheard of........all in the care and if they are happy. 6 years isnt that old I would say he has 5 or 6 more years maybe more if well taken care of

Answer 7

If the dog is well bred, comes from a responsible breeding program where the breeder bred for health & longevity and is fed properly they can live a pretty long life.

Danes can live into their teens (many now do taht come from good breeders).

The average age now of large & giant breeds is 10 - 12 years if bred right and well taken care of

Answer 8

Depends on the breed. Mastiffs are usually about 6-7 years. Retrievers and such can go up to 13 years. It all depends on the health and breed of the dog.

Answer 9

Its the general rule of thumb. that its not a purebred gives a higher life expectency. My best friend JUST put her dog down after 16 years - he probably weighed about as much as yours does. She took great care of him, with excercise and diet (he was a mix as well) DONT let what people tell you about large dogs having a short life expectancy rule your thoughts. Those boys (and girls) can live long and healthy lives!

Answer 10

Danes typically like 8 years. Yes, most larger breed dogs have shorter lifespans.