The working dogs that carry centuries of wisdom and unmatched strength have now become a beautiful part of families and households effortlessly. Their protective instincts that once guarded royal estates and valuable possessions have learned to keep your homes safe.
Their impressive builds and powerful demeanor help them fight against anything but life expectancy. They are massive and magnificent, but live a short life and mostly only reach ten. Within these few years, they redefine companionship with deep loyalty and make every moment worth living.
These Short Lifespan Working Dog Breeds bring the impact that’s long-lasting. What can you do for them? This guide will tell you the proper care suggestions for each breed.
Let’s meet these noble giants that make us live our entire lives with them within numbered years.
Short Lifespan Working Dog Breeds
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large dog breed with a tri-color, attractive coat that hails from Switzerland’s Bern region. These are the embodiment of serenity and courage that were bred to work alongside farmers in the Alps, pulling carts, herding in the freezing temperatures.
Living With Bernese
Today’s Bernese fit happily in modern living. They love being part of their owner’s routine. These honey-eyed dogs need room to breathe, stretch, and never-ending affection.
Despite their size, they stay graceful indoors and love to play with children. They carry a calm confidence that instantly makes everyone comfortable.
Bernese have a heartbreakingly short lifespan. As PetMD mentioned that the large dogs have a shorter lifespan due to their vulnerability towards multiple health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloating, or even cancer.
Average Lifespan: about 7 to 8 years.
Care Considerations
Keep their exercise moderate, like light walks, short runs, and playtime. They don’t do well in hot weather and suffer from overheating.
Train them with patience and gentleness. They wilt under harsh commands. Bathe them and brush their coat regularly to keep them neat and clean.
2. Great Dane
The towering frame and unmatched gentleness make the Great Dane the most distinctive and popular gentle giant. Their presence alone scares away intruders, but their softness wins everyone’s hearts. These dogs have evolved from hunters into house guardians.
Their roots trace back to Germany, where they were developed for boar-hunting. These powerful beasts were used as protection and a grand statement. Later, their loyalty makes them excellent family dogs.
Living with Dane
Great Danes are affectionate enough to lean against you as lap dogs despite being massive in size. They love to goof around and play with family members, including children. They thrive on human companionship and will follow you around like a bodyguard.
Their immense size makes them live short, putting tremendous weight on their heart and joints. They are prone to heart diseases, eye diseases as well.
Average Lifespan: 6 to 8 years
Care Considerations
Keep their diet balanced, smaller portions multiple times a day. They respond beautifully to calm leadership and consistency, so avoid aggression or loud tones.
Start their obedience training early when they are small in size. Pawlicy Advisor advised to keep an eye on them, they don’t jump and hurt their joints as they’re energetic dogs.
Make sure they have enough room and comfortable bedding to live, stretch, due to their large size.
3. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a strong, muscular, and composed crossbreed that was bred to protect estates under the cloak of night. They are incredibly intelligent and deeply loyal, ready to face any danger in times of need, as the AKC highlighted.
Living with a Bullmastiff
A house with moderate space and a fenced yard suits them perfectly. They are content with short walks, quiet companionship, and knowing their humans are nearby.
They are affectionate dogs, but their love is not showy. They won’t bounce off the walls or demand attention constantly.
Bullmastiff’s life expectancy is quite short. Their robust build gives rise to health issues like bloat, cardiac problems, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
Average Lifespan: Average 8 to 10 years
Care Considerations
Avoid intense physical activity in hot weather as they are prone to overheating. They thrive on structure, so give them a stable routine, clear leadership, and proper training.
Make sure they have a comfortable resting area near their family, as they dislike being alone outside and may develop separation anxiety.
4. Saint Bernerd
Tall yet tender, Saint Bernard was bred by monks in the Alps to endure the cold, navigate deep snow, and rescue lost travellers buried during blizzards. Soon, these dogs became the living miracle of the mountains.
Living with Bernard
This dog is the true definition of “family protectors”. Their presence and patience calm every room they step in and make every child comfortable. They are socialable without being clingy, protective without being overbearing.
They are actually calm indoors and would love to nap for hours. However, daily walks and gentle play are essential to keep their bodies and minds active.
Saint Bernard lives a fleeting life due to their heavy weight and size, suffering from multiple health hazards. As long as they live, they make every moment count.
Average Lifespan: About 8 to 10 years.
Care Considerations
Avoid overfeeding them to keep them lean and prevent stress on joints. These dogs are ideal for cold climates due to their heritage. Keep their exercise limited in warm climates.
Isolation does not suit them, so keep them in touch. They are happiest dogs when given a job. Remember, they are emotionally sensitive, so their training should be gentle, firm, and positive.
5. Leonberger
The Leonberger was bred to have a dog that resembles a lion and possesses noble strength. These dogs proved themselves by working hard on farms, rescue missions, and even wartime service. They used to pull carts, carrying supplies, and comforting soldiers.
Living with a Leonberger
Their temperament is calm, affectionate, and adaptable. This makes them ultimate family working dogs. They also have a delightful sense of humor. They are playful when the moment is light and protective when it’s needed.
Like other large dogs, Leonbergers’ beauty and size are only for a short time span. They leave behind their swimming legacy, companionship, seamless harmony of strength and soul.
Average Lifespan: about 7 to 9 years
Care Considerations
These dogs need emotional support. They stay happy and healthy when part of the household routine. They respond well to gentle consistency due to their eagerness to please and intuitive instincts.
Purina highlighted that long walks and swimming are ideal for them, as they are excellent swimmers due to their webbed feet.
6. Dogue de bordeaux
Dogue De Bordeaux represented the ancient Roman arena. Bred to guard estates, pull carts, and even accompany butchers, these dogs were working-class heroes long before they were found out. They have been winning hearts and fields with strength and quiet devotion.
Living with Dogue De Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal and sensitive soul behind their colossal frame. They are loving souls. Just give them a comfortable couch near you, and they will be happy. They are protective of their loved ones. For strangers, they set boundaries.
Dogue de Bordeaux, with such a gentle heart, has a short life, as it is also prone to heart and joint disorders.
Average Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Care Considerations
These dogs don’t fit into apartments easily. They are comfortable in roomy houses or villas. Make sure these dogs stay neat. Clean facial folds prevent infection.
Steady walks, light exercise, and human connection make their lives graceful and active.
7. Rottweiler
The perfect mix of mind and muscle, the Rottweiler was known to be herding cattle and guarding traders’ money. Their loyalty and strong sense of duty make them wonderful guard dogs. Even today, their precision, protection, and partnership are reflected in households.
Living with a Rottweiler
Rottweilers are disciplined dogs with gentle hearts. They don’t bark and act only when necessary. These dogs are affectionate, loving, and naturally protective of their family members, as Omlet mentioned.
They stay active in environments where they’re mentally and physically stimulated. Obedience training, scent work, agility drills, and even swimming work well for them.
These dogs live a short life, but a well-cared Rottweiler may surpass their life expectancy mark. They live longer when their energy is channeled correctly.
Average Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Care Considerations
Take their early health screening seriously to detect health issues. Train them with patience and never aggression. Make sure their diet contains high-protein, joint-support, and heart-healthy nutrients.
Conclusion
The Short Lifespan Working Dog Breeds may not be here for the longest time, but their memories, quirks, and pure joy leave a mark. They served for centuries and proved their resilience, strength, loyalty, and incredible sense of duty.
They adapt beautifully to family life. They protect, heal hearts, and provide in exchange for endless affection and proper care.
Sharing your life with them is a privilege because they teach you what love without conditions and guarded without fear feels like.
