What is the longest lived/healthiest Giant Breed?

[Amstaffer]

I have been doing some research for a family member and a question has popped into my mind and I know you guys always have the answers. :D

Of all the giant breeds (to me breeds with females consistently over 110lbs) which live the longest or are the healthiest?

[planet molosser]

Well I have a friend with a 16 year old Akbash male.
I have a 10 Year old female and soon to be 10 year old male Central Asian.
My line goes 110-150 for males and 95-125 for females. I say my line cause some versions hit 200lbs but do not live long.

Here is a video of the 10 year old trying to get up a tree at something this summer. I will be a basket case when she goes. She is not in show shape any more . But the male soon to be 10 killed a coyote this year and went to a camping trip and a dog show( NO one could believe his age he beat 4 year old champions)

http://www.casdog.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/5193

IN my pack of 11 here NOT one has any health issue that requires vet care.
The oldest female has a chronic ear infection due to bad crop , and during wet season the male can get one too he also has a improper crop.
No surgeries to repair anything.

I think she will go 13 years since she had 2 litters.
Where my spayed female will i bet go 15-17 years no litters

Intact females are prone to uterine infections which I think can cause in the wild with no spaying a shorter life span for females. That is why I spay my breeding females young around age 6.

Thanks for letting me share about the old one dont get too often due to young breeding dogs is all what others ask about.

http://centralasianshepherd.homestead.com/tshabeach.jpg

[oc_spirit]

I would say the Livestock Guarding breeds ar the hardiest and long lived.

[Danegirl2208]

i believe its not uncommon for Borzoi (though they are more tall than heavy)to reach 14- 15 years? i may be wrong? not sure but I remember that being mentioned by a zoi breeder on another forum a couple of days ago

[MyIrishWolfie]

I wish Irish Wolfhounds were in this catergory... their giants but they dont live that long :(

[Saintgirl]

There is such a variation in how long a giant breed lives. Say for example my breed of choice the Saint, the average says that they typically only live from 8-10 years. However this average includes all of the BYB and puppy milled Saints that are out there. Poorly bred giants live a shorter life. The best thing that your family members can do is contact breeders and ask them questions, also ask the breeders for references to follow up on their pups. While it is true that giants do live shorter lives than their smaller counterparts, let your family members know that it is worth the risk of a shorter lifespan. A giant breed dog has giant amounts of love to give. As far as breeds that are consistently healthy that can be directly attributed to the breeder.

With that being saind, supposedly the American Mastiff (anatolianXMastiff) has a longer lifespan than alot of giants. Anatolian Shepherds also have a good long life as well.

[planet molosser]

Thanks Saint girl for the advice im my girl started treatment.
THe Amercan Mastiff is not old enough as designer breed to live that long.
But the ASD like the Akbash yes can live 15 years or more.

Also I think it is the quality of life with little or not health issues.
My sister boyfriend kept his Dane alive with Rimidry for a extra 2 years to make it to 9 years of age..

[Saintgirl]

I agree completely Planet Molosser, about the quality of life! Just because a dog can continue to live doesn't mean that the pain and suffering is worth it. And I know all about the whole designer thing and the American Mastiff, that's why I said 'supposedly', over the past few decades that the original 'breeder' started the longevity has been fairly successful, BUT they are only a designer breed and that should be taken into consideration. Thanks for reminding me of that Planet Molosser!

[planet molosser]

NO thanks to you my little precious can keep my feet warm this winter :)without leaving a puddle. :)

[Saintgirl]

Lol!!

[Amstaffer]

Thanks for the info great posts

[CAOgirl]

There are some boerboels that were 18-19yrs old and in good health