Whether you own a dog or are thinking about getting one, it’s important to understand the life expectancy of the breed you’re interested in. After all, we love our dogs and want them to live as long, healthy lives as possible.
However, the sad truth is that certain breeds are only with us for a fraction of the time compared to others.
If youâre interested in learning which dog breeds have the shortest lifespan, youâve come to the right place.
What Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespan?
Dogs typically have a lifespan of 10-14 years, though this can vary widely depending on the dogâs breed and other factors. Generally speaking, larger dog breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dog breeds due to the fact that they age faster. They’re perfect for pet health care plans, which they can greatly benefit from,
Let’s take a deeper look at each of the dog breeds with the shortest lifespans to see what makes them so.
French Mastiff
- Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
The Dogue de Bordeaux, known internationally as the French Mastiff, is the breed with the lowest longevity on this list, surviving only five to eight years.
The breed is known to have a tough start in life, with a greater stillbirth rate than most other dogs and a stunning 27% giving delivery by C-section.
English Bulldog
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
The English bulldog, one of the few medium-sized canines on our list, has an average lifetime of eight to ten years.
English bulldogs have several health issues that are directly related to how they were bred.
According to the Royal Veterinary College, brachycephalic dogs suffer shorter lives due to an increased risk of respiratory issues, skin fold infections, and spinal illness.
Rottweiler
- Life Expectancy: 9-10 Years
Rottweilers have a terrible reputation for being ferocious dogs, but with appropriate training and socialization, they can be affectionate companions.
Ensure to get your Rottweiler vaccinated as soon as possible because the breed is more vulnerable to parvovirus than others. This infectious and frequently deadly disease affects the intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
Great Dane
- Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
These gentle giants sadly don’t live long, with a typical lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Bloat, a potentially fatal illness in which the dog’s stomach twists and shuts off blood flow to other organs, is the breed’s biggest health risk.
Newfoundland
- Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Newfoundlands may weigh up to 150 pounds and have a shoulder height of 28 inches. Despite their size, they are a docile breed that is well-suited to children. These canines possess a short, rigid coat in hues of brown, white, and black that may also appear with distinctive black-and-white markings. Their toes are partially webbed, which makes them adept swimmers.
Conclusion
The fact is that no matter how long they are anticipated to live, all dogs need love, care, and a happy family atmosphere. The dogs on this list are among the world’s shortest-living breeds. But, they’re just as loving, caring, and attentive as any other breed and require excellent homes.
If you’re looking for more information on dog breeds, health, care, and nutrition, be sure to visit the PetFitness blog.
