It’s an unfortunate reality that big dogs usually have shorter lifespans than little dogs. Big dogs on average live about 10 to 12 years, while their little dog counterparts typically live 12 to 15 years.
The lifespan of your big dog can vary by individual and the diet and care they receive (and by how healthy they are overall), but some breeds live longer than others. Here are big dogs with the longest lifespan.
Fortunately, several of these breeds are also wonderful family dogs, so if you want your big buddy around as long as possible, check out these breeds.
Standard Poodle
Lifespan: 10 – 18 years
Standard Poodles are Beautiful dogs that don’t shed. They are one of the longest-living of the big breed dogs.
This breed is smart and regal. Poodles know that they are good-looking animals and act like aristocrats. They’re extremely athletic, need a lot of exercise, and are easy to train.
They are also wonderful family dogs, are great with kids, and get along well with other dogs.
Giant Schnauzer
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
The Giant Schnauzer is a dog that is both stubborn and loyal. They are tough, intelligent, easy to train, and loyal.
This breed makes a good family dog, although they are best with older children rather than small ones.
The Giant Schnauzer looks like a super-size version of the Standard Schnauzer and can weigh up to 95 pounds. All Schnauzer breeds are known for their distinctive eyebrows which give their faces huge amounts of personality.
Siberian Husky
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
The Siberian Husky is a stunningly beautiful dog with a double coat that sheds copiously. If you have a Husky be prepared for strangers to stop you and tell you how beautiful your dog is. It is common for them to have shockingly blue eyes.
These dogs are well known for being exceptionally good with children and love to hang out with their family and other dogs.
Huskies are extremely expressive and have fun personalities without needing to smother their people. While their size may scare people, they don’t know strangers and like just about everyone.
If you like to run, this is the breed for you. A Siberian Husky can easily run for 40 or 50 miles, putting even the best marathon runners to shame!
Alaskan Malamute
Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
The Alaskan Malamute has similar looks to the Siberian Husky and sheds just as much. But this dog isn’t as good with families or other dogs. However, they are very intelligent and protective of their owner. Oddly enough, they are also good with strangers.
This breed is incredibly strong, loyal, and playful. They like to work and have a keen and intelligent expression.
You must establish yourself early as the leader of the pack with your Malamute. Otherwise, they will end up owning you instead of you owning them.
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan: 11 – 13 years
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the United States because they have great personalities and know no strangers. They are extremely affectionate with family members and small children.
Labs get along famously with everyone they meet including other dogs. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, but they make only mediocre watchdogs. They’re just as likely to lick an intruder as to bark at them!
This breed is easygoing but needs a lot of activity and exercise. Labs love to swim, hike, and play catch.
Australian Shepherds
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Australian Shepherds are a common site on the rodeo circuit in the United States and they make excellent herding dogs. This means that cowboys love them!
This breed is agile and nimble. They make good family dogs, are very kid-friendly, and their high intelligence means they are easy to train.
However, Aussies will herd anything and that includes kids, dogs, and birds. Don’t get an Aussie if you are looking for a dog that will sit on the couch with you and watch TV. These agile dogs have keen minds and need to be involved in daily work or sports to be happy.
If you are looking for an agility partner or need a helping hand herding cattle then the Aussie could be a good fit for you.
Border Collies
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
The Border Collie is more of a medium size dog than a large one, but we include them because they can get up to 55 pounds and are very popular.
Border Collies are friendly, intelligent dogs that like to herd anything that moves. They have flowing black and white coats and eyes that make it look like they want to take over the world.
They are incredibly agile and high energy and they need agility training or a job to do to be happy. They are workaholics and need to be kept occupied. If you like to play fetch, they will chase and return the ball for hours without tiring.
Border Collies love “their” people but are not fond of strangers.
Weimaraner
Lifespan: 10 – 13 years
The beautiful sleek Weimaraner is great with little kids and makes a wonderful family pet.
This is an intelligent breed that is both stunning to look at and easy to train. They do like to be with their humans as much as possible and need a lot of exercise.
These are affectionate and loving dogs and as long as you give them plenty of physical activity a Weimaraner will make a wonderful family pet.
Collies
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
This is a devoted, proud, and graceful breed that was made famous by the classic television show Lassie.
Collies are protective of their families and love children. They are loyal and affectionate dogs that are easy to train due to their high intelligence. They are a very good choice for a first-time dog owner.
Collies are not couch potatoes and do need an active lifestyle to stay happy. With regular exercise, they can do well in apartments as well as in areas with large yards and room to run.
And one nice plus is that they are very low droolers!
Belgian Malinois
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Very similar in appearance to a German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is a hardworking, confident, and smart dog.
The Malinois is good with families and kids, though less so with other dogs. They are very protective and will guard their home and their families with their lives.
They were bred as livestock herders and are often used by the military and police because of their intelligence, their need to work, their protective nature, and their ability to train for many different tasks.
This is a breed that you need to keep occupied or they can become destructive.