17 Dogs That Sadly Have The Shortest Life Span
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Dogs are our loyal companions, best friends, and sometimes even therapists. The hardest part is knowing that their time with us is heartbreakingly short. Bigger isn’t always better or longer lasting with canine companionship. Veterinarian Dr. Amy Lee notes that size often correlates with metabolism and age. Larger dog breeds tend to tire and age quicker. According to the American Kennel Club, adorable gentle giants like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Dogue de Bordeaux often have an average life span of 8 to 10 years.
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds can live 12-16 years or more. Despite this realization, the moments spent with these loveable, drooly companions are often described as some of the most rewarding for their owners. Here are 17 dog breeds that may not stay with us long but will most certainly leave the deepest paw prints on our hearts.
Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants famous for their towering height and affectionate nature. Unfortunately, their large size contributes to a shorter life span, typically between 6 to 8 years.
Health issues such as heart disease and hip dysplasia are common in this breed. Veterinary check-ups regularly and a healthy diet can help manage and prevent some health issues in Great Danes.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are famous for their strength and sweetness. They live only 6 to 8 years. They are prone to certain cancers, which significantly reduce their life span. A study by the American Kennel Club (AKC) found that almost 50% of Bernese Mountain Dogs suffer from some type of cancer during their lifetime.
Owners should be aware of their pets’ health risks and ensure regular veterinary check-ups. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help manage these health issues effectively.
Irish Wolfhound
The tallest dog breed, the Irish Wolfhound, lives just 6 to 9 years. Its rapid growth rate makes it susceptible to heart problems and bone cancer.
A significant portion of Irish Wolfhounds die due to cardiac issues, especially dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Regular veterinary check-ups, including heart screenings, are crucial for early detection and management.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are loyal and protective, making great family pets. However, this breed lives only 7 to 9 years, often due to heart disease and cancer.
Keep your Bullmastiff active and at a healthy weight to mitigate some health risks.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is known for its massive and intimidating appearance, but it is gentle at heart. Sadly, due to various health issues, its life span only averages around 7 to 9 years.
Obesity is a concern with this breed, leading to joint problems and mobility issues. Regular exercise and good diet can help extend their lifespan.
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds are elegant and friendly, but their life span is 8 to 10 years. They are prone to cardiomyopathy and osteosarcoma. Approximately 10% of Scottish Deerhounds develop bloat, a serious, life-threatening condition, as per the Scottish Deerhound Club of America.
To prevent this, feed smaller, more frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise immediately before and after meals.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are known for their rescue work and gentle nature. They usually live about 8 to 10 years. Health conditions such as hip dysplasia, bone cancer, and heart disease are common.
Dr. Melissa Kauffman, a veterinary expert, advises that Saint Bernards require regular exercise and a balanced diet for healthy weight and joints. Consistent veterinary care is also crucial in monitoring and managing any developing health concerns in this breed.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are incredibly devoted and loyal dogs, but they have a lifespan of only 8 to 10 years. Heart disease, hip dysplasia, and cystinuria often affect them. Their thick, heavy coat requires regular grooming and care to prevent skin issues that can lead to infections.
Owners should monitor their weight and provide proper exercise for optimal health. Ensuring your Newfoundland gets plenty of swimming exercise can help keep their joints healthy.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are known for their incredible sense of smell and gentle nature. Their life span is only around 7 to 10 years due to health issues such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.
Bloat can be prevented by avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before and after meals. Regular vet check-ups can help detect and manage any developing health concerns in this breed.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a strong, muscular breed originally used for farm work. They have an average life span of 8 to 10 years. Their large size and rapid growth rate make them prone to issues such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD).
Owners should monitor their weight, especially during puppyhood when growing rapidly. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage these health concerns.
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Peis are known for their unique wrinkles and loyal nature. They live an average of 8 to 10 years but are prone to skin issues such as allergies, infections, and even cancer.
To prevent these problems, it is essential to regularly clean their wrinkles and keep them well-groomed. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help detect skin or health concerns early on.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Also called the French Mastiff, is a powerful and protective breed with a life span of 5 to 8 years. They were originally used for tasks like guarding, pulling carts, and hunting. They are prone to heart disease and joint issues such as hip dysplasia.
The Dogue de Bordeaux Club of America reports that 38.5% of these dogs will suffer from heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Owners should keep them on a healthy diet to prevent obesity, which can worsen joint problems. Regular exercise paired with a high-quality diet can help extend their lifespan.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers, known for their strength and loyalty, have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. They are vigilant guardians who bond deeply with their families. These loyal companions face health challenges such as hip dysplasia and cancer. The University Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) revealed that between 5% and 12% of Rottweilers develop osteosarcoma at some point in their lives, more than many other breeds.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect potential problems early, and a nutritious diet supports the overall health and well-being of rottweilers. Keeping them active with daily walks and structured play enriches their lives and strengthens their muscular build.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are independent and can be shy with strangers, but they are loyal and protective of their families. They have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. They are prone to many health issues, including hip dysplasia, allergies, and thyroid disease.
Proper grooming and regular veterinary check-ups can help detect potential health concerns early on. A healthy diet and exercise are also essential for this dog breed.
Leonberger
The magnificent Leonberger is a large, gentle giant known for its lion-like appearance and friendly demeanor. It has a life expectancy of 8 to 9 years, with some living up to 10 years. They are prone to hip dysplasia and cancer, specifically lymphoma.
To help prevent these health issues, maintain a healthy weight for your dog and provide proper exercise to keep their joints strong and flexible. Regular grooming is necessary for this breed’s thick coat, which can also help detect any skin abnormalities early on.
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful, with 9 to 10 years of life expectancy. The American Boxer Club reports that Boxers are at high risk of various types of cancers.
They are also prone to heart conditions. Regular check-ups and cancer screening is advised in this breed.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are charming little companions known for their bat-like ears and affectionate nature. They steal the hearts of many despite living around 10 to 12 years. French Bulldogs are considerate family friends; their alert nature makes them effective watchdogs. Their brachycephalic structure (short nose) means they are prone to respiratory issues and require careful attention to their breathing, especially in hot weather.
Many French Bulldogs have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can cause symptoms such as snoring, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding excessive heat can help these lovable dogs enjoy fuller, healthier lives.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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