Imagine waking up one day happily, but then seeing your adorable fur baby’s life expectancy on the internet to find out it isn’t gonna live as long as you thought it would. Feels like your heart just dropped in the pit of your stomach, doesn’t it, like a sense of impending doom is looming over your head.
Ah! We wish you had read about this brutal reality much earlier, before you got attached or even picked your favorite pooch from an animal rescue or local animal shelter.
But now that you know how short-lived these majestic canines are. We’ll be honest, they are like a ticking time bomb, one wrong move, and they won’t explode but rather dissipate in the air like Thanos. And no human, it isn’t funny; we aren’t joking in the least. These big beasts come with extremely short lifespans.
Hence, you’d better think of a bazillion ways to make the most of your time on this planet together, or you’ll regret it for the entirety of your lifetime.
Dog Breeds Known for Their Shorter Lifespans
1. Great Dane
We all wish that our best friends and closest confidants live longer, happier lives. But when it comes to this Deutsch doggen, it sprints through life like it’s a 100-yard dash, gone too soon but very unforgettable.
The Great Dane owns the biggest heart, yet comes with the shortest of clocks, which tends to run too fast. Having this magnificently humongous pup in a home is highly rewarding. But sadly, just as you gain giant love from this pup, you are also going to face a giant loss.
These Great Danes are larger than life and a sturdy yet elegantly built breed with a low-key personality that captures attention wherever they go. They are a whole lot daunting due to their magnanimous size, but are true blue sweethearts and sugar muffins on the side. Loved for their calm, patient, and tolerant temperament and an easy-to-train nature.
But if you do not like to say goodbye or cannot bear one heartbreak after another, don’t get these big dogs that age rapidly compared to their smaller counterparts due to the strain their big bodies endure.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Buckle up to cherish every single moment with this Berner, or you might woefully regret losing this stunning, tri-colored sennenhund, which is the perfect family dog and canine friend that can take some weight off your shoulders and effortlessly turn your frown upside down.
Did you know? Scientific research reveals that the bodies of larger dogs experience much more rapid body development and less cell repair. Which contributes to increased cellular stress and reduced defenses against serious health conditions like cancer.
These Berners are highly susceptible to a myriad of other health concerns, like Von Willebrand Disease, Gastric torsion, Gastric dilation volvulus, hip dysplasia, etc.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are good-natured, fun-loving dogs that live for weekend getaways and sprints outside. Have a love for cold weather, snowy mountain tops, and conquering challenging hiking trails. Hence, if you adopt this adorable pooch, be prepared to see it dashing towards the door as soon as you mention the great outdoors, call its name.
Radiating friendliness and equipped with a boatload of energy, these pups don’t like to get bored, and from their big smiles to their animated yet playful brown eyes and fluffy wagging tails, the Berners always want to make you happy.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Do you want an extra-large helping of love, affection, kindness, and loyalty? And have an extra-large throne-like sofa at your home that isn’t getting enough use? Or need a sidekick and devoted bestie with the vibes of Chewbacca, then this Irish dog will be the best thing for you.
These dogs are the tallest, most scraggly pooches who can see eye-to-eye and almost match your height when standing on their hind legs. Now, these Irish dogs might get preoccupied or lost in their own dream world. But they are the calmest, friendliest pups who’ll prove to be great lifelong best friends for you.
Because these big-hearted softies will spend not just the better part of their life for you, they’ll spend the entirety of their lifespan reassuring, comforting, and supporting you through your highs and lows, accidents and celebrations.
But yes, it’s true that despite their devotion, an Irish Wolfhound’s hunting instincts can sometimes kick in, which will lead your handsome pooch to indulge in running, counter surfing, napping, and watching and chasing squirrels.
Hence, you’ll have to keep in mind that these pooches are true blue sighthounds and are the reason behind the extinction of wolves on Irish soil. It’s better to keep these majesties as an individual dog rather than keeping your head in the clouds and bringing them a skittish and meowing feline sibling.
