10 dog breeds with the shortest lifespans

If it were up to us our beloved pet dogs would live as long as we do, but sadly that’s not the case.

Though the average lifespan of dogs is 10 to 13 years some breeds have much shorter lives.

As owners we can give breeds with lower longevity their best shot at a long life by keeping them as healthy and happy as possible.

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Here are the 10 dog breeds with the shortest lifespans:

Bulldogs: 8 to 10 years

A very popular breed, bulldogs have lots of health concerns because of their brachycephalic faces. This means breathing issues, overheating, skin problems and hip dysplasia and potential lifelong health care.

Saint Bernards: 8 to 10 years

Made famous by the 1992 film Beethoven, Saint Bernards are calm dogs but as a pure breed they are prone to health issues. Health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and heart disease, but they can be kept healthy with a balanced diet, weight management and encouraging slow eating to prevent bloat.

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Newfoundlands: 8 to 10 years

They are one of the largest dog breeds in the world and because of their size their lifespan is on the shorter side. Health problems typical in Newfoundlands are bloat, heart disease, bone cancer, and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Flat-coated retrievers: 8 to 10 years

Leaner with longer heads than golden retrievers and Labradors with black, flat-lying coats , flat-coated retrievers are a happy breed. They are prone to hip problems, soft tissue cancers, glaucoma and bloat.

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Bernese mountain dog: 7 to 10 years

While some breed guides have this dog’s lifespan at six to eight years, most cite seven to 10 years as the average. This is because of their large size and health concerns like bloat, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cancer.

Neapolitan mastiffs: 7 to 9 years

Mastiffs generally have shorter lifespans but the Neapolitan mastiff is one of the longer living ones. The lower lifespan can be put down to their size – they weigh an average of 68kg and can reach 70 to 77cm in height – and health problems such as heart disease, bloat and hip dysplasia.

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Bullmastiff: 7 to 9 years

Like its Neopolitan friend, the bullmastiff has a similarly short lifespan due to its large size and health issues like heart disease, hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat and lymphoma.

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Great Dane: 7 to 10 years

Another large breed dog with a short lifespan, some Great Danes only reach six or seven years, while others can live to 12. They can be prone to heart disease, bloat, joint and bone disease and thyroid problems but keep them healthy and you’ll give them their best shot at a longer life.

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Irish wolfhound: 6 to 8 years

At 47 to 54 kg and reaching up to 81cm tall, Irish wolfhounds’ size means they have a shorter lifespan, like many of the breeds on this list. The friendly dog is prone to bloat, heart disease, bone cancer, liver shunt and hip and elbow dysplasia.

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Dogue de Bordeaux: 5 to 8 years

The French mastiff can live between 10 and 12 years but many are known to pass away at just five years of age. This is because of their size, shape and health problems including heart disease, skin allergies, epilepsy and eye problems.

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What to know about canine lifespan?

A breed’s lifespan is the average range they are known to live up to but there are many factors involved with how old a dog lives to. 

So while larger dogs and pure breeds tend to have shorter lifespans, the right diet, exercise, healthcare and being in a safe and happy environment can all help your dog not only live as long as possible, but age well.

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