The selection of a dog breed is not always a rational process, but it is emotional. One glance, a wagging tail, or quiet company can make one feel that he/she has found his/her friend. Love should not, however, be the sole reason behind the decision to adopt a dog.
Certain breeds of dogs, particularly large breeds and mixed breed dogs, are known to be characterized by an unfortunate short lifespan, as some of them live half as long as smaller dog breeds. Knowing this fact before taking a senior dog home is not a negative aspect, but an adult one.
Short-lived dog breeds do not make lesser companions. Actually, most of the older dogs are the most faithful, tender, and emotive, intuitive dogs in the world.
The fact is, though, that despite not having a longer lifespan on earth, they tend to have increased veterinary care, emotional strain, and early loss is inevitable compared to small breeds.
This blog features examples of seven dog breeds whose life expectancy is short, and what would-be owners ought to prudently consider before undertaking a long-term commitment that would be risky rather than fulfilling.
Dog Breeds with Sadly Short Lives: What to Consider
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Average lifespan: 6-8 years
Bernese Mountain Dog is a beloved foster dog due to a temperate nature, expressive eyes, and strong loyalty to the famil belonging to the rescue group of dogs. It is also among the shortest lived breeds of dogs. This dog breed is genetically preconditioned with various aggressive cancers, especially histiocytic sarcoma which can be due to its weight as well.
The Tragedy That Made The Beauty
Even when disease sets in, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be playful and loving, and thus losing them is so hard for their owners. Cancer is the number one cause of most early deaths in this breed according to VCA animal hospitals. People have to be emotionally ready to provide intensive care for this breed’s good health and be ready for a potential farewell that may come too soon.
2. Saint Bernard
Average lifespan: 8-10 years
Saint Bernards dogs were originally bred to be tracking and rescue dogs and are known to have a kind reputation. Generally, their size is the main factor that leads to their premature death. Their rate of growth has an excessive burden on their heart problems, joints, and bones and usually results in an orthopedic and cardiac problem.
Health Issues Of A Gentle Kind
Saint Bernard dogs are sensitive emotionally and highly attached dogs as well, though they are strong. According to vet sources such as the AKC, bload, hip dysplasia and heart disease are widespread. Like some other breeds, they are good family dogs because of their peaceful nature.
3. Great Dane
Average lifespan: 7-10 years
The Great Dane is often referred to as the Apollo of dogs due to its elegant nature, love and strong attachment with its pet parents. It is regrettable that it is also among the most popular specimens of a breed that has an extremely short life course and lives to only seven to ten years old.
Living Fast, Loving Hard
This dog breed matures fast and would be susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion (bloat), which are both fatal. As reported by ASPCA, despite the great care, a member of this breed club fails to make it to their tenth birthday making their loss particularly difficult to handle for their humans.
4. Irish Wolfhound
Average lifespan: 6-8 years
Irish Wolfhound dogs are very dignified but very loyal animals. Their enormous size and speedy development has left an unparalleled legacy on lifespan that was historically developed to hunt wolves and other stray animals.
A Calm Soul With Borrowed Time
Irish Wolfhounds are also vulnerable to bone cancer and heart disease which is large found in the literature of veterinary experts like Britannica. This little guy’s temper is usually very mild and consistent until they are very old, and so their deterioration may sound abrupt and alarming to their pet parents.
5. Rottweiler
Average lifespan: 8-10 years
The Rottweiler dog is a very strong, confident and extremely loyal breed that is misunderstood. They normally live longer than giant breeds although they still belong to the category of dogs that live comparatively short because of their genetic health problems, some of which are caused by consuming certai food types.
Power Does Not Mean Lastingness
Osteosarcoma and joint diseases are very common in Rottweilers. Pawlicy Advisor claims that cancer is among the major causes of premature death amongst this breed. They are very protective and sentimental to their pet parents, making loss particularly challenging. Dog owners have to be very carefully of what these pets eat and need to stay vigilant about their grooming needs too.
6. Bullmastiff
Average lifespan: 7-9 years
Bullmastiff is a guarding breed, calm and protective, which was created to guard the estate. Its sturdy construction and reduction in the muzzle length are factors that lead to respiratory and joint complications that usually reduce its life expectancy.
Quiet Loyalty, Shorter Years than Many Older Dogs
Bullmastiffs have been known to have deep and silent attachments as opposed to the expression of affection. Heart disease and cancer are some of the issues raised by many authentic veterinary sources across the world.
The low-energy lifestyles allow them to hide the health issues until they become advanced. After adoption, special care needs to be given to their meals and other day to day requirements like keeping their litter clean at all times.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux
Average lifespan: 5-8 years
Dogue do Bordeaux dogs have among the shortlest life of any purebred dogs. The large size of its head, brachycephelic form and genetic heart disorders have a significant influence on longevity. Many of these dogs have died after living only for 5 to 6 years which is very heartbreaking!
Intense Love, Limited Life Expectancy
It is an emotional breed and very attached, which tends to follow its pet parents everywhere. Based on veterinary experiences posted by many pet journals, the common causes of premature death are heart failure and respiratory complications. Their owners frequently say that it is worth loving a dog who will return a lifetime and quality of devotion within a few years.
Conclusion
There is no erroneous attempt in loving a dog with a short life and it is an emotional choice that is willful. These breeds provide unmatched companionship, loyalty and presence whereby a lifetime of love is sometimes condensed into a short span of years.
However, that love is a burden; financial availability to health care and exercise; emotional readiness to early loss and a promise of providing them with the best life they can have here on the planet.
In case you are thinking of having one of such dog breeds, take your time to think not only of how they would fit into your life but also how you are going to cope with life without them at a very young age than you had expected. Even a short lifespan so thoughtfully and carefully chosen can be completed.