P.S. Science says large breeds are more susceptible to an array of medical problems at a younger age than smaller dog breeds, which is unfortunately true for these beautiful dogs too, as they are prone to health risks like cancer (like osteosarcoma, aka bone cancer), gastric dilation volvulus, heart disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, and many more issues.
4. Mastiff
These Mastiffs are like the giants or the ogres in a fairy tale, trying to convince everyone that, despite their bear-like size and enough drool to fill a river basin, they are truly good-hearted and lovely princes from another realm or planet.
But hey, if you are a big fan of Shrek and can overlook the adorable quirks of this mighty giant breed, then you can have a pooch with a courageous soul, a loyal mindset, and enough faithfulness that will bring tears to your eyes.
Sure, this dog has a big frame, large head, soft ears, and an expressive wrinkled face, yet it moves slowly but with purpose and isn’t as intense as it seems overwhelming. But it is a calm soul with a kind heart that gets along with children and is truly a low-key dog with a ton of patience and serenity.
Orvis says these English Mastiffs come with moderate exercise needs and a coat that’s easy to brush, which also makes them lower maintenance than other dogs. Health-wise, they are prone to cardiac issues, bloat, cancer, skin problems, eye issues, respiratory problems, and ear infections.
But it wouldn’t be wrong to say that these dignified puppies are a true example of higher risk, higher rewards.
5. Saint Bernard
Meet intimidating on the first glance, yet a mellow sidekick, with a cuddly appearance, the next kind of puppy. Hailing from the St. Bernard Pass. This outgoing and social hero loves everyone and was actually born to spread happiness, cheer, coziness, warmth, and life on this planet.
Coming from a long line of devoted and selfless rescuers, this ever-present pup with soulful eyes and a calming touch attracts attention wherever it goes is an extremely affable and patient pup who might take up a lot of space in your home and on your couch, but cut some slack.
As this dog will also become the reason for you to gain genuine connections and friends cause that’s how awesome it is. Equipped with a big, fluffy coat, floppy ears, intelligent eyes, and an alert yet gentle nature, these dogs are for those moderately to highly busy people that can only take some time out on the weekends.
Because these Saint Bernards love short adventures and love to spend time outdoors, like a quiet nature hike in cool weather, or a visit to the dog park, or the airport, where they can meet a whole lot of interesting people.
Health issues-wise, they are prone to breed-specific diseases like heart diseases, arthritis, entropion, bone cancer, hip dysplasia, eye abnormalities, etc.
6. Newfoundland
This exceptional swimmer and lifesaving rescuer looks like a huge black gorilla, but is a naturally protective and lovable pooch that forms strong bonds with pet parents and children. Incredibly sweet and gentle, meeting a Newfoundland will be a serendipitous moment in your life that you won’t ever forget.
Because these puppies are healers and rescuers wrapped in some Dark or Landseer coats, however, no matter how amazing these pups are, they are also unfortunately not bestowed with the longest average lifespan, but rather only a decade or less on this earth, that too if you can take good care of them.
According to the AKC predisposed to many health issues and scares like dilated cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, GDV, hip and elbow dysplasia. These dogs will leave a giant hole in your heart the moment they disappear from your lives. But just as Lady Danbury said, “It’s better live, love, and lose, rather than never experience love at all.”
Hence if you want a great nanny dog at home, are just teaching your kids to swim and float, have teenagers who have mermaid dreams, who love surfing and often transform your home into a very wet and muddy zone or are just buried in countless trials and tribulations then get this huge canine, that will not only help with some much needed dramatic water rescues.
But also, in keeping your kids and yourself disciplined and well taken care of.
7. Rottweiler
Robust, energetic, clever, and emotionally complex cuties, aka Rotties, are the perfect bodyguards for your heart and home. Just don’t misjudge them for their dangerous reputation or looks, and listen in first, and you’ll gain a strong, smart, and good cop in your home with a sensitive side, big heart, and expressive bat eyes.
(Oh yeah! You are not going to get attacked by them but rather be enthralled by their self-knowledge awareness and flirtatious looks thrown at you casually, time to time. Ahem Ahem! Be prepared to fall madly for them just like Viscount Bridgerton, aka Anthony, did for Kate.
