Published By: Ed Powers

Shortest Living Dogs

Interestingly, large dogs live shorter years owing to their girth, and they are comparatively affected more by ailments than their smaller counterparts, resulting in lesser years of existence.

Ironically, it's the shorter canine breeds that generally outlive their larger counterparts. Besides their large girth reducing their lifespan in itself, large dogs, also suffer comparatively more from ailments, further reducing their years. Here are the dog breeds with the shortest lifespans.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Life expectancy: 6 – 8 years

Wonderfully intelligent, eager to please with a great personality and temperament, BMDs are loyal to their masters. But owing to its limited gene pool, they remain crippled by various inbreeding maladies and struggle to exist even nowadays.

Irish Wolfhound

Life expectancy: 7 – 10 years

Expect plenty of sloppy kisses from this adorable massive mass of a dog, who as expected, trace their ancestry to Ireland.

Contrary to their ferocious nomenclature, they are rather Sweet-tempered, thoughtful, generous, and patient.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Life expectancy: 8 – 11 years

All-round working dogs that they are, their heft is a giveaway to their power. They are excellent at pulling carts and weights. Also known for their playfulness — they do excel in all types of canine sports, and agility, these dogs make good stand guards and cattle-herders.

Mastiff

Life expectancy: 8 – 12 years

One of the most ancient breeds known to man — their ancestry can be date back about five thousand years. Surprisingly calm, they are good-natured, protecting and affectionate too. And they can weigh between 77 and 100 kg (169.7 and 220.5 lbs) — precisely the reason for their short lives.

Great Dane

Life expectancy: 8.5– 10 years

When standing on their hind-legs, they can easily tower over most breeds. A dog from this species is the holder Guinness Book World Records for the tallest dog ever. Descending from hunting dogs from the Middle Ages, Great Danes are gentle, friendly and loving, but they do require engagement.

Bullmastiff

Life expectancy: 9 – 10 years

Created by crossing the English Mastiff with the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, Bullmastiffs have a sturdy build with a heavy bone structure. Though low on energy, they are more suited to a house with fences.

Newfoundland

Life expectancy: 9 – 10 years

A large working dog that originates from the Newfoundland and Labrador province of Canada. Strong yet affable, these confident swimmers make good companions and being easily trainable and patient they are naturally great baby sitters.

Saint Bernard

Life expectancy: 9.5 – 10 years

Purposely bred for rescue-work these really large working dogs — they can weigh up to about 82 kg (180 pounds), from the western Alps in Italy and Switzerland are known precisely for that. Only if they could live a tad longer.