The French Mastiff, Rottweiler, and Labrador Retriever are all loyal and brave dog breeds, but they have short lifespans and cannot stay by their owners for long.
1. French Mastiff (Chó ngao Pháp)
The French Mastiff is a breed that originated in France. They have a striking appearance with a large, heavy head full of wrinkles. Although they are very loyal and courageous, they are one of the shortest-lived dog breeds in the world due to their sensitive digestive systems, which can lead to premature death.
Average lifespan: 5 – 7 years
2. Chinese Pastoral Dog (Chó săn Trung Quốc – điền viên khuyển)
The Chinese Pastoral Dog has been present in China and Southeast Asia for a long time, often kept in rural areas for guarding homes and protecting the owner’s property. They are also very loyal and brave, frequently accompanying their owners on hunts and even helping to watch over livestock.
In fact, if cared for properly, this breed can have a long lifespan. However, many people do not take the necessary precautions to protect them, and with the rampant dog theft in rural areas, their lifespan often only reaches a few years.
Average lifespan: About 7 years
3. Great Dane (Chó Great Dane)
Unlike their current reputation as gentle and timid house pets, Great Danes were historically used for pulling carts, guarding, and tracking. Although they are considered very strong, they are prone to various hereditary diseases affecting the bones, lungs, heart, and eyes.
Average lifespan: 6 – 7 years
4. Irish Wolfhound (Chó săn sói Ireland)
True to its name, the Irish Wolfhound was bred for the purpose of hunting wolves, developed from hunting dogs used in warfare and everyday life.
They are the tallest dog breed in the world, resembling Greyhounds, and are very courageous. However, due to their susceptibility to bone and cardiovascular diseases, especially bloat, their lifespan is often not very long.
Average lifespan: 6 – 8 years
5. Borzoi (Chó Borzoi)
The Borzoi is a Russian hunting dog specifically bred for wolf hunting, originating from long-haired shepherd dogs. They were once highly valued by Russian nobility and often given as gifts among the aristocracy.
In Vietnam, they are referred to as “chó ngao xù.” This breed is quite unique in temperament; they are proud and very loyal to their owners, somewhat reserved and calm, yet they also enjoy racing.
Average lifespan: 7 – 8 years
6. Bernese Mountain Dog (Chó núi Bern)
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the breeds originating from Switzerland, descended from wolf dogs kept on farms for protection and pulling carts. Unlike other hunting breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs love to exercise but are not overly mischievous; they are very friendly with humans and other household animals.
7. Newfoundland (Chó Newfoundland)
The Newfoundland breed originates from Eastern Canada and is used for various purposes such as pulling carts, carrying goods, and rescue operations. Therefore, they are regarded as the “most desirable dog breed in the world” and are also nicknamed “the rescue dog.”
Despite their massive size, which can intimidate others, Newfoundlands are extremely friendly and gentle. They also love to swim and are particularly fond of children.
Average lifespan: 8 – 10 years
8. Rottweiler (Chó Rốt)
The Rottweiler is a descendant of the Italian Mastiff, often trained to become a working dog due to their strength, intelligence, endurance, and fighting capabilities, while also possessing a certain independence in their personality. In Vietnam, Rottweilers are a popular breed in the military.
9. Labrador Retriever (Chó tha mồi Labrador)
The Labrador Retriever (commonly referred to as Lab) is a popular hunting breed in the United States and is often used to retrieve game for their owners during hunts. Their name originates from the Portuguese word for “labor.”
This breed retains many hunting dog characteristics, such as strong teeth, a large nose, and a keen sense of smell. They are very sensitive regarding their diet; if their diet is not appropriate, they will shed a lot of fur. Their average lifespan is 8 – 12 years.
The above information only reflects the average lifespan that these dog breeds typically reach. In reality, a dog’s true lifespan also depends on exercise, diet, and the care and attention that humans provide.
