Popular dog breeds with short lifespans - one doesn't usually make it to 10
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
The One Show fans left distracted after unusual change during live broadcast
The One Show fans left distracted after unusual change during live broadcast The One Show viewers were left confused as they spotted a huge change during Tuesday's episode The One Show sparked confusion among its viewers with a striking change during the live broadcast on Tuesday (June 3). In the popular BBC programme's latest instalment, presenters Alex Jones and Clara Amfo delved into current headlines from across Britain and further afield. They also spoke to actors Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed about their new action comedy, Deep Cover, as well as television stalwart Fern Britton, who discussed her latest novel, A Cornish Legacy. Later in the show, Alex and Clara interviewed Tina Knowles, who discussed her new memoir, Matriarch. The book traverses the emotional landscapes of grief, love, and heartache, while also chronicling her role in guiding her famous daughters, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles. Alex Jones and Clara Amfo hosted The One Show on Tuesday (June 3) Article continues below Alex Jones gives health update after hospital visit with youngest child READ MORE: Yet, viewers were left confused when Tina was seated separately from the usual green sofa set-up, leading to speculation amongst the audience, reports the Express. "I wonder if guests negotiate specially to be interviewed in this separate space, away from the riffraff on the main sofa," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: "Tina gets her own sofa #TheOneShow," and a third enquired: "Why wasn't she sat on the sofa with the guests? #TheOneShow." The speculation didn't stop there as some mused over the possibility of Tina's segment being pre-recorded, with a comment pointing out: "Never known anyone do this, assuming it's pre-recorded." The show's viewers were left confused during an interview with Tina Knowles During her interview, Tina opened up about the significance of penning her memoir, stating: "I have just been behind the scenes for pretty much [my daughters] whole career, so this was a big step for me to come out. "It's been a wonderful journey, I've learned so much from writing this book. It was very necessary to look at all the things, the good and the bad, that have happened in my life, and for me to tell it from my own words. "We're in a time where there are so many rumours, and I just wanted to set the record straight on so many things. It's been a great healing journey for me." Tina further explained that she began recording snippets of her book over a decade ago, initially as a legacy for her grandchildren, but later decided its message could benefit others and chose to publish it. Article continues below The One Show airs weeknights on BBC One at 7pm
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Mary Berry's 'delicious' potato recipe has just five simple ingredients
Mary Berry has shared her recipe for scalloped potatoes, a comforting and easy to make side dish that pairs perfectly with roast chicken. Here's what you need to do Potatoes, the versatile root vegetable, can be transformed into a myriad of dishes, though boiling, steaming or mashing them is often the go-to for a swift supper. However, these methods can sometimes result in rather uninspiring offerings compared to the indulgent creaminess of dauphinoise or the perfect seasoning of chips. Culinary icon Mary Berry simplifies the art of creating a sumptuous potato gratin with her straightforward recipe, requiring minimal ingredients and kitchenware. Plus, it's a breeze to whip up in just a few minutes. In sharing her delicious recipe for scalloped potatoes paired with roast chicken from her cookbook 'Cook and Share', Mary advised: "Chicken is great value but always buy free-range. Get two large birds for those who have big appetites. "The scalloped potatoes are cooked in the oven at the same time, which makes it even easier." Mary Berry's scalloped potatoes Ingredients 1.2kg peeled potatoes One onion 55g (20z) butter, plus extra for greasing 600ml (one pint) of chicken stock Method To complement the potatoes with chicken, begin by stuffing the bird's cavities with aromatic bay leaves, sage, and zesty lemon, reports the Express. Mary suggests slathering the chicken with butter seasoned with a blend of paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Before roasting, place the chicken in a tin along with more sage, garlic, a splash of wine, and some stock. Turning to the potatoes, commence by peeling and finely slicing them into discs. Thinly slice the onion as well, then layer the potato slices neatly in a buttered dish. Distribute the onion slices over the potatoes and dot the surface with chilled butter cubes. If using a stock cube, dissolve it in boiling water, then pour the prepared stock over the potatoes and onions. Season with salt and pepper, then continue layering until all ingredients are used. Butter a piece of foil and cover the dish with the buttered side facing down. Next, position the chicken on the top shelf of the oven and place the potatoes on the lower shelf. Allow them to cook for an hour and a half. After 45 minutes, remove the foil from the potato dish and return it to the oven to finish cooking.
BBC News
7 hours ago
- BBC News
Upper Eden man fined for aggressive dog's attack on gardener
A man whose German Shepherd repeatedly bit a gardener working at his home has been Holroyd thought his pet Rebel was locked in his house, but it managed to push up a door latch and attack Jilly Sandams on 23 June 2024. Appearing at Carlisle Crown Court, the 60-year-old of Upper Eden, near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, admitted having a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of Michael Fanning fined Holroyd £150 and made a contingent destruction order, meaning the dog must be kept under strict control including being locked away from visitors and wearing a muzzle in public. Holroyd was also ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to his victim. The court heard Ms Sandams had decided to accept the landscape work even though she knew the dog was aggressive, because she knew it was kept inside. However, the court heard that while she was working, the dog would throw itself against a patio Tim Evans said Ms Sandams became so concerned she texted the dog's owner saying it was "going to take the door out" with its "intense thrusting against it". 'Going to die' On the day of the attack, she let herself into the garden and could hear the dog "barking and being aggressive", but thought it was locked the dog escaped and attacked her as she lay on the ground, leaving her with six bite marks and 12 puncture wounds to her arm. Ms Sandams eventually managed to get up and escape through a gate. In an impact statement, she said she thought she was "going to die". 'Integral part of family' The court heard that Holroyd, a former highways worker, was left paralysed and a co-worker killed in 2016 when they were struck by a dangerous driver on the M6 near Smith, defending, said there had been no further incidents and a dog expert had concluded Rebel did not pose a threat if kept under control."The dog is an integral part of their family, notwithstanding what has happened," Mr Smith said. The judge told Holroyd: "You were badly injured in the course of your employment, helping the public. "The last thing you would want to do is cause harm to anybody else." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
