Who does not have the desire to live long and healthy? Humans love their canine companions and always want them for their entire duration of life. They share emotional moments with furry friends and want to make the bond stronger and longer. Sharing unconditional affection and lifetime memories makes humans expect longevity for their dog breeds.
The average dog’s lifespan is around 8 to 10 years, which is heartbreakingly shorter than that of humans. Predisposition to certain health issues and genes play an important role in the lifespan of a dog. A research study shows that brachycephalic dogs tend to have a 40% shorter lifespan compared to other breeds.
Before becoming a pet parent of a dog, you must know the life expectancy of the dog breeds, preparing yourself for the inevitable goodbye. Prospective dog owners with this realistic approach can ensure a happy, healthy, and satisfied life for their dogs, even in a limited time frame.
Very Short-Lived Dog Breeds That Live Free
1. Mastiff
Gigantic Mastiff has black face and ears with short tan fur. These giant breeds can grow up to 230 pounds. They live between 6 and 10 years and are prone to many health problems. Breeders are cautious of bone cancer, arthritis, and heart diseases, which are more serious conditions in Mastiffs.
They are formidable protectors for their loved ones. Mastiff holds an aura of dignity and docility. Broad-headed Mastiffs with muscular appearance and wrinkled foreheads bring out alert but kind expressions. These companions are lovable and patient.
Before opting for a mastiff from the breeder, one should screen it for major health conditions. According to PetMD, their weight and rapid growth make them more vulnerable to a shorter lifespan.
Mastiffs may have a good life expectancy with the introduction of daily exercise and a balanced diet tailored with essential ingredients.
2. Cane Corso
This large-statured and loyal-natured friend is also known as the Italian Mastiff. “Cane Corso” is derived from the Latin, meaning bodyguard dog. These large-headed, expressive-faced dogs tip the scales at 100 pounds or even more. Time has tested them as good watchdogs.
The life of a Cane Corso ranges between 9 and 12 years. It is believed that the vital years of this breed also depend upon its coat colour. A study showed that black brindle and brindle Cane Corsos may have a longer life expectancy (more than 10 years) than dogs of other coat colours.
Generally, good breeding practices develop healthy Cane Corsos. However, these vocal pups are more prone to health concerns like hip dysplasia, obesity, joint problems, and epilepsy in their senior years.
So, one should be very mindful of every aspect of their lives, from exercise, diet, to training and regular grooming with regular veterinary check-ups.
3. Saint Bernard
According to Hill’s Pet, female Saint Bernards’ weight may range between 120 and 140 pounds, while males weigh between 140 and 180 pounds. These large breeds mature slowly than many other breeds. They attain their full size at 2-3 years of age.
They have a short life compared to other smaller dog breeds, typically between 8 and 10 years. Care, genes, and environment influence their life expectancy.
These even-tempered souls are vulnerable to potential health issues like hip dysplasia, which leads to joint issues, bloating, and entropion. Owners can help these gentle giants with proper management, a healthy lifestyle, and regular veterinary care.
Asking the lineage and health history of a dog from a reputable breeder before adoption makes your pup’s life longer than usual. They have an instinctive friendliness that opposes their large stature and nullifies the fear of approaching.
4. Bullmastiff
This large, muscular guard dog is a result of mastiff and bulldog crosses. AKC highlights their dual nature and describes them as dauntless at work and well-behaved at home. This is not an unusually large breed, but it still weighs up to 130 pounds.
They tend to have shorter life spans, around 7 to 9 years. Since they come under the large breeds, their massive size has a great influence on their health. The weight of the bullmastiff puts stress on their physiological processes.
They face various health problems such as elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and arthritis. They are also considered one of the laziest dog breeds. A sluggish and idle lifestyle can decrease an already shorter lifespan.
5. Rottweiler
This working dog breed needs ample exercise, mental stimulation, and training. The adventurous and large-sized Rottweiler may be at risk of health problems affecting their lifespan at any age. The average lifespan of this purebred dog is 9 years, which is shorter than that of many other dogs.
The factors responsible for shortening their vital years are genetics, heart conditions like murmurs, bone cancer, and eye problems. Canine hip dysplasia in Rottweilers can be lessened by raising their pups on large-breed puppy food.
Interestingly enough, research claims that the delay of spaying in female Rottweiler at 6 months increases her chance approximately 5 times to live up to 13 years.
A proper, balanced diet, suitable breeding practices, dental care, and grooming according to their stage of age are the best management to ensure their longevity and health.
6. Doberman Pinscher
Known for their loyalty, along with sturdy build and commanding appearance, mislead plenty of people into thinking that Dobermans are intimidating. They are also known for being great family pets due to their loyal companionship and obedient nature.
This dog lives up to 30 years, but its average lifespan ranges between 10 and 13 years, which is a bit shorter than that of other dog breeds. The common health concerns that affect lifespan are dilated cardiomyopathy, glomerulonephropathy, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
In conjunction with age and obesity, gender is a contributing factor in the onset of diabetes. Female Dobermans are threefold higher risk of developing diabetes compared to males. After the diagnosis of canine diabetes, the mean survival time becomes 1.5 to 2 years.
Keeping your Dobie healthy ensures its lively years. A proper diet tailored to their size is crucial. The ingredients of your dog’s food, with a vet recommendation, are indispensable. These active dogs need physical and mental exercise with lots of activities to stay happy.
7. Great Dane
Great Danes are celebrated as one of the most elegant, tallest, and powerful companions in the world of large-sized breeds. Sadly, their time with humans is often limited to just 8 to 10 years. Catching a glimpse of these massive canines makes interlopers think twice.
Large dogs show old age more rapidly than small dogs, mainly due to their enormous build. Their adult stage of life lives in accelerated moments. The most common health concerns that Danes face are dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart disease), gastric torsion, and spinal issues.
With a few managemental things and care, Danes may enjoy a longer and healthier lifespan. Families can make a real difference in giving the Great Dane a happy lifestyle via careful feeding, regular physical activities, and veterinary check-ups.
Conclusion
The length of lifespan does not tell about bonds, but the time spent with shared emotions makes the dogs precious. Large breeds with sheer size face a short life. For Example, Scottish deerhound has an expectancy of 8 to 10 years, while small breeds like Yorkshire terriers and cavalier king Charles spaniel remind us that each individual dog differs.
Each breed, when cared for in good health, brings comfort to our mental health, reminding us that it’s not about years, it’s about love, devotion, and companionship with another creature in another language.
