15 Dog Breeds That Just Don’t Live Long Enough

Every dog feels like they’re with us for too short a time, but some breeds truly have heartbreakingly short lifespans. Whether it’s because of their size, genetics, or health conditions, these dogs give us so much love in such a short window. They may not stick around as long as we wish, but they sure know how to leave a big paw print on our hearts.

Great Dane

Great Danes are known for their gentle hearts and towering size, but sadly, their time with us is often cut short. Most only live around 7 to 9 years, and some even less. Their large bodies age faster than smaller breeds, and they’re prone to heart issues and joint problems. Despite that, they pack a lifetime of loyalty, affection, and goofy charm into every single year.

Bernese Mountain Dog

With their fluffy coats and calm, sweet personalities, Bernese Mountain Dogs are beloved family pets—but they tend to live only 6 to 8 years. Their size contributes to shorter lifespans, but it’s also their risk of cancers and hip issues that make things tougher. People often say they’re like gentle giants who never get enough time to show you just how loving they can be.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest breed in the world, and while their presence is majestic, their lifespan rarely stretches beyond 6 to 8 years. Their huge frames put extra stress on their hearts and bones, and they age quickly. These dogs are loyal and laid-back, and when you’ve bonded with one, it’s hard to believe how fast those years fly by.

Bulldog

Bulldogs may not be the biggest, but they do struggle with a short life expectancy, often around 8 to 10 years. Their flat faces and stocky builds come with breathing issues, joint problems, and a long list of health concerns. Still, their funny personalities and loving nature make them unforgettable companions—even if they leave us long before we’re ready to say goodbye.

Newfoundland

These giant, gentle water-loving dogs often live just 8 to 10 years, with heart disease and joint problems being their biggest challenges. Their kind eyes and calm spirit make them feel like old souls from the start, and even though they don’t stay long, they often feel like the glue that holds a family together. It’s their softness, both inside and out, that makes it so hard to let go.

Rottweiler

Despite their strong, muscular build, Rottweilers typically only live around 8 to 10 years. They’re prone to bone cancer, heart disease, and joint issues, especially as they age. These pups form deep bonds with their families and are fiercely protective, making their relatively short lives all the more painful when they’re gone. It’s tough losing a dog that always made you feel safe.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are massive, affectionate dogs that look like they walked straight out of a snow-covered fairy tale, but sadly, they tend to live just 8 to 10 years. Their large size makes them more prone to joint stress and heart problems. Despite the short time, their gentle, watchful nature and sweet personalities make them feel like lifelong friends who just happened to visit for a little while.

French Bulldog

Frenchies have become incredibly popular, but they also face many health issues that affect their lifespan, usually around 9 to 11 years. Their breathing problems, spine issues, and skin conditions can make aging tough. But with their silly snorts and snuggly personalities, they still bring so much joy in the time they have. They may be small, but their absence leaves a giant space behind.

Boxer

Boxers are full of energy, loyalty, and clown-like charm, but their average lifespan is only about 10 years. They’re especially prone to cancers and heart problems, which can catch even healthy-looking dogs by surprise. Anyone who’s owned a Boxer knows how deeply they connect with their people, making every year with them feel more valuable, and every goodbye even harder.

Mastiff

Massive in both size and heart, Mastiffs tend to live just 6 to 10 years. Their bodies wear out faster, especially their joints, and they’re also at risk for bloat and heart disease. They’re fiercely loyal but calm and gentle with their families, and their presence feels so solid that it’s hard to imagine life without them once they’re gone. They live fast but love hard.

Bloodhound

Known for their incredible sense of smell and droopy charm, Bloodhounds live around 9 to 11 years. They face a range of health concerns, from ear infections to bloat and hip issues, that can shorten their lives. These dogs are affectionate, determined, and full of character, and they leave you with memories that linger long after their howls have faded from the house.

Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are sleek, smart, and protective—but they’re also one of the breeds with a shorter lifespan, often living only 10 years or less. They’re vulnerable to heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, which can strike suddenly. Despite that, they’re incredibly loyal and deeply bonded to their people, so when they go, it truly feels like losing a best friend who always had your back.

Leonberger

This giant breed looks like a walking teddy bear, but unfortunately, Leonbergers only live about 7 to 9 years. They’re susceptible to cancers and joint issues, and their big frames mean their bodies just don’t hold up as long. People fall hard for their gentle, goofy nature—and when they’re gone, it’s like losing both a companion and a piece of your heart that you didn’t know they had taken.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are strong, noble-looking dogs with a deep sense of loyalty, but their lifespan tends to be around 9 to 11 years. Their size, along with risk for hip dysplasia and heart issues, limits how long they stay. They’re incredibly bonded to their families and have such a calm, watchful energy that it’s tough to imagine them gone once they’ve claimed their spot in your world.

Dogue de Bordeaux

Also famously known as the French Mastiff, this breed is known for its giant head and sweet, droopy face—but sadly, they often live only 5 to 8 years. Their big bodies are prone to heart disease, joint problems, and breathing issues. Still, in those few years, they give everything they’ve got in loyalty, affection, and companionship, making every moment with them feel like it counts double.