The cruelest trick of nature is that discrepancy between a human and a dog’s life span. Proper care and love can make a difference in your dog’s health and how long they’re with you. Still, there’s only so much we can do.
Certain breeds tend to have shorter than average life spans for a dog. Sometimes it’s health conditions that run in the breed. Certain large dog breeds also live shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. These 10 breeds, on average, have the shortest life spans.
#1 – Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeauxs, or French Mastiffs, are perhaps the shortest living dog breed in existence with a life expectancy of 5-8 years. What they lack in longevity, however, they make up for in their wonderful temperaments and easy care.
#2 – Great Dane
Great Danes are one of the most popular large breeds around, and it’s unfortunate they’re one of the shortest living dog breeds with a life span of only 6-8 years. Although the time spent with them may be shorter, these dogs are wonderful companions until the very end.
#3 – Bernese Mountain Dog
Another excellent companion that excels in the colder weather, Bernese Mountain Dogs resemble small bears. They have great temperaments and are devoted to their families. Like the Great Dane, however, the average life expectancy for this breed is 6-8 years.
#4 – Irish Wolfhound
Considered to be the largest breed of dog by height, the Irish Wolfhound really is huge. Sadly this prehistoric-looking breed is among the shortest living dog breeds with a life span of 6-10 years.
#5 – Neapolitan Mastiff
This breed might win the award for the wrinkliest of dogs. The Neapolitan Mastiff is an Italian Mastiff with an average life expectancy of 7-9 years.
#6 – Leonberger
Leonbergers almost resemble mythical creatures or fluffy lions. Originating from Leonberg, Germany, it is said that this breed was actually created to resemble the lion on the town crest. The average life span is 8-9 years.
#7 – Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are wonderful family companions and excel in colder climates. This breed comes from Newfoundland, Canada and has a life expectancy of 8-10 years.
#8 – Saint Bernard
Beethoven made the Saint Bernard a popular large breed, and they make great family companions. Unfortunately, they have a shorter life expectancy of 8-10 years.
#9 – Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds resemble their Irish Wolfhound cousins, but they are a very different breed. They are excellent lure coursing dogs, as they were bred to hunt deer by running. The average life span for Scottish Deerhounds is 8-10 years.
#10 – Bloodhound
Perhaps a favorite of those who enjoy tracking and search & rescue, Bloodhounds are excellent when it comes to using their noses. These large dogs have a life expectancy of 9-11 years.
Toledo, United States.
