15 Dog Breeds With the Shortest Life Expectancy

Krystal Smith

Dogs have been cherished companions for centuries, providing love, laughter, and loyalty to countless households around the globe. However, their lifespans can be influenced by a range of factors, including breed, genetics, and overall health. Some breeds seem to age at a slower pace, while others exhibit signs of aging more rapidly. We will explore 15 dog breeds known for their unexpectedly short lifespans, shedding light on the factors contributing to their shorter lives.

Bulldog 

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The Bulldog is an endearing and distinct breed due to its crinkled and wrinkled face. Due to its breed, Bulldogs can have many different health problems, including skin issues, joint issues, and poor breathing. They are also known to live shorter than other breeds, ranging from 8-10 years.

Mastiffs 

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Mastiffs are gentle giants known for their large size and devoted nature. However, their sizable presence comes with a shorter-than-average lifespan. Typically, a Mastiff lives for around six to ten years. These dogs are prone to specific health issues that can impede their quality of life and slice years off their time on this planet. One is “bloat,” a life-threatening sudden swelling of the abdomen that can easily occur if a Mastiff eats too quickly, drinks too much water after eating, or goes running around right after a meal.

Saint Bernards

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Known for their calm demeanor and remarkable search-and-rescue work in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are at risk for various health issues, such as heart disease, joint conditions, and a few forms of cancer. Thus, these gentle giants have a pretty short life expectancy, typically between 7 and 10 years.

Newfoundlands

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Newfoundland dogs are adored for their affectionate nature and strong swimming abilities. They are colossal in size and have waterproof coats. However, this breed is vulnerable to a variety of diseases, such as heart problems, certain cancers, and hip dysplasia, which can drastically shorten their life spans. Typically, Newfoundlands last 8 to 10 years.

Great Danes

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Beyond their impressive stature and amiable nature, Great Danes generally live shorter lives than other large dog breeds. Their typical lifespan is between 7 and 10 years. However, it is not uncommon for individual animals to encounter and perish from health problems, including heart disease and mobility problems, which lead to the premature cessation of life.

Irish Wolfhounds

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Irish Wolfhounds are ranked among the tallest dog breeds on the planet. They are recognized for their towering height and stately air. Yet, their lifespan is unusually short compared to many other breeds: just six to eight years. Nevertheless, sentiment toward the breed, for its gentle nature and loyalty, centers typically on affection rather than on long-term relationships.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Known for their eye-catching tricolor fur and warm nature, Bernese Mountain Dogs make fantastic pets for any family. However, owning this breed comes with its fair share of concern. Bernese Mountain Dogs are likely to develop certain health conditions, such as cancer or musculoskeletal disorders, which could remarkably reduce their lifespan. It has been reported that these adorable giant dogs only live for approximately seven years, even though some might be able to conquer their diseases and live longer.

Boxer

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Boxers are known for their vibrant enthusiasm and loving nature. They are generally adorable and energetic. While the breed is prone to specific medical problems, including cancer, heart issues, and gastrointestinal ailments, it can be surprisingly playful, involved, and dedicated companions. The animal’s life span typically ranges from ten to twelve years.

French Mastiff

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The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a powerful and muscular breed recognizable by its distinctive wrinkled face. It is known for its loyalty and protective instincts but has a relatively short lifespan, averaging 5 to 8 years. Unfortunately, specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, and certain cancers, vastly contribute to its shorter life expectancy.

Chow Chow

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The breed known as the Chow Chow is famous for its majestic look and manner, befitting the grandest of nobles. However, this dog is prone to various health problems, including hip dysplasia, skin ailments, and autoimmune disorders. In general, a Chow Chow’s lifespan is approximately 12 years. Nonetheless, some individuals within a breed encounter medical problems that shorten their life span.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is susceptible to several health problems, such as heart malformations and an inherited brain and spinal cord disease. On average, Cavaliers live a little longer than ten years old, although many of my readers have adults who have surpassed the 11 to 14-year mark.

Basset Hound

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The Basset Hound, known for its floppy ears, soulful eyes, and laid-back disposition, enjoys iconic popularity. However, the breed is also prone to such health issues as obesity, joint problems, and ear infections. The Basset Hound’s lifespan can be from eight to twelve years, which might seem like forever when the challenges of these health issues are present.

Shar Pei

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Shar Peis have a unique look, wrinkled skin, and a unique personality dedicated to their owners. Nonetheless, like all dogs, they can fall prey to their own problems typical for their breed; Shar Peis are especially noted for their skin and ocular emergencies. Despite everything, Shar Pei’s dogs have a shorter lifespan than some, 8-12 years.

English Bulldogs

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Known for their unique wrinkled faces, muscular bodies, and gentle disposition, the English Bulldog is an unmistakable icon. These dogs may struggle with heat and regulating their body temperature. Their anatomical features as a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed predispose them to several health concerns, mainly respiratory issues, skin irritations, and joint problems. As a result of these problems, the Bulldogs are prone to a lower lifespan as they usually live for eight to ten years.

Dachshunds 

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Dachshunds, also called hot dogs and sausage dogs, are very popular because of their long bodies, short legs, and aggressive personalities among the dog breeds. They are also small in size but are prone to several health problems. Their particular and unique design means they are likely to become overweight and often suffer from dental diseases like our own. Their long spine structure and distinctive body shape make them highly susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease, which can severely cause painful back problems as well as resistance to mobility and sometimes cause paralysis. 

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