Dogs With the Shortest Lifespans

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There’s an old adage that says dogs are man’s best friend. Man’s best friend, the dog, has been by his side for millennia. Dogs are the most common pet in America. Of the approximately 90.5 million homes that have a pet, approximately 69 million have a dog. (These were the most popular dogs in America.)

Sadly, dogs do not live as long as humans do. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise can extend and improve a dog’s life. It’s a sad fact that some dog breeds simply outlive others, and that this disparity is largely attributable to genetics.

The lifespan of large-breed dogs is typically shorter than that of small-breed dogs. Nearly half of the dog breeds with the shortest life expectancy are over 100 pounds in size, particularly the males. (females usually weigh between 10 and 20 pounds less). Additionally, the average height and weight of a dog with a short lifespan is very high. Most are over 25 inches at the shoulder, and some are even taller when standing on their hind legs than their human owner.

#15 That’s some good chow

> Life expectancy: 8-12 years
> Current popularity rank: 92 out of 199
> Height: 17-20 inches
> Weight: 45-70 pounds

The chow chow is not a high-energy breed and thus belongs to the AKC’s Non-Sporting Group. It appears solemn due to the depth of its eyes. Color options include red, black, and blue. The chow chow and the Chinese shar-pei are the only two AKC-recognized breeds with a blue-black tongue.

#14 An Oriental shar-pei

> Life expectancy: 8-12 years
> Current popularity rank: 68 out of 199
> Height: 18-20 inches
> Weight: 45-60 pounds

Shar-peis are easily recognizable due to their rough coat and wrinkly folds of skin. They need to be trained from a young age because despite their intelligence they are very stubborn. Sadly, shar-pei are predisposed to a wide variety of health issues, such as allergic skin disease, eye disorders, and bone and joint issues.

#13 Scottish deer dog

> Life expectancy: 8-11 years
> Current popularity rank: 155 out of 199
> Height: 28-32 inches
> Weight: 75-110 pounds

This ancient and refined breed was once the exclusive property of nobility and dignitaries. Even among large dog breeds with shorter lifespans, the Scottish deerhound stands out for its massive size.

#12 Swiss Mountain Dog, or Greater

> Life expectancy: 8-11 years
> Current popularity rank: 83 out of 199
> Height: 24-29 inches
> Weight: 85-140 pounds

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1995, despite being descended from war dogs brought across the Alps by Julius Caesar’s armies. It’s a big, strong dog that gets the job done. Regular exercise is necessary, but it struggles in warm temperatures.

#11 Bulldog

> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Current popularity rank: 6 out of 199
> Height: 14-15 inches
> Weight: 40-50 pounds

Despite its obvious resemblance to British icon Winston Churchill, the bulldog has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Friendly and mild-mannered, despite what its name might suggest.

#10 Broholmer

> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Current popularity rank: out of 199
> Height: 26-30 inches
> Weight: 90-150 pounds

The Broholmer can also be called the Danish mastiff due to its country of origin. In 2009, a couple brought the first Broholmer to the United States from Europe.

#9 Flat-coated Retriever

> Life expectancy: 8-10 years
> Current popularity rank: 103 out of 199
> Height: 22-25 inches
> Weight: 60-70 pounds

The American Kennel Club officially recognizes six types of retrievers, one of which is the flat-coated retriever. In the middle of the nineteenth century, this breed was developed in Britain, where it gained widespread popularity as the “gamekeeper’s dog” on large estates. In addition to its shiny coat, this breed stands out from the rest of the retrievers because of its unusually long head.

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7 thoughts on “Dogs With the Shortest Lifespans”

    • I believe up to 15 years even though mine lived to be almost 18. I opted to let him pass peacefully at home catering to his every need than euthanasia. But food, vitamins, and a good vet make the most difference once they reach 15+ I could go on forever! I miss my boy! But enjoy that high energy once it leaves it doesn’t come back! (dasequin vitamins from the vet maximum strength worked like a charm once his joints started weakening!)

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    • The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of dog that emerged in England from early types of herding dog. Obsolete names for the breed include Shepherd’s Dog[1] and bob-tailed sheep-dog.[2] The nickname Bob-tail (or Bobtail) originates from how dogs of the breed traditionally had their tails docked. Old English Sheepdogs can grow very long coats with fur covering the face and eyes and do not shed unless brushed.

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