When choosing a dog, many potential pet owners focus on personality, maintenance and aesthetics, however, one often-overlooked factor is lifespan
Choosing a dog often involves considering factors like personality, upkeep and looks, but one crucial aspect that’s frequently overlooked is the lifespan of the breed. While some breeds are known for living as long as 13, others sadly have much shorter life spans.
A study published in Nature in 2024 analysed nearly 585,000 dogs across 155 breeds in the UK. The American Kennel Club then ranked the top 35 breeds with the shortest lifespan by popularity. The Express has lighted three popular breeds that typically don’t live beyond 12 years.
Dogs with short lifespans
German Shepherd
German Shepherds rank high on the popularity scale, coming in at number four out of 155. The American Kennel Club praises this breed for its “appreciated for their elegant appearance, hardworking nature, and impressive intelligence.”
“Developed in the late 1800s by a German cavalry officer determined to create the ideal herding dog, the breed has a long history of working with the military and police,” it noted. “However, German Shepherds also serve as protective and loving family pets.”
Despite their robust stature, these dogs have a medium lifespan of just 11.3 years. The German Shepherd’s shorter lifespan can be attributed to its size; larger dogs are more prone to cancer than smaller breeds, according to animal wellness experts at Vetericyn.
The specialist has acknowledged that German Shepherds are prone to piling on the pounds and can suffer from joint and bone issues. To keep these dogs in top shape, a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for extending their lifespan.
2. Rottweiler
Securing the eighth spot in popularity, Rottweilers may be in demand but they only boast a median lifespan of 10.6 years. The American Kennel Club commented: “This large, muscular working breed would be a formidable enemy.”
Yet, it’s not all about brawn; the Rottweiler’s intimidating looks conceal a lovable, gentle nature, making them big softies with their families. Their tough exterior belies a playful streak that endears them to many.
But it’s this very appearance that might contribute to their shorter lives. Like German Shepherds, Rottweilers must watch their waistlines, with meal timing and portion control being key.
These robust dogs are also at risk of Osteosarcoma, a severe and fast-spreading bone cancer, as noted by Petmd.
3. French bulldog
Topping the charts in popularity yet with the briefest average lifespan is the French Bulldog, clocking in at just 9.8 years.
The American Kennel Club describes the breed: “The French bulldog has steadily become one of the most popular dog breeds, especially among apartment dwellers who don’t have a lot of space.
“Frenchies are playful and smart, and their bat ears and smushed faces are downright irresistible for many.”
Yet, these adorable flat-faced pooches often face brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, leading to breathing difficulties due to their constricted nostrils and slender windpipes.
Halo Collar warns that if your French Bulldog is snoring, snorting, panting excessively or showing signs of fatigue, they might be having trouble breathing. The breed is also prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which “causes the discs in a Frenchie’s vertebrae to bulge into the spinal cord space.
“IVDD is a serious health condition drastically affecting a French bulldog’s life span. For example, the disease can cause knuckling of the paws, a reluctance to move, hunched posture and loss of bladder or bowel control.”
