10 Dogs With the Shortest Lifespans

“We should get a puppy!” The conversation usually starts like this, usually with the wide-eyed kid wanting a furry friend. But when it comes to choosing a dog, how do you know which breed is best for you? You probably want your dog to be with you for as long as possible, but what if you’ve fallen in love with a breed that’s known for its short lifespan? Knowing the facts ahead of time can prepare you for what to expect and make the most of your time together!

big dog vs small dog

In the animal world, large animals generally live longer than small animals. Larger animals are usually at the top of the food chain with fewer predators. In the case of domestic dogs, the opposite is true, with smaller dogs living longer than larger dogs. Researchers are still working on this, but think that the rapid growth of large dogs causes them to age faster and develop disease earlier, shortening their lifespan.

What health problems shorten lifespan?

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to certain problems and diseases. Giant breeds like Great Danes, St. Bernards, and mastiffs are prone to bloating, a condition in which the blood supply to vital organs is cut off when the stomach twists. Proper feeding techniques, such as feeding your dog more frequently, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and not exercising them immediately before or after meals, can help prevent bloating.

Cancer is the number one killer of many dog ​​breeds. Bone cancer is especially common in Irish wolfhounds, rottweilers and mastiffs. Older dogs are also prone to various other cancers. One thing dog owners can do to reduce their dog’s risk of developing cancer is to help their dog maintain an ideal weight. Having an overweight dog increases the risk of certain cancers, as well as diabetes and heart disease.

What can you do to help your dog live longer?

Here are some tips to help your dog live longer:

• If you buy your dog from a breeder, be sure to work with dogs who follow all proper breeding guidelines to avoid some of the things that can result from inbreeding and overbreeding.
• Make sure your dog is getting proper veterinary care, including exams and recommended vaccinations.
• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for feeding schedules and food types. Keep an eye on your pet’s weight to make sure they are not overweight, which can cause problems.
• Provide proper exercise for your breed.
• Be aware of issues specific to your dog’s breed and age, and watch for signs of trouble so they can be addressed early.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

This obviously depends on the breed, but the average lifespan for a dog is between 10 and 13 years. They can even live to be around 30 years old! Keeping your pup healthy and at a good weight will help them live longer.

Which breeds have the shortest life span?

Let’s take a closer look at each of the shortest-lived breeds and see what makes them live even shorter.

10. Rottweiler 9-10 years old

Rottweilers can sometimes get a bad reputation for being aggressive, but like any properly trained and socialized breed, they are affectionate pets. Rottweilers are one of the smaller breeds on our list, but they are strong, with males weighing 95-135 pounds. They have short dark coats with rust-colored accents on their faces and paws. Rottweilers live between nine and ten years and, as a breed, have the following problems:

9. Newfoundland 9-10 years old

Newfoundlands can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their size, they are a gentle breed known to be great with children.Nana the dog peter pan It’s Newfoundland! These dogs have flat, rough coats of various colors; brown, white, black, and black and white. They are actually good swimmers and their paws are partially webbed. Newfoundlanders can live to be nine and ten years old. Some of the most common problems with this breed are:

• Heart failure due to subaortic stenosis
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• heat related issues
• sensitive to anesthesia

8. Bulldog 8-10 years old

Bulldogs are not big dogs, but they have more health problems than most breeds, which makes them have a shorter lifespan. Bulldogs are characterized by a wrinkled flat face, drooping cheeks, and loose skin. They are short and stocky, with males approaching 50 pounds. Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. Pit bull owners will argue that their dog has the cutest face, but not everyone agrees! Bulldogs typically live eight and ten years, and some of the things to look out for are:

• Breathing problems due to brachycephaly (a broad, short head and face)
• compromised immune system
• heat related issues

7. Saint Bernard 8-10 years old

When I think of big dogs, Saint Bernards are the kind that come to mind. These are rescue dogs in the Alps, pictured with a wooden barrel hanging around their necks. The rescue part of the story is real, but the brandy barrel is fiction. Saint Bernards are now adorable giant pets, measuring up to 30 inches across at the shoulders and weighing up to 180 pounds. Their coloring is a mixture of dark brown around the face, white on the nose, white on the belly and paws, and tan on the back. The average life expectancy for a Saint Bernard is 8 to 10 years. Some of the health problems common to St. Bernard dogs are:

• heart disease
• cancer
• epilepsy
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6. Great Dane 7-10 years old

The Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound are among the tallest dog breeds in the world. The average Great Dane is 30-32 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs approximately 140-175 pounds. Their fur is very short and rough and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Their legs are very long and it is amazing to watch these giants run. The Great Dane has a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years and obesity is a major problem for the breed.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog 7-10 years old (closer to 6-8 years old?)

These large dogs are beloved by furries for their sweet temperament. The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs about 110 pounds and stands 27 inches tall with long coat. Their fur is a mix of black backs, white chests and paws, and rusty legs and facial markings. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, but there has been concern in recent years that this life expectancy is being shortened, possibly closer to 6 to 8 years, due to breeding practices. They are also more prone to cancer than most breeds. Here are the concerns of these giants:

4. Bullmastiff 7-9 years old

As the name suggests, the Pit Bull Mastiff is a crossbreed of a Pit Bull and Mastiff. They really do resemble a pit bull’s head hidden on a mastiff. They can reach 130 pounds and stand 27 inches tall at the withers. Bullmastiffs make great guard dogs as they were bred in England to ward off poachers. Their life expectancy is between pit bulls and mastiffs, at seven to nine years. Common questions are:

3. Mastiff 6-10 years old

Mastiffs are typically giant dogs with a short tan coat, black face and ears. Can you believe a mastiff can grow to 230 pounds? These giant dogs are very affectionate and loyal to their families. They are more prone to bone cancer than other dogs and breeders should be cautious about this when breeding. Mastiffs can live up to 6 to 10 years and common problems are:

• bone cancer
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• heart disease

2. Irish Wolfhound 6-8 years old

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed in the American Kennel Club, standing at 32 inches at the shoulder. That’s nearly 3 feet tall! They are similar in size to greyhounds but are larger and have longer fur. They were bred for wolf hunting and at their size they can outmaneuver them, but they are calm, gentle pets with a lot of love for their owners. They have one of the shortest life expectancies, averaging between 6 and 8 years. Some concerns about Irish wolfhounds include:

• bone cancer
• heart disease
• von Willebrand disease (a blood clotting disorder)
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• Lymphoma
• Hyperthyroidism

1. French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux) 5-8 years old

French mastiffs have one of the shortest life spans of any dog ​​breed in the world, with some living as little as five years and others topping out at eight years. The history of French Mastiffs goes back so far that we’re not sure of their exact origins. Similar to bullmastiffs, they have pit bull faces but are shorter and stockier, weighing 110 pounds and averaging 23 inches tall. With proper training and socialization when they’re young, they can make loyal pets (if you don’t mind drooling everywhere!). They do have various health problems that shorten lifespan, such as:

• Breathing problems due to brachycephaly (a broad, short head and face)
• cooling problem
• heart problems
• Breathing puts pressure on other organs

So if you have a big heart for a big dog, you just have to know what you’re getting into. These dogs can provide years of companionship and love. Some dog owners who love these breeds know that they have the opportunity to own several of these dogs in their lifetime. While others love to have more than one of these breeds at the same time, can you imagine those dog food bills? With ongoing research, health problems common in these breeds may be addressed, extending the lifespan of some of these most popular dogs.

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