There are a variety of Mastiff dog breeds, some of which share common characteristics while others are totally unique.
Why Do Mastiffs Have A Short Lifespan?
Mastiffs are great dogs that make can be ideal family companions, and having one is an amazing adventure. The issue is that, in terms of years, it’s been a rather short journey. It’s devastating to lose a family member you’ve known for years and watched grow from a little puppy to a huge, strong adult. Even so, it’s extremely cruel when your cherished Mastiff dies to old age after only a few years.
On average, Mastiffs have one of the shortest life expectancies of just about any dog breed. These breeds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and while lifespans differ within the breed, none of them live very long. Large dog breeds live shorter lives than medium and small dog breeds. A medium-sized dog’s typical lifespan is about 13 years. Large canines rarely survive to be 10 years old.
Orthopedic disorders like hip dysplasia have a substantially greater mortality rate in big older dogs, such as Mastiffs, than in smaller breeds. Orthopedic problems have always been degenerative, and the breed’s rapid growth makes this kind of condition worse.
Old age is not an illness in and of itself; it is indeed a natural part of life for Mastiffs; nonetheless, as they age, their owners must provide extra support to ensure that their dog lives as long as possible.
Instead of being reactive, dog owners must become proactive. Arrange routine check-ups with your veterinarian rather than waiting until you see symptoms of a health problem. These can be done yearly, but given the Mastiff’s short lifespan, you may want to schedule a check-up every 6 months.
The health of a Mastiff is also dependent on proper nutrition and daily activity. Give your Mastiff the best food you can afford, and even though they don’t require intense activity, they do need constant walks outside for their emotional and physical well-being.
English Mastiffs
An English Mastiff’s lifespan is similar to that of other large breeds of dogs, ranging from 6-10 years. Despite the fact that he lives for a short period of time, he has the ability to outlive the age limit. These dogs are a big breed recognized for being good guard dogs and dog warriors when faced with massive animals in the wild such as bears and lions. These Mastiffs are gentle dogs who are friendly and devoted to their owners, given their past in blood sports and their intimidating appearance.
All ethically bred dog breeds are generally healthy. However, the English Mastiff’s size can provide a number of health issues. As a dog owner, you must understand that the bigger the dog, the more attention he needs.
These Mastiffs are large dogs that can weigh up to 230 lbs. These huge dogs are prone to a variety of health problems, including dysplasia, if they do not receive the proper diet and food, activity, and health care. Here’s a rundown of the most frequent diseases that can affect your dog:
- Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is among the major causes of death in these Mastiffs. Swelling or lameness may be seen if your dog has this on a limb. Due to the extreme pain brought by the tumor in the bone, he may also experience fatigue, lack of appetite, and a lack of motivation to walk.
- Hypothyroidism appears to be widespread in dogs, but not in all animals. The body’s functions slow down as a result of an underactive thyroid, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and coat and skin changes.
- Your English Mastiff may appear to be swaying when walking if he has a neurological condition like wobbler syndrome. When the dog’s weight puts too much pressure on the neck region of the spine, it wears it down.
- Hip dysplasia is a prevalent health problem in dogs of all breeds. This occurs when the hips, as well as ball sockets of the rear legs, do not fit properly. Hip dysplasia can be discovered as early as five months in English Mastiffs; however, it can occur at any time during their lives.
French Mastiffs
The French Mastiff, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff, has the shortest lifetime of any dog breed, according to several sources. The typical lifespan of this dog is 5-8 years, which would be the shortest among dog breeds. In some situations, these dogs may be diagnosed with different illnesses at a young age, making it more difficult for them to live a healthy and long life.
In addition, there is a system in the body that leads to accelerated aging. When a puppy gains weight and grows bigger quickly during his first year, his body responds by creating more free radicals. Free radicals do significant harm to the molecules that cells require to function effectively. This leads to mutations, which produce more free radicals in the long run.
Owners play an important role in determining how long their pets live. A terrible lifestyle can cause even the healthiest puppy to develop a number of health issues, which can lead to early death. When this dog’s demands and requirements are not satisfied, and he has a poor lifestyle quality, it will have a negative impact on his general health.
Fortunately, there are several options for extending his life expectancy, which will be mentioned further below:
- The proper food for your French Mastiff has a favorable impact on his health. Puppies fed age-appropriate food will receive adequate nutrients to build their immune systems and help in optimal cognitive growth.
- Allowing your Mastiff to socialize with other dogs has far too many advantages to list. One of the key benefits of socializing is that it allows him to release pent-up energy. Boredom in a dog might result in behavioral issues. If nothing is done, his physical health may suffer as a result.
- The joints and bones of this breed are strengthened by daily activity. This gives him a lot of energy and boosts his immune system. He can strengthen his heart, enhance his circulation, and reduce his risk of heart disease by exercising for at least an hour each day.
Bull Mastiffs
Bull Mastiffs have a life span of 8-10 years, which is pretty short. This dog’s tail is positioned high, with a thick base that tapers to a point. It can be either curved or straight. A Mastiff’s ears are V-shaped and folded.
These Mastiffs have a short, dense coat that sheds less and is usually fawn, brindle, or red in color. A white patch on the neck may be present occasionally. Their coat protects them from the elements, including snow, rain, and cold.
Because Bull Mastiffs only live for a short time, there are a few more things you can do to help them live a long life:
- Have a healthy diet. A Mastiff that is malnourished and underweight has a slim chance of having a long life. Likewise, an obese dog will live for a shorter period of time than a dog of normal weight.
- Exercise on a regular basis. According to studies, keeping a dog in good shape is one of the most efficient methods to help it live a long life. Your Bull Mastiff will not only be more fit but will also live longer if it gets enough exercise.
Tibetan Mastiffs
If you own or want to own a Tibetan Mastiff, knowing their life span is essential while caring for these breeds. Tibetan dogs live an average of 10 to 14 years, with some lasting up to 3 years longer than expected.
Dogs cannot live with us eternally, so it’s necessary that we recognize the risks of senior years and the TM’s average lifespan. The life span of a Tibetan dog is influenced by a number of factors, including the size, the dog’s lineage, and overall health.
Although owning a T Mastiff may appear to be a challenge, it could also be quite fulfilling if your lifestyle is suitable for their personality. Before you commit to this breed, think about the following points:
- Despite the fact that these hairy giants have lots of hair, their coat is much easier to maintain than that of many long-haired breeds. Centuries of life in the wild have created dirt- and odor-resistant coats that shed only once per year in the spring. Most Mastiffs only need a bath and a brush once in a while.
- TMs are laid-back and inactive inside the house, but they can be extremely active outdoors. They are also strong jumpers and climbers, therefore a high fence or a large land area is required to prevent them from escaping.
- These are huge canines that need a lot of food. Tibetan Mastiffs, on the other hand, are really not recognized for their appetites and do a good job of keeping track of their own calorie consumption. They do not gain weight easily, but those who are stressed or otherwise distracted would go on hunger strikes thus lose some weight.
- Training these dogs can be difficult because they aren’t often food-oriented and don’t respond well to persuasion or punishment. They are, nevertheless, extremely bright and can frequently pick up new habits after just a few repetitions.
Conclusion
Mastiffs are a big breed with large proportions, which makes them intimidating and aggressive to humans. The lifespan of a Mastiff varies from 6-15 years, depending on the breed. However, if everything goes well, they may be able to live for many more years. In order to extend your dog’s lifespan, make sure they get lots of activity and eat good food.
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