Dogs are beloved members of the family who bring us joy and love, but unfortunately, their lifespans are much shorter than our own. While some small breeds can live up to 15 years or more, most large dogs only have a lifespan of about 8-10 years. This means that we must cherish every moment with them before they pass away too soon.
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The cause for this shortened lifespan is due to many factors such as genetics, health conditions, diet and lifestyle choices. For example, larger dogs tend to age faster than smaller ones because their bodies work harder just to keep up with the demands of their size.
Additionally, certain medical issues like cancer or heart disease can also shorten a dog’s life significantly if not treated properly in time. Furthermore, poor diets and lack of exercise can both contribute to earlier death in dogs as well. Here are the top 10 dog breeds with the shortest lifespans.
8Saint Bernard (8-10 Years)
Saint Bernards are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. They have a reputation for being friendly, loyal, and gentle giants that make wonderful family pets. However, these giant dogs also have shorter lifespans than many other breeds; typically living only 8 to 10 years on average.
One of the main contributing factors to their shorter lifespan is their size; Saint Bernards can weigh up to 180 pounds! This extra weight puts added strain on their internal organs and joints which can lead to health problems such as hip dysplasia or heart disease earlier in life than smaller dogs would experience them.
It is important for owners of Saint Bernards to be aware of this fact so they take steps early on to help keep their pet healthy and active throughout its life by providing it with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and annual checkups with a veterinarian.
Another reason why Saint Bernards tend to have shorter lifespans is due to inherited diseases from previous generations. Because there has been limited genetic diversity within the breed since its creation centuries ago, there are certain medical conditions that run rampant among Saint Bernard litters more so than other breeds.