These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years

Choosing a dog breed is a big decision, and lifespan is an important factor to consider. Sadly, some breeds have shorter life expectancies than others. 

Size, genetics, and breed-specific health issues all play a role in determining a dog’s lifespan. But which breeds are known to live the shortest lives? Here are 35 dog breeds with the shortest lifespans.

1. French Mastiff / Dogue de Bordeaux

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - dogue de bordeaux tall dp87215610
Image Credit: GUDKOVANDREY/Deposit Photos
  • Life expectancy: 5-8 years

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a powerful and imposing breed with a heart of gold. They are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and protective instincts.

Unfortunately, their lifespan is notably short. Their massive size and associated health issues, such as heart problems and bloat, contribute to this.

2. Great Dane

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Image Credit: Damon Vanderbilt/Shutterstock.
  • Life expectancy: 6-8 years

Great Danes are gentle giants, often referred to as the “Apollo of Dogs” for their elegance and grace. They are known for their friendly and patient nature, making them wonderful family dogs.

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Their large size predisposes them to several health concerns, including dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart disease), bloat, and bone cancer. 

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

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Image Credit: Vesna Kriznar/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 6-8 years

Bernese Mountain Dogs are striking tri-colored dogs originating from the Swiss Alps. They are known for their intelligence, work ethic, and affectionate nature. Their beautiful appearance and gentle temperament make them popular family dogs.

They are prone to various health issues, however, including cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat. 

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4. Irish Wolfhound

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  • Life expectancy: 6-10 years

The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic and ancient breed, once used for hunting wolves and elk. They are known for their gentle and calm demeanor, despite their impressive size.

Sadly, their giant stature comes with health concerns, including heart problems, bone cancer, and bloat. These issues impact their lifespan considerably.

5. Neapolitan Mastiff

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  • Life expectancy: 7-9 years

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive and powerful breed with ancient roots. They are known for their protective instincts, loyalty, and calm demeanor, and their imposing size and loose skin give them a distinctive look.

However, they are susceptible to various health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. 

6. Newfoundland

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Image Credit: Pandas/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 8-10 years

The Newfoundland is a massive, gentle giant known for its sweet disposition and remarkable swimming ability. Historically used as working dogs for fishermen, they’re renowned for their loyalty and protective nature.

Their large size makes them prone to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat. 

7. Rottweiler

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - rottweiler dog standing grass front ss1846480495
Image Credit: Shedara Weinsberg/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 9-10 years

Rottweilers are intelligent, powerful dogs with a protective instinct. They excel in various roles, including as guard dogs, police dogs, and loyal companions.

Sadly, their shorter lifespan is often attributed to health concerns like hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and heart problems. 

8. English Bulldog

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  • Life expectancy: 8-10 years

English Bulldogs are instantly recognizable by their wrinkled face and sturdy build. They’re known for their friendly, patient nature and make good companions for families with children.

However, their brachycephalic (short-nosed) face leads to numerous health problems like breathing difficulties, skin infections, and eye issues. Their lifespan is greatly impacted by these health challenges.

9. Saint Bernard

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Image Credit: Dulova Olga/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Saint Bernards are iconic for their massive size and history of rescuing travelers in the Swiss Alps. They’re known for their gentle, patient nature and make calm companions.

However, their giant size can lead to health concerns like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. 

10. Leonberger

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Image Credit: otsphoto/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 7-10 years

Leonbergers are large, powerful dogs with a friendly and gentle disposition. They excel as family companions and are known for their love of children.

Their giant stature predisposes them to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and heart problems that can often limit their lifespan.

11. Scottish Deerhound

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  • Life expectancy: 8-11 years

Scottish Deerhounds are tall, graceful dogs originally bred for hunting deer. They are known for their gentle, dignified nature and independent spirit. However, their large size and deep chest predispose them to bloat, a life-threatening condition.

Additionally, they can be susceptible to heart disease and cancer, contributing to their shorter lifespan.

12. Bullmastiff

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Image Credit: Jen Dunham/Shutterstock.
  • Life expectancy: 8-10 years

Bullmastiffs are powerful and muscular dogs developed to guard estates. They are known for their courage, loyalty, and protective instincts. While their imposing appearance can be intimidating, they are typically gentle and affectionate with their families.

Unfortunately, they are prone to health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer, which can shorten their lifespan.

13. Bloodhound

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - bloodhound dog peeking plants ss2304544897
Image Credit: Gilkiri/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Bloodhounds are renowned for their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities. They are known for their gentle, patient nature and unwavering determination. However, their loose skin and long ears can predispose them to skin and ear infections.

They are also susceptible to bloat and hip dysplasia, which can impact their lifespan.

14. Shar-Pei

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - Realistic shot Chinese Shar pei during the anciet times mj
Image Credit: Nature of Home
  • Life expectancy: 9-11 years

Shar-Peis are distinctive dogs known for their wrinkled skin and blue-black tongues. However, their unique skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to skin infections.

They are also prone to eye problems and a condition called Shar-Pei fever, which can cause inflammation and organ damage. These health issues can affect their longevity.

15. Basset Hound

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - basset hound dog breed
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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Basset Hounds are charming and lovable dogs known for being scent hounds originally bred for hunting rabbits and hares. Their long backs and short legs can make them prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause pain and paralysis.

Additionally, their long ears can be susceptible to infections. Unfortunately, these health issues can impact their quality of life. 

16. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

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Image Credit: nomad-photo.eu/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 6-8 years

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, powerful breed originating from the Swiss Alps. They are known for their strength, loyalty, and eagerness to please.

