The health issues associated with their huge size, like hip dysplasia and heart disease, can make them a costly breed to own as they age, both financially and emotionally.
The quintessential British Bulldog is one of the ‘brachycephalic’ (short-snouted) breeds with the shortest lifespans, averaging only 6 to 8 years.
Like other large dog breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs aren’t as robust as they seem and have an expected lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
Well known for being gentle and laid back, the Irish Wolfhound is another ‘gentle giant’ and the tallest of all dog breeds.
The Native Pet warns that some Rotties live only 9–10 years but that smaller, well-bred individuals with higher genetic mixing can make it to 15 years.
The famous Beethoven movies starred a Saint Bernard, and examples of the breed are huge dogs in both height and weight.
Similar in appearance and size to the Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhounds have a similarly short lifespan of only 8 to 11 years.
This wrinkly-skinned breed is known to be loyal but unaffectionate and has a surprisingly short lifespan for a medium-sized dog breed.