TOP 10 Dog Breeds with the Shortest Lifespan

Generally, larger animals like elephants live longer than small animals like mice. But that is not the case with dogs. Larger dog breeds have much shorter lifespan than small dogs. Average life span of all dogs is between 12-13 years. But all the ten dogs in this list have lifespan shorter than 10 years. We actually do not know, why large dogs have such a short lives. There is a possible explonation, that they have a significantly shorter lifespan simply due to the fact that their bodies have to work extra hard to maintain that giant posture. For example, their heart must make bigger pumps to fill the whole body with blood. Large dogs often times have problems with heart and joints. You must be prepared for it when getting giant dog breed.

The most popular dog from this list is Rottweiler. And they are one of the most popular dogs of all breeds despite their short life span which is around 9 – 10 years. Rottweilers are not only used as companion dogs, but also as by police, customs and armies all around the world, but mostly in Germany, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark.

Giant Bullmastiff is pretty low active dog breed that adapts greatly to most home environments. But due to its large size, they most often live in houses with yards. Their average lifespan is 9 years. Bullmastiffs are very strong and powerful dogs that make great guards.

Everyone knows the Great Danes. Next to the Irish Wolfhound, this is one of the two largest breeds in the world. Great Dane named Zeus is actually Guiness World Record holder as a tallest dog in the world. These sweet and loyal companions have very short lives – between 8 – 9 years.

Mastiffs looks menacing and terrifying due to their enormous size, but they are very good natured and docile dogs. This is one of the heaviest dog in the world, sometimes they can weigh up to 220 pounds. Unfortunately, his very large size may contribute to his shorter lifespan.

Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff is probably the dog with shortest life span – between 5 to 8 years. If you have 8 years old Dogue de Bordeaux you are very lucky, its pretty unusual that they live that long. But in the short time they have on this world, they are most of the time very loving, easy to maintain and loyal companions.