Their large size predisposes them to several health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and various types of cancer. 

17. Boxer

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Image Credit: EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Boxers are energetic, playful dogs known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They are popular family dogs due to their good-natured temperament and love for children.

However, they are prone to certain health issues, including heart problems, cancer, and bloat. These health concerns, particularly heart disease, can shorten their lifespan.

18. Fila Brasileiro

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  • Life expectancy: 9-11 years

The Fila Brasileiro is a large, powerful breed originating from Brazil. They are known for their protective instincts, loyalty, and strong guarding abilities.

While their imposing size and protective nature can be impressive, they are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. 

19. Doberman Pinscher

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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Doberman Pinschers are intelligent, athletic dogs known for their loyalty, alertness, and trainability. They are often used as guard dogs and working dogs due to their protective instincts and physical capabilities.

However, they are prone to certain health issues, including dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart disease) and bloat. 

20. French Bulldog

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Image Credit: George Trumpeter/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

French Bulldogs are popular companion dogs known for their playful personalities, affectionate nature, and distinctive bat-like ears. Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) face leads to numerous health problems like breathing difficulties, skin infections, and eye issues.

Their lifespan is affected by these health challenges, making it important for potential owners to understand the breed’s specific needs.

21. Cane Corso

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Image Credit: Tymoshenko Olga/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 9-11 years

The Cane Corso is a large, powerful breed originating from Italy. They are known for their protective instincts, loyalty, and athleticism. Historically used as guard dogs and working dogs, they possess a strong guarding instinct and require proper training and socialization from a young age.

Sadly, they are prone to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems.

22. Boerboel

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  • Life expectancy: 9-11 years

The Boerboel is a large, mastiff-type breed originating from South Africa. They were originally bred to protect farms and homesteads. While they can be gentle and affectionate with their families, they require experienced handling and socialization.

Boerboels are susceptible to health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions. 

23. Pyrenean Mastiff

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Image Credit: Alejandro Zamora Landa/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant breed originating from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. They were traditionally used as livestock guardians.

While they are generally healthy, their large size predisposes them to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. 

24. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Image Credit: olgagorovenko/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a muscular, athletic breed originating from southern Africa where they were originally bred to hunt lions and other large game. They are known for their courage, loyalty, and independent spirit.

While generally healthy, they can be susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and a neurological condition called dermoid sinus.

25. Borzoi

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Image Credit: Anastasiaa Cherniavskaia/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Borzoi is a graceful, sighthound breed originating from Russia. They were originally bred for hunting wolves and other fast game. They are known for their elegant appearance, gentle nature, and independent spirit.

While generally healthy, they can be prone to bloat, heart problems, and a sensitivity to anesthesia. These factors can impact their lifespan.

26. Flat-Coated Retriever

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  • Life expectancy: 8-10 years

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a lively and energetic breed known for its happy-go-lucky personality and love for retrieving. They are intelligent, eager to please, and make wonderful family dogs.

They are prone to certain types of cancer, including histiocytic sarcoma and lymphoma. 

27. Old English Sheepdog

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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Old English Sheepdog is a large, fluffy breed recognized for its shaggy coat and distinctive gait. They are intelligent, affectionate, and playful, making them good companions for active families.

However, their large size and thick coat can predispose them to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and deafness. 

28. Caucasian Ovcharka

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - Caucasian Ovcharka Shepherd dog dp6501100
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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Caucasian Ovcharka is a giant breed originating from the Caucasus region. They are known for their protective instincts, loyalty, and independent nature. Caucasian Ovcharkas are prone to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and obesity. 

29. Presa Canario

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  • Life expectancy: 9-11 years

The Presa Canario is a large, powerful breed originating from the Canary Islands. They were originally bred for guarding and herding livestock. They are known for their protective instincts, loyalty, and strong guarding abilities.

Presa Canarios are susceptible to health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart conditions. 

30. Akbash

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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Akbash is a large, white breed originating from Turkey. They were originally bred as livestock guardian dogs. They are known for their intelligence, independence, and protective instincts.

While they are generally healthy, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. These health issues can potentially shorten their lifespan.

31. Italian Spinone

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  • Life expectancy: 12-14 years

The Italian Spinone is a versatile hunting dog known for its dense, wiry coat and distinctive mustache and beard. While they are generally healthy, they can be prone to hip dysplasia and bloat.

These health issues can potentially shorten their lifespan, although they are generally considered to have a relatively long lifespan compared to other large breeds.

32. Black Russian Terrier

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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Black Russian Terrier is a large, powerful breed developed in Russia for military and working purposes. They are intelligent, protective, and loyal.

While they are generally healthy, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. These health concerns can shorten their lifespan.

33. Tosa Inu

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Image Credit: michaela.bilovska/Shutterstock
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Tosa Inu is a massive breed originating from Japan. They were originally bred for dog fighting but are now primarily companion dogs. They are known for their calm, dignified nature and loyalty to their families.

However, their large size predisposes them to health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. 

34. Beauceron

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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Beauceron is a herding and working breed originating from France. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and protective instincts.

While they are generally healthy, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). 

35. Black & Tan Coonhound

These Dog Breeds Have the Shortest Lifespans—One Breed Lives Just 5 Years - Black and Tan Coonhound dp47790401
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  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a scent hound breed developed in the United States for hunting raccoons and other game. They are known for their powerful noses, stamina, and distinctive baying bark.

While generally healthy, they can be susceptible to bloat and hip dysplasia.

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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.