10 Beloved Dog Breeds with the Shortest Lifespans

Dogs bring immeasurable joy to our lives, filling our days with loyalty, affection, and often a healthy dose of playful chaos. But as any devoted pet parent knows, their time with us never feels long enough. While all dogs deserve a full and happy life, the sad truth is that some breeds—particularly the larger and giant ones—tend to have much shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts.

These gentle giants often win hearts with their affectionate natures and striking presence, but their biology works against them. Larger breeds typically age faster, leaving their owners with fewer years to share adventures, cuddles, and quiet moments. Whether it’s due to heart conditions, joint issues, or genetic predispositions, the reasons vary, but the result is the same: a shorter time together.

Understanding the average lifespan of different breeds can help prospective dog owners prepare not just practically, but emotionally. It allows for deeper appreciation of every stage in a dog’s life—from boisterous puppyhood to the calm of senior years. And while it may be difficult to face the reality of a shorter lifespan, knowing what to expect encourages more intentional care, celebration of the everyday, and meaningful bonding.

If you’re considering bringing one of these majestic dogs into your home, or you’re simply curious, this list highlights ten dog breeds known for having the shortest average lifespans. Cherished for their unique qualities, each of these dogs reminds us to savor every wag, bark, and nuzzle—because every moment truly counts.

1. Dogue de Bordeaux: The Ancient Guardian with a Brief Timeline

With their massive wrinkled heads and soulful eyes, these French mastiffs capture hearts instantly. Unfortunately, they typically live just 5-8 years, giving them one of the shortest lifespans in the canine world.

These powerful guardians have served as war dogs, guard dogs, and hunting companions throughout their long history in France. Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re incredibly affectionate with family members.

Health issues like heart problems and hyperthermoidism often cut their lives short. Regular vet check-ups can help catch these conditions early, but genetic factors remain the primary reason for their brief time with us.

2. Great Dane: Gentle Giants Who Leave Too Soon

Standing majestically at up to 32 inches tall, Great Danes often earn the nickname ‘Apollo of Dogs’ for their impressive stature. These giants typically live only 7-10 years, making each moment with them especially precious.

Originally bred for hunting wild boar in Germany, today’s Great Danes have transformed into loving family companions. Their patient temperament with children contradicts their imposing size.

Heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, frequently affects these gentle giants. Bloat (gastric torsion) poses another serious threat, often striking suddenly and requiring immediate medical attention.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog: Colorful Companions with Fleeting Years

Sporting their distinctive tri-color coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs bring vibrant energy to families despite their short 7-10 year lifespan. These Swiss farm dogs evolved from working in Alpine regions to becoming beloved family pets worldwide.

Berners, as fans affectionately call them, excel at pulling carts, herding livestock, and serving as loyal watchdogs. Their patient nature makes them exceptional with children, though they require regular brushing to manage their thick double coats.

Cancer strikes this breed at alarming rates, with nearly half succumbing to various forms of the disease. Hip and elbow dysplasia also commonly affect these beautiful mountain dogs, contributing to their abbreviated lifespans.

4. Irish Wolfhound: Historic Hunters with Brief But Impactful Lives

Towering over most other breeds at up to 35 inches tall, Irish Wolfhounds command attention wherever they go. These ancient sighthounds typically live just 6-8 years, making their presence in our lives all too brief.

Mentioned in Roman records as early as 391 AD, these historic hunters once pursued wolves across the Irish countryside. Modern Wolfhounds retain their athletic ability but have developed into calm, dignified house companions.

Heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, frequently affects these gentle giants. Bone cancer also strikes this breed at higher rates than many others, contributing significantly to their shortened lifespans.

5. Neapolitan Mastiff: Ancient Guardians with Time-Limited Devotion

Massive and magnificently wrinkled, Neapolitan Mastiffs make an unforgettable impression with their distinctive appearance. These Italian guardians typically live just 7-9 years, their imposing bodies housing hearts full of devotion to their families.

Dating back to ancient Rome, these dogs served as estate guardians and war dogs. Their loose, wrinkled skin once provided protection in battle, allowing them to twist away if grabbed by an opponent.

Cherry eye, hip dysplasia, and heart problems commonly affect this breed. Their deep wrinkles require regular cleaning to prevent skin infections, while their droopy eyes need frequent attention to avoid conjunctivitis.

6. Scottish Deerhound: Swift Hunters with Fleeting Presence

Resembling rough-coated greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds combine elegance with impressive size. These aristocratic sighthounds typically enjoy just 8-10 years with their families, leaving behind cherished memories of their gentle dignity.

Once the hunting companions of Scottish nobility, these dogs could bring down deer twice their size. The breed nearly disappeared when Scotland’s clan system collapsed but was saved by devoted enthusiasts.

Heart conditions, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, frequently affect Deerhounds. Bloat poses another serious risk, while osteosarcoma (bone cancer) strikes this breed at higher rates than many others, contributing to their abbreviated time with us.

7. Newfoundland: Water-Loving Heroes with Abbreviated Journeys

Famous for their water rescue abilities, Newfoundlands combine tremendous strength with sweet temperaments. Despite their heroic hearts, these gentle giants typically live just 8-10 years, their massive bodies housing equally enormous spirits.

Bred as working dogs for Canadian fishermen, ‘Newfs’ excel at water rescue with their webbed feet and water-resistant coats. Their natural lifesaving instincts have saved countless lives throughout history.

Heart issues, particularly subvalvular aortic stenosis, frequently affect this breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia cause mobility problems for many, while cystinuria (a bladder stone disease) appears in some lines, all contributing to their shorter lifespans.

8. Saint Bernard: Alpine Rescuers with Limited Timelines

Immortalized in films and stories as mountain rescuers, Saint Bernards bring their loving presence to families for just 8-10 years. Their massive size (up to 180 pounds) contributes to their shortened lifespans, though they pack those years with affection and loyalty.

Monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps originally bred these dogs for mountain rescue work. They saved over 2,000 travelers between the 17th and 19th centuries, navigating through treacherous snowstorms.

Gastric torsion (bloat) poses a serious risk to Saint Bernards, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Hip dysplasia affects many, while heart conditions and heat sensitivity also contribute to their health challenges.

9. Bullmastiff: Protective Companions with Brief But Mighty Presence

Developed by crossing Bulldogs with Mastiffs, these powerful guardians typically live 7-9 years. Their impressive 130-pound frames house hearts fiercely devoted to protecting their families, making every moment of their abbreviated lives meaningful.

Created in England to help gamekeepers catch poachers, Bullmastiffs were bred to track silently and hold intruders without mauling them. This history gives them their characteristic protective instinct combined with gentle restraint.

Cancer strikes this breed at higher rates than many others, particularly lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Hip dysplasia commonly affects these powerful dogs, while their short muzzles can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather.

10. Rottweiler: Loyal Protectors with Shortened Timelines

Known for their confident demeanor and unwavering loyalty, Rottweilers typically live 8-10 years. These powerful working dogs pack tremendous devotion into their decade with us, serving as both protectors and loving family members.

Descended from Roman drover dogs, Rottweilers once herded cattle and pulled carts for butchers in Germany. Their name comes from the town of Rottweil, where they became essential working partners for centuries.

Cancer affects many Rottweilers, particularly bone and lymphatic forms. Heart conditions, especially aortic stenosis, strike this breed at higher rates than most. Hip and elbow dysplasia can cause mobility issues as they age, contributing to their shorter lifespans.