Popular dog breeds with the shortest lifespan — one dog won't make it to 10 years

When it comes to choosing a dog, many potential pet owners focus on personality, maintenance and aesthetics, however, one often-overlooked factor is lifespan. While some breeds are known for living long (the average lifespan is 10-13 years), others, unfortunately, have much shorter life expectancies.

A 2024 study published in the journal Nature examined nearly 585,000 dogs in the UK across 155 breeds. The American Kennel Club then ranked the top 35 breeds with the shortest lifespan by popularity. Here, we listed three popular breeds that won't live past 12 years.

German shepherds are a popular choice among dog owners, with a popularity score of four out of 155. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is greatly "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 stated. "However, German Shepherds also serve as protective and loving family pets."

Despite their mighty presence, this dog has a medium lifespan of 11.3 years. The German Shepherd has a shorter lifespan due to its size; larger dogs are more vulnerable to cancer than smaller breeds, reported the animal wellness experts at Vetericyn.

The expert also admits that German Shepherds can quickly become overweight and are highly susceptible to musculoskeletal issues. Owners should maintain a healthy diet for the breed and engage them in exercise, which can prolong their lives.

The Rottweiler has ranked eighth place, but despite its high demand, this canine only has a median lifespan of 10.6 years. The American Kennel Club went on to say: "This large, muscular working breed would be a formidable enemy.

"But its affable, gentle personality makes Rottweilers total cuddle bugs with their owners. The Rottweiler's tough appearance hides a silly side that's hard not to love."

However, appearance may also be the cause of their short life. Similar to the German Shepherd, Rottweilers are prone to obesity, so regulating mealtimes and portion sizes is important.

Rottweilers are also predisposed to Osteosarcoma, a painful and aggressive bone cancer, according to Petmd.

The most popular dog breed and the one with the shortest lifespan is the French Bulldog, which has a medium lifespan of 9.8 years. Describing the breed, the American Kennel Club said: "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." However, dogs with flat faces can develop brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which causes breathing troubles due to their narrow nostrils and small windpipe.

According to Halo Collar, signs your Frenchies could be struggling to breathe include snoring, snorting, excessive panting and fatigue. This breed can also develop 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."