Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Mastiffs Live. Mastiff Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Mastiff Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Mastiff, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Mastiffs
- How Old is Your Mastiff in Human Years
- How Long Do Mastiffs Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Mastiff Live Long
- Conclusion on Mastiff Life Expectancy
How Long Mastiffs Live. Mastiff Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Mastiff is from 6 to 10 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Mastiff. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 80 pet Mastiffs lived.
From the study, it was found that Mastiffs have a average lifespan of 6.83 years. Furthermore, the study found that Mastiffs can live for as long as 16.3 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Mastiffs.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Mastiffs are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
- Hematopoietic Disease: Problems having to do with platelets, blood vessels, or clotting factors.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Mastiff to make your Mastiff live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Mastiff have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Mastiff is in human years? Then, check out our Mastiff age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Mastiff Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Mastiff compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Toy Poodle Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Basenji Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Lancashire Heeler Lifespan | 11.70 |
| Portuguese Water Dog Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Briard Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Weimaraner Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Sussex Spaniel Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Norfolk Terrier Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Bull Terrier Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Newfoundland Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Japanese Chin Lifespan | 9.25 |
| Borzoi Lifespan | 9.08 |
| Finnish Lapphund Lifespan | 7.33 |
| Leonberger Lifespan | 7.08 |
| Mastiff Lifespan | 6.83 |
| Bulldog Lifespan | 6.29 |
| Sloughi Lifespan | 5.00 |
| Kooikerhondje Lifespan | 3.92 |
| Bracco Italiano Lifespan | 2.67 |
| Black Russian Terrier Lifespan | 1.79 |
Common Causes of Death in Mastiff, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Mastiff, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Mastiff.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Mastiffs
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 30.0 percent of all deaths in Mastiffs.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Mastiff
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Mastiffs
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Mastiffs (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Mastiffs is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Mastiffs is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Mastiffs is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Mastiffs with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Mastiff. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Mastiff`s gums look pale.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Mastiffs
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 17.8 percent of all deaths in Mastiffs.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Mastiff
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Mastiffs are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Mastiffs can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Mastiffs
One way that you can help improve your Mastiff`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Mastiff joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Mastiff to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Mastiffs a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Mastiff`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Mastiff eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Mastiff is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Mastiff is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Mastiff on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Trauma in Mastiffs
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 12.8 percent of all deaths in Mastiffs.
Causes of Trauma in Mastiff
One of the most common causes of trauma in Mastiffs is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Mastiffs
The best way to keep your Mastiff from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Mastiff from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Mastiff from traumatic accidents.
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Hematopoietic Disease in Mastiffs
Normally, the body can regulate its own blood pressure and fluid volume without outside help. However, issues in hematopoesis can cause high or low blood pressure, blood clots, edema (fluid where it`s not supposed to be, like in the lungs), and even shock.
Hematopoietic Disease is responsible for 11.1 percent of all deaths in Mastiffs.
Causes of Hematopoietic Disease in Mastiff
The causes of hematopoietic problems usually involve inflammation and immune responses gone wrong. This can cause congestion, hemorrhage, and many more problems.
How to Prevent Hematopoietic Disease in Mastiffs
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog`s gums or skin look very pale or very red. It`s also a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing exercise intolerance. Many parasites can cause internal bleeding, so you should have your dog on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives all year round. Here is a good flea and tick prevention medication (buy the box associated with your pet`s weight!).
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Cardiovascular Disease in Mastiffs
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 10.6 percent of all deaths in Mastiffs.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Mastiff
Heart disease in Mastiffs may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Mastiffs
You can prevent heart problems in your Mastiff by exercising your Mastiff regularly and feeding your Mastiff a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Mastiff. The supplement is not only good for your Mastiff`s heart, but it is also good for your Mastiff`s overall health.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Mastiffs
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Mastiff is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Mastiff`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Mastiff`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Mastiff offsprings by only breeding Mastiff that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Mastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Mastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Mastiff has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Mastiff for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Mastiff a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Mastiffs for:
How Old is Your Mastiff in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Mastiff. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Mastiff is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Mastiff is 6.83 years.
Mastiffs are giant-sized dogs. Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Mastiff in converting Mastiff age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Mastiff`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Mastiff`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Mastiff`s human age. If you do not know your Mastiff`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Mastiff is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Mastiff`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Mastiff`s up-to-date human age.
Mastiff Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Mastiff age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Mastiff`s human age based on your Mastiff`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Mastiff`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Mastiff Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 26 |
| 3 | 31 |
| 4 | 37 |
| 5 | 42 |
| 6 | 47 |
| 7 | 51 |
| 8 | 56 |
| 9 | 61 |
| 10 | 66 |
| 11 | 71 |
| 12 | 77 |
| 13 | 83 |
| 14 | 89 |
| 15 | 96 |
| 16 | 103 |
How Long Do Mastiffs Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Mastiff is 6.83 years. In human years, the Mastiff lives for 51 years.
How Old is 1-year-old Mastiff in Human Years?
A 1-year old Mastiff is 20 years old in human years.
How Old is 2-year-old Mastiff in Human Years?
A 2-year old Mastiff is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 4-year-old Mastiff in Human Years?
A 4-year old Mastiff is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Mastiff in Human Years?
A 5-year old Mastiff is 42 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Mastiff Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Mastiff live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Mastiff fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Mastiff does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Mastiff will have a shorter lifespan than a Mastiff that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Mastiff high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Mastiff. Check out our Mastiff feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Mastiff from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Mastiff existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Mastiff has access to clean water whenever your Mastiff needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Mastiff. See our Mastiff water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Mastiff.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Mastiff might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Mastiff.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Mastiff is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Mastiff’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Mastiff teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Mastiff Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Mastiff`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.