Lifespan is often overlooked in breed selection, despite its close links to overall health, genetics, disease risk, and long-term care needs. Many pet parents focus on size, appearance, or temperament, without realizing that some breeds have short lifespans.
Understanding the average lifespan of dogs helps pet parents anticipate long-term health needs, health screening timelines, and the emotional commitment required.
This article explains the dog breeds with the shortest lifespans, why these dogs live shorter lives, how the shortest dog lifespans compare to longer-lived breeds, and what pet parents should realistically expect.
What Factors Determine a Dog’s Lifespan?
A dog’s lifespan is influenced by multiple measurable factors that determine whether a dog falls into the shortest lifespan category:
- Body size and growth rate – larger dogs age faster at a cellular level
- Breed-specific genetic disorders
- Cancer prevalence
- Cardiac and orthopaedic disease risk
- Selective breeding practices and genetic bottlenecks, including inbreeding
Extensive population studies consistently show that large and giant breeds usually have the shortest lifespans, even when they receive the same care as smaller dogs.
Which Dog Breeds Have Shorter Average Lifespans?
These breeds are frequently cited in research as having the shortest lived dog breeds or the dog breed that lives the shortest.
| Sl No | Breed | Typical Median Lifespan | Notes |
| 1 | Irish Wolfhound | 5 years | Often cited as the dog with shortest life expectancy due to osteosarcoma and dilated cardiomyopathy; rapid growth contributing to early ageing |
| 2 | Great Dane | 6 years | Prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) and heart disease; large body size accelerates ageing |
| 3 | Bernese Mountain Dog | 6 years | High incidence of histiocytic sarcoma and other aggressive cancers |
| 4 | Cane Corso | 7 years | Large-breed cardiac disease, joint disorders, and rapid skeletal growth |
| 5 | French Bulldog | 1.5 years to 4.53 years | Brachycephalic airway syndrome, spinal disease, and heat intolerance significantly affect longevity |
| 6 | Pug | 3 years to 7 years | Severe breathing compromise, neurological disorders, and eye disease increase the risk of early mortality risk |
| 7 | Mastiff | 6 years | Higher mortality is linked to cancers, heart disease, old age, and some gastric problems. |
| 8 | Chihuahua | 7 years | High prevalence of heart diseases, respiratory problems, and traumatic injury reduces lifespan. |
| 9 | Caucasian Shepherd | 5.5 years | Increased risk of musculoskeletal and specific gastric issues in some populations |
| 10 | Presa Canario | 7 years | Cardiac disorders and cancers were common in some breed lines |
| 11 | French Mastiff | 5 years | Documented mortality linked to respiratory and heart conditions |
| 12 | Dogue de Bordeaux | 5 years | Lifespan is reduced mainly due to body size and breathing difficulties. |
From a clinical standpoint, earlier and more frequent health screening allows earlier intervention, which may improve both survival time and quality of life.
Which Dog Breeds Tend to Have Longer Lifespans?
Here are dog breeds known for longer lifespan and better health into adulthood, along with their typical median lifespans. These breeds tend to mature more slowly, experience lower early-life mortality, and show greater longevity compared to breeds with shorter average lifespans.
| SI No | Breed | Typical Median Lifespan | Notes |
| 1 | Jack Russell Terrier | 13-19 years | Small body size, good genetic diversity, low incidence of cardiac and cancer-related disease |
| 2 | Miniature Schnauzer | 12-15 years | Generally long-lived; common issues are manageable with regular monitoring |
| 3 | Border Terrier | 12-15 years | Low prevalence of severe inherited disorders; good overall health profile |
| 4 | Whippet | 12-14 years | Lean body structure reduces joint stress and metabolic disease risk |
| 5 | Chinese Crested Dog | 13-15 years | Low cancer incidence; small size contributes to slower ageing |
| 6 | Shih Tzu | 12-17 years | Despite brachycephalic traits, shows lower early mortality than many similar breeds |
| 7 | Bichon Havanese | 14-16 years | Strong longevity records; fewer severe hereditary conditions |
Why Do Large Dog Breeds Have Shorter Lifespans?
Scientific evidence shows that large dogs dominate lists of dog breeds with the shortest lifespan due to:
- Faster cell division: Faster cell division may increase the likelihood of DNA replication errors that accelerate ageing and disease development.
- Increased oxidative stress: Bigger bodies produce more metabolic byproducts, leading to greater oxidative damage and contributing to earlier tissue and organ decline.
- Higher cancer susceptibility: The combination of rapid growth, more cells, and genetic predisposition makes large breeds more prone to aggressive cancers at younger ages.
- Greater strain on the heart and joints: Supporting a larger body places continuous mechanical and physiological stress on the cardiovascular system and joints, increasing early failure and degenerative disease risk.
This biological trade-off explains why the shortest average lifespans are most commonly observed in large and giant breeds.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Dog Breed with the Shortest Lifespan
Choosing a dog that doesn’t live as long requires careful thought. A shorter lifespan doesn’t mean a lower quality of life. With proper care, diet, and regular vet checkups, even short-lived breeds can have happy, healthy lives.
Breed selection should consider lifestyle, emotional capacity, and long-term veterinary care, not lifespan alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short-Lived Dog Breeds
Which Dog Breed Has the Shortest Lifespan?
Irish Wolfhounds are frequently identified as the dog breed with the shortest lifespan, with average lifespans of about 6-8 years.
Do Dog Breeds with Short Lifespans Always Have Health Issues?
Not always, but many do. Larger breeds and brachycephalic breeds often suffer from structural health problems that shorten life expectancy. Some individual dogs exceed breed averages significantly, highlighting the role of responsible breeding, early care, and disease prevention.
Can Proper Care Extend the Life of Dogs with Shorter Lifespans?
Yes, good nutrition, regular vet checks, and proactive health management can improve both lifespan and healthspan (years lived in good health). Preventive screening for cancer and heart disease has been shown to improve survival outcomes, even in traditionally short-lived breeds.
Are Smaller Dogs Ever Among the Shortest Lived Breeds?
Generally not; small dogs usually avoid the risks seen in the shortest-lived dog breeds. But individual genetics and breed-specific conditions can still shorten lives in some small dogs.
What Are Common Causes of a Dog’s Short Lifespan?
Common causes include inherited cancers, heart disease, respiratory problems in flat-faced breeds, joint disorders, and complications from rapid growth in large breeds.