Cause they might seem tough at first glance and a whole lot intimidating, but these high-energy pups with an impressive legacy, working with Roman legions in ancient times. Are they true diamonds in the rough, or more like diamonds that look rough?
Built dark, muscular, and handsome, and equipped with almond-shaped eyes. These bright, easy to train, and eager to please, easygoing pups will soon become the object of all your desires, and all you need to do is pull up some socks and get them socialized and trained from the very beginning, and that’s it. You will be the proud owners of a lifelong bestie and BFF in no time.
P.S. Unfortunately, this goofy, affectionate, and playful canine that is great with kids is prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), elbow dysplasia, cancer, and eye diseases that will take it away from you way too soon.
8. Leonberger
Known as the best of both worlds, on one hand powerful and intimidating, and on the other sweet, loving, and gentle. These Leos are admired for their lion-like appearance, adventurous spirit, and friendly demeanor.
They are one of those pooches who will eagerly play with you all day and jump in the backseat of your car enthusiastically before you even check the weather app for rain. Speaking of which, rain-schmain, they are covered in water-resistant coats, hence a little wet weather won’t dampen their day.
Originally bred for the most interesting purpose, which is to mimic the look of the king of the jungle, and developed by Heinrich Essig, a politician, by crossbreeding the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and the Great Pyrenees, this working dog is a unique beauty that will turn your household into a place of joy and comfort.
PetMD states very loyal and sensitive to your mood. They are perceptive, and if you need a hug, they’ll likely want one too. Not too independent nor stubborn, they own the best traits from all their ancestors, which are gentleness, protective instincts, rescuing tendencies, courage, and friendliness to the extreme.
P.S. Sadly, these canines also don’t live very long and are predisposed to having several health challenges like cancers, joint issues, etc.
9. Scottish Deerhound
The first time you look at this puppy in the dark, we’ll be honest, you’ll be scared or downright terrified, just like Harry Potter. Because, well, indeed, it isn’t the fluffiest, cutest dog out there. But wait until you meet the real pup.
Soft, sweet, and extremely endearing, just like Sirius Black, quick to stand alert when they sense something out of place, like the dark lords, Death Eaters, or friends missing. These dogs are loyal to the bone, and dog owners cherish their Scottish Deerhounds for their impressive hunting prowess and affectionate nature.
These dogs don’t just have a rich history of living among nobility, but also remarkable characteristics and striking coat patterns, and a sturdy physique gained them the title of the Royal dog of Scotland. They were once an exclusive property of nobility and a prized hunter of the Giant red Scottish stag.
But nowadays, grace our homes with their rugged appearances and people-loving demeanors. Also susceptible to significant health problems like musculoskeletal problems, certain cancers, joint problems, and heart diseases, these pups also stand among breeds with the shortest lifespan.
However, they also fit the large frames and large heart profile effortlessly. Just make sure they get daily exercise, dental care, and vet checkups for keeping their massive frame healthy and happy.
Conclusion
After all the heartbreaking moments and bad news, we must tell you that you need to lose hope. As advances in science and technology in modern times have brought forward ways of keeping our precious pooches closer to us for an extended time.
Yes, you heard that right, there are things like cloning of dogs and even a first-of-its-kind, lifespan drug for dogs in works by a bio-tech firm in San Francisco to help our canine friends stick around much longer. This drug is presumed to play a big role in extending our four-legged bestie’s longevity.
But until this tantalizing aspect is available, you can also play a big part in helping your confidant achieve a longer life expectancy. By feeding them a healthy, balanced diet, prioritizing exercise, mental and physical stimulation, and scheduling regular vet visits. Protecting their teeth, keeping their minds active, and knowing their breed’s health problems beforehand.
Consider pet health insurance from a credible insurance agency and try your level best to make their few years on earth worthwhile by keeping them emotionally balanced and happy.
Some other breeds with the shortest lifespan also include Dogue de Bordeaux, American Bulldog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Cavalier king Charles Spaniels, and French Bulldogs.
