Dog Breeds with Short Lifespans

Choosing which breed of dog to share your home and life with is always an exciting process. You’ll weigh factors such as size, temperament, grooming needs, and activity level, but what about life span?

Larger animals in the wild tend to encounter fewer predators, and as such they usually live longer than smaller creatures. Man’s best friend rarely has to worry about predators, but interestingly, larger dogs tend to have significant shorter life spans than smaller dogs. The smallest dog breeds, such as the Chihuahua, can keep their human caretakers company for 17 years or more, while the largest canines typically live only half as long, or less.

While sources vary on the exact order of dog breeds with the shortest life spans, all name Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, and a variety of Mastiffs at the top. These large breed dogs typically live from six to nine years.

Anyone who has ever had a large breed puppy knows how quickly they seem to transform from being tiny balls of fluff to adults. Large purebred dogs are often bred from a limited gene pool, which can result in significant health issues and shorter life spans. Due to their inbreeding, breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog are more prone to suffering from malignant forms of cancer such as histiocytosis, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma.

Although not in the top 10, one smaller breed dog is also known for having an average life expectancy of less than a decade. The English Bulldog was the forth-most popular dog in the United States in 2014, but the breed is prone to a variety of congenital health issues. English Bulldogs aren’t fond of much physical activity and their stubby snouts can lead to breathing problems. They are plagued by respiratory and cardiac diseases, hip dysplasia and skin infections due to their signature wrinkled skin.

As a pet owner of an English Bulldog, Mastiff, Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Bloodhound, or other larger-than-average breed, there are steps you can take to extend the time you’ll share with your furry friend. Spaying or neutering is often believed to reduce the risk of some cancers, and providing your pooch with a proper, nutritious diet and exercise is particularly beneficial.

If you own a large breed dog and have questions about his or her health, call or visit Mandarin Animal Hospital today. Your veterinarian has the information that you need in order to keep your large dog happy and healthy throughout his entire life